Located on the edge of Krakow, at the last stop on the tramline is a nest of hyper malls and rampant development. In the middle of this sits the lone surviving building from the once massive Solvay Soda Ash Complex which employed at its peak 3,000 men and their families.

"Solvay" has a complex and fascinating history (Pope John Paul II worked there during World War II to avoid deportation) but stands today as a forgotten monument and symbol of the transformations that have occurred in Poland over the last 20 years. Solvay has quietly become the defacto community center of the area - and a dedicated space for creative and artistic production.

Conceived and curated by Halfslant, NOWA SODA: Solvay Transformed is a month long artist in residency which challenges four international artists to create a site-responsive installation while bearing witness to the past and present of the building. Four artists have each developed proposals that address not just the history of the building, but the living community that uses the space every day.

www.nowasoda.com
62 Zakopianska
Last stop on tram number 8 heading towards Borek Fałęcki

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St Mary's church is the most important church in Krakow. It is also famous for it's unique Gothic interior, magnificent vaulted ceilings and the wooden altar, which is only opened during High Mass at noon.

The windows of one of the two towers of this dominating church hosts the hourly trumpet blow which is broadcast all over Poland. It marks the death of a Tartar soldier who was killed whilst warning Krakow's citizens of an invasion. It's free to listen to this even if you choose not to see the church itself.

St Mary's church is a 5 min walk from Krakow's main market square;
www.cracow-life.com/guide/Krakow_Old_Town/St_Mary's_Church.php

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In the Plaszow district, which lies to the south of Kazimierz, is a memorial to commemorate the thousands of Jews who died at the labour camp that once stood there. The former Pope was forced to work at this camp during WW2. It is a poignant reminder of Krakow's war ravaged past.

Trams 4 and 9 both go from Krakow city centre to Kazimierz. The Plaszow district is a 10 walk from Plac Novy in the centre of Kazimierz.

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