Kształtowanie najbliższego otoczenia Wisły w centrum Krakowa - historia i współczesność

The presence of a river in the city centre undoubtedly enhances the attractiveness of the landscape. The number of natural points, viewing vistas and exposed places increases, which is also influenced by topography. That is the case in Cracow, where the Vistula river cuts through the city. Over the centuries the river has been changing its corridor, the most memorable in the city's landscape being the one with the Vistula taking a sharp turn round Wawel Hill, and dividing near Kazimierz into the Old and New Vistula. In the 19th century the modern landscape of the Vistula Valley started to take shape, especially with its strong focus on bridges. However, only the last quarter of that century brought the first attempts of complex flood prevention initiatives. From the very beginning, the issue of regulating the river and developing its near surrounds raised heated arguments, with aesthetic values at the heart of the matter. The issue of developing riverside areas, particularly in the 20th and at the start of the 21st century caused similar debates, was widely discussed and sometimes became the object of contests. A number of studies and landscape analyses were carried out. Among the numerous proposals and realizations are: the amphitheatre in the Vistula bend, hotels, Museum of Japanese Art and Technology "Manggha", Kotlarski bridge, Kazimierz Gallery, Tadeusz Kantor Museum as well as many pedestrian overpasses and promenades.