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WYD CRACOW 2016

THE PILGRIM'S GUIDE

1. PRACTICAL INFORMATION

2. POLISH HISTORY IN BRIEF

3. SITES AND MONUMENTS

4. SANCTUARIES

5. POLISH SAINTS AND BLESSED

6. MEETING WITH POPE

7. VOCATIONAL MEETING

8. EVANGELIZATION

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1. PRACTICAL INFORMATION

1.1 General information

Official name: Republic of Poland

Capital city: Warsaw

Date of origin: 966

Population: 38.167.000

Area: 322.575 km2

Population density: 122 people/ km 2

Official language : Polish

Large cities: Warsaw, Kraków, Łódź, Wrocław, Poznań, Gdańsk, Szcecin

Political system: Republic

Ethnic groups: Polish 97,6%, other nationalities 2,4% (mainly German, Ukrainian, Belarusian)

Religion : 95% Catholics

Currency: Złoty=100 groszy

1.2 Time zone

From March until October: Central European Summer Time (GMT +2).

1.3. Currency – exchange and foreign-exchange rate

The currency of Poland is złoty (zł, PLN), which means “golden”. One złoty divides into 100 groszy (1 zł = 100 gr).

The present denominations of banknotes are 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 zł. The circulatig coins exist in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 gr and 1, 2, 5 zł.

Currency exchange can be carried out in numerous exchange offices and banks. Currency exchange points are usually located in city centers, on railway stations, airports (very unfavorable exchange rate), in some hotels and areas of increased tourist traffic.

1.4 Banks, automated teller machines and bank cards.

In banks it is possible to exchange currency, realize traveler’s cheque and make any financial

transactions. For banks standard opening hours are 10-18.

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Automated teller machines and banks of different networks are popular and widely

available. They can be used to withdraw cash, usually 24 hours / day, in denominations that

are multiples of 50 zł.

At this site there is a list of ATMs across the country:

http://www.karty.pl/

Bank card is a very popular, safe and convenient mean of payment in Poland. Without any

problems it can be used in supermarkets, restaurants, hotels or at the petrol stations. Only in

smaller towns it is recommended to carry cash. Embossed (Visa, Mastercard) and electronic

(Visa Electron, Maestro) cards are both accepted.

1.5 Prices

Food prices in Poland are not high. The cheapest shopping can be done in hypermarkets and markets, small shops offer slightly higher prices.

Example prices of food products:

•Bread: 2-3 zł •Water 1,5l: 2-3 zł •Milk: 2,5 zł •Hamburger: 5-10 zł

•Coca Cola 0,5l: 2,5zł •Coffee: 5-15 zł •Cigarettes: 6-15 zł

The costs of a meal in a restaurant depend on its standard and location. The cheapest offer one-dish dinner for 10-20 zł, while in a restaurant of a higher standard the cost of a three course meal begins with 50 zł.

1.6 Shopping

Super- and hypermarkets exist in every Polish city. They offer products of Polish and foreign brands, often at lower prices. Usually open 7 days a week, from 9.00 to 22.00.

1.7 Visas, passport Every foreigner who wants to legally visit the territory of the Republic of Poland should visit the Polish Embassy in their home country in order to receive full information regarding the rules of stay in Poland. The list of Polish consulates abroad is available on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the English version at: http://www.msz.gov.pl/

Depending on the purpose of stay in Poland, it can be based on:

valid passport, the validity of which exceeds at least three months from the date of departure from Poland;

residence visa;

temporary residence permit;

permanent residence permit.

Citizens of countries with which the Republic of Poland signed bilateral agreements on visa waiver are in the most favorable situation. They only need a valid passport to cross the border. Length of stay on the basis of the passport is however limited, usually to 90 days.

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This group also includes countries whose citizens can stay in Poland on the basis of the passport less than 90 days - for example, the citizens of Singapore - 30 days.

The list of countries whose citizens can visit Poland without visas:

Albania (only the owners of biometric passports), Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina (only the holders of biometric passports), Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Montenegro (only the holders of biometric passports), Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Guatemala, Spain, Honduras, Hong Kong (Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China), Ireland, Iceland, Israel, Japan, Canada, South Korea, Costa Rica, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Latvia, Macedonia (only the holders of biometric passports), Makao (Special Administrative Region of the PRC), Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova (only the holders of biometric passports), Monaco, the Netherlands, Germany, Nicaragua, Norway, New Zealand, Panama, Paraguay, Portugal, Romania, El Salvador, Saint Kitts and Nevis, San Marino, Serbia (only the holders of biometric passports), Seychelles, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Switzerland, Sweden, Taiwan (only for holders, which include an identity card number), Uruguay, USA, Vatican, Venezuela, Hungary, Italy, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Note! Due to the accession of Poland to the European Union on 1 May 2004, the citizens of the Member States of the EU and the European Economic Area are allowed to enter the territory of the Republic of Poland from the territory of their own country or another Member State using passport or another identity document that is obligatory in their country.

Visa mode – within the meaning of Polish regulations -is the primary mode of granting authorization to enter the country. Foreigner applies for a visa at the Polish consular post abroad and must be prepared to provide personal information, an indication of the declared period of stay on the territory of the Republic and, inter alia, the purpose of the visit. Consul confirms the acceptance of the visa application with appropriate stamp in the passport. Depending on the type of visa and the period of its validity, the amount of visa fees varies from 10 to 80 Euro. If the Consul refuses to issue a visa, the fee is not refundable. Due to the accession of Poland to the European Union, the visa traffic with Belarus, Russia and Ukraine was reintroduced.

To enter the Schengen Area, citizens of countries outside the zone must have a valid travel document and a visa (short-term Schengen uniform visa (C) if it is required).

Information on the procedure of obtaining a visa will be provided at a later date due to the fact that efforts to simplify this procedure for guests attending the WYD are in progress.

1.8 Custom regulations

Poland as a member of the European Union is subject to a customs union with other European countries - goods imported into Poland and exported from within the Community shall not be subject to the duty. Coming to Poland from outside the EU, you can bring non-commercial 200 cigarettes, 1 liter of spirits or 2 liters of wine. Restrictions also apply to the transport of antiques, works of art and animals across the border. There is a limit of cash in transit – crossing the EU border an amount above EUR 10,000 should be reported.

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1.9 Making phone calls

In Poland there are several mobile operators. You can buy a prepaid card of one of them or use the telephone booths. To use a telephone booth you should buy a phone card at the kiosks, newsagents or petrol stations.

The country codes (for callers from landline phones and mobile phones) are listed at: http://www.numer-kierunkowy.pl/. It is possible to call for free via the Internet (Skype, Tlenofon and many others). Pre-paid cards (such as Telegrosik or Telerabat) enable cheap calls from landline phones and are available in the same places as traditional phone cards.

Emergency telephone numbers:

Landline phones:

•999: Ambulance

•998: Fire

•997: Police

•981: Road assistance

•986: Municipal police

Mobile phone:

You should also select the city code, for example: 22 - 997 - to connect to the police station

in Warsaw. Emergency calls via the telephone booths are free. There is also a universal

emergency number 112, which you can call without dialing code. The call will be redirected

to the appropriate emergency service. In exceptionally serious situations it is better to

choose the direct number of rescue units (999, 998, 997) as 112 may not work properly in

certain regions.

1.10 Electricity

The voltage in Poland is 230 V. The socket used in Poland is marked with E (two current

paths + the so-called grounding, or protective contact). In Polish sockets a pin with round

cross section is used as grounding. Visiting Poland, it is worth remembering to get an

adapter, which allows devices to adapt plugs to sockets in hotels or private homes.

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1.11 Units of measurement

The metric system is commonly used in Poland. The basic units of measurement are units of

the International System of Units (SI), namely: 1 meter (1m = 100 cm), 1 kilogram (1 kg = 100

g), 1 second.

A commonly used method of determining the temperature is the Celsius scale (degrees C).

Atmospheric pressure is measured in hectopascals (hP) or in millimeters of mercury. The

speed is measured in kilometers per hour (km / h).

1.11 Units of measurement

In Poland there is a metric system. The basic units of measurement are units of the

International System of Units (SI), that is, inter alia: 1 meter (1m=100 cm), 1 kilogram (1 kg =

100 g), 1 second.

A commonly used method of determining the temperature is the Celsius scale (degrees C).

Atmospheric pressure is given in hektoPascals (hPa) or in millimeters of mercury. The speed

is measured in kilometers per hour (km/h).

1.12 Safety

Protection of internal public order and security of citizens provide police and municipal

police (straż miejska).

Police

Emergency number - 997

The police have the right to, inter alia:

check your ID card to establish your identity (with a justification); make personal checks, as well as viewing the contents of luggage and checking of

cargo in ports and stations and in means of land, air and water, if there is a reasonable suspicion of committing an act that is prohibited under penalty.

Detention of persons posing a threat to human life or health and property.

1.13 Means of transport

By train

By train you can get to most places in Poland. To smaller towns and villages, where trains

don’t arrive, you can certainly get by PKS buses.

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Polish railway carrier is the Polish State Railways (PKP) https://www.pkp.pl/. They offer

express (Intercity), as well as passenger and fast trains, both domestic and foreign.

Information about the timetable is provided at railway stations on information boards and at

information desks or on the website https://rozklad-pkp.pl/. You can also obtain the

timetable on your mobile phone via sms. (more info: https://rozklad-

pkp.pl/bin/help.exe/pn?tpl=sms&). Information is also provided by phone

(https://www.rozklady.pl/index.php?op=linki&id=1).

Tickets can be purchased at the cash desks at railway stations and on the Internet.

By bus

To smaller towns and villages, where trains don’t arrive, you can certainly get by PKS buses. There are numerous branches of Car Transport Companies throughout the country. Their timetables and price lists can be viewed at bus stations on information boards and at information desks and on relevant websites. Tickets can be purchased from the railway station cash desks or from the driver directly before departure.

Below are given the links to PKS webpages in major cities: Białystok: https://www.pks.bialystok.pl/ Bydgoszcz: https://www.pks.bydgoszcz.pl/ Gdańsk: https://www.pks.gdansk.pl/ Gorzów Wielkopolski: https://www.pks-gorzow.pl/ Katowice: https://www.pks-katowice.pl Kielce: https://www.pks.kielce.pl/ Kraków: https://www.pks.krakow.pl/ Łódź: https://www.pks.lodz.pl/ Olsztyn: https://www.pks.olsztyn.pl/ Opole: https://www.pks.opole.pl/ Poznań: https://www.pks.poznan.pl/ Rzeszów: https://web.pks.rzeszow.pl/ Szczecin: https://www.pks.szczecin.pl/ Warszawa: https://www.pksbilety.pl/ Wrocław: https://www.polbus.pl/ Zielona Góra: https://pks.zgora.pl/

Private travel agencies also offer domestic and international coach connections.

By car

There is the right-hand traffic in Poland. The total length of expressways in Poland is almost 2600 km. The speed limits in Poland are as follows: built-up area – up to 50 km/h outside built-up areas – up to 90 km/h residential zone – up to 20 km/h dual carriageway expressway – up to 110 km/h single carriageway expressway – up to 100 km/h

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dual carriageway with at least two lanes in each direction - do 100 km/h motorway - do 130 km/h

Nationwide network of roadside assistance is available at telephone number 0719637. For the use of motorways fees are charged. The current charges and the method of their collection, you can check on the websites: Motorway A1: https://www.a1-autostrada.pl/ Motorway A2: https://www.autostrada-a2.pl/ Motorway A4: https://www.autostrada-a4.pl/

On the website of the General Directorate for National Roads and Highways https://www.gddkia.gov.pl/ There you can plan your travel route, check the weather conditions and find out where renovations impeding traffic are carried.

By public transport

In larger cities, there is a well-functioning network of public transport: buses and trams, in Warsaw there is also subway. By the public transport you can reach your destination quickly.

In the public transport single tickets and time tickets are available, e.g. a 20-minute, biweekly and monthly. In Warsaw, people who are at least 70 years old can travel by bus, tram and subway free of charge. They just have to show a document with their date of birth displayed.

Information about ticket prices in the various voivodeship cities and timetables can be found

on the following pages:

1.14 Medical care

Thanks to the European Health Insurance Card citizens of EU and the four countries forming EFTA in Poland can use the essential health care services at the expense of their country. Citizens of other countries must pay for medical services.

During the stay in Poland, only citizens of European Union member states and 4 countries EFTA - European Free Trade Association, that is Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Switzerland have the right to use the free medical services. These people should equip themselves with the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before setting off.

1.15 Climate, weather, average temperatures

Poland has a temperate climate of a transitional character between maritime and

continental climate. This is due to humid air masses from the Atlantic sea meeting the dry air

from the centre of the Eurasian continent. As a result, Polish climate is characterized by

extremes in the course of the seasons in successive years. This is particularly visible in the

winters, which are either wet, oceanic type, or - less often - sunny, of the continental type.

Generally, in northern and western Poland the climate is predominantly maritime, with mild,

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wet winters and cool summers with a lot of rain, while the eastern part of the country has

distinctly continental climate with harsh winters and hotter, drier summers. Maximum

precipitation occurs in the summer months.

Temperatures

The hottest month is July, whose average temperature is 16-19 ° C. In July the coldest areas

are the mountain areas. In the upper parts of the Tatras and Sudetes the average air

temperature in July is only approx. 9 ° C. In July it is also cooler in areas adjacent to the

Polish Baltic Sea (approx. 16 ° C), due to the cooling impact of marine waters. The central

part of Poland is the warmest one. There the average daily temperature exceeds 18 ° C. Hot

days, with a temperature of at least 25 ° C, occur from May to September. However, the

weather in July and August is very diverse and variable. During the day there may occur

temperatures 25-30 ° C and at night 16-20 ° C, but often the temperature is lower. At higher

temperatures, violent storms can occur, while cold days may sometimes be rainy. Therefore

you must be prepared for various weather conditions.

1.16 Cuisine

It is difficult to speak of a "pure" Polish cuisine. Due to the Polish history, you can find in it

many influences from other countries; German, Russian, Hungarian, Italian, Jewish or

French. Polish dishes are relatively high in fat and therefore they are very popular among

men, although women are lured by the unique taste as well.

Large and filling breakfast is very characteristic. It is based on Polish bread (wheat, rye,

wholemeal etc.), which is unique.

The main meal (dinner) Poles eat usually between 3-5 pm. When it comes to dinner, first

dish is soup. Polish cuisine offers a full selection of soups, starting with borscht with ravioli,

cabbage soup, tomato, barley soup, and ending with mushroom soup. A soup worth a

separate opinion about is the broth, clear decoction of beef or chicken served with noodles

and green forage. The second dish is usually a dish with all kinds of meat served hot with

potatoes, rice or porridge.

Polish cuisine is also famous for dumplings of all kinds. Actually, there are different types of

fillings for them - so there are dumplings filled with fruit, cottage cheese, meat, cabbage and

mushrooms or Russian (with potatoes, cheese and onion). Polish national dish, is

undoubtedly bigos - a dish made from sauerkraut and fresh cabbage, various types of meat,

cooked and smoked, ham, mushrooms, and if made the champion way - often with wine.

For dessert usually cakes are served, eg. a yeast-cake, cheesecake, apple pie, and many

others. Poles are also fond of donuts (plump yeast-cookie made of wheat flour with the

shape of slightly flattened sphere with filling).

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A popular hot drink is tea drunk often with a slice of lemon and sweetened with sugar.

Although the Poles drink coffee willingly as well, with which they start the day at home or at

work.

As far as alcohol is concerned, the specialty of Polish cuisine is pure vodka, but herbal or

fruit vodka known throughout the world are also popular. Poles drink also a lot of beer and

the beer market in Poland is a very fast-growing sector of the economy.

1.17 Useful phrases in Polish

1. TAK/NIE - YES/NO

2. Dzień dobry/Do widzenia - Good morning, good afternoon/Goodbye.

3. Dobry wieczór/Dobranoc - Good evening/Goodnight.

4. Cześć! - Hello!

5. Do zobaczenia! – See you!

6. Proszę/dziękuję/przepraszam – Please/thank you/sorry.

7. Nie rozumiem/Nie wiem – I don’t understand/I don’t know.

8. Nazywam się (mam na imię) – My name is…

9. Bardzo miło mi pana/panią poznać – Very nice to meet you Mr./Mrs. …

10. Jak się pan/pani miewa? - Bardzo dobrze, dziękuję –

How are you? – Very well, thank you.

11. Czy mógłby pan/pani mi pomóc? – Could you help me?

12. Chciałbym/chciałabym … - I would like…

13. Czy mówi pan/pani po angielsku? – Do you speak English?

14. Gdzie jest toaleta? – Where is the toilet?

15. Nie mówię po polsku – I don’t speak Polish.

16. Proszę mówić wolniej – Talk more slowly, please.

17. Ile to kosztuje? – How much does it cost?

18. Która godzina? – What time is it?

19. Wspaniale! – Excellent!

20. Na zdrowie! – Bless you!