The attractiveness of Cracow is connected mostly with the history of Poland. It is shaped m ainly by historic and cultural elements. One heritage of past periods are numerous buildings, showing a considerable artistic value. The m ajority make up the monumental complexes of Śród mieście, Stradom and Kazimierz, all of which appear on the Unesco List of World Cultural Heritage. Such a concentration of these buildings in small areas creates the unique architectural scenery of the "Old Cracow". The

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... comprehensive refurbishm ent of these areas in the 1970s is a prove of their great value for the Polish nation. The great historic attractiveness of Cracow is emphasised by its cul ture, which forms a well developed network of various institutions. Cra cow has been an im portant centre of museums since the 19th century including the National Museum of 1879, the Historical Museum of 1899, and the Archaeological Museum of 1850. There are also 7 exhibition halls, numerous a rt galleries, archival collections, and antique shops. There are 16 theatres, including such avant-garde locales as "Cricot-2", the philharmonic theatre, and some cabarets -"Jam a Michalikowa", and "Piwnica pod Baranam i" for instance. In Cracow there is the old bota nic garden founded in 1779, and the zoological garden open since 1825 Every year in Cracow cultural festivals are organized. They are con nected with folkloristic traditions such as "Lajkonik" and "Wianki" du ring the "Days of Cracow", with the university such as "Juw enalia", or the Church "Emaus" and "Rękawka" being the best known. For tho se events, Cracow historic architecture is a background, increasing their spectacular values. In the open air concerts and shows of various groups including foreign ones are organized in the Main Square (Rynek Głó