EuroFedLipid Meetings: Cracow, Poland 2012

Social Programme

Welcome Reception and Poster Session

Sunday, 23 September 2012, 17:30
Auditorium Maximum

Registration is required (free of charge)

Congress Dinner

Tuesday, 25 September 2012, 19:30-23:00
Franciscan Church, Franciszkanska 2
see map for details

Cloister

Picture by permission of Gastro-Tour Serwis , Cracow.

(Cited from www.cracow-life.com)
The Franciscan Order arrived in Cracow in 1237. A monastery was founded on this site, and in 1260 work began on a church.
Whilst there is plenty of interesting history behind this church, it was a disaster, that gave rise to its greatest legacy. In 1850 a fire tore its way through the Old Town, causing major damage to a host of buildings. The Franciscan Church was amongst several that were gutted, and rebuilding had to begin from scratch. This was done in the Gothic style, to mirror the former design. Amongst the most striking features of the church are the stained glass windows. Bold and visionary, they are a world away from the staid traditions of the medieval era. Most famous is the huge 'Let it Be', which stands above the Western entrance.
For centuries the Franciscans held the special right of pardon over those under the death sentence. However, in contrast with the radically innovative art of the interior, the church is today notable for its conservatism. The Dominican, on the other hand, which lies just over the road, has a liberal reputation and is popular with students.
The experience of the Franciscan church is naturally at its most spellbinding during the Mass, when the aroma of incense hangs in the air, and the lights do full justice to the brilliance of Wyspianski's designs. The chief chorister, a sterling member of the fairer sex, has a highly uplifting voice that makes a very powerful impact. There are also regular concerts here - and what a fine venue - for this is certainly a church in a million.

Registration is required
Price: 70 Euro including drinks

Guest Tours:

Sunday, 23 September 2012: The Royal Route (Walking Tour)

The Royal Route is considered to be the most representative walking in Cracow. It starts at the city's defensive walls in northern part of the Old Town and leads to the south, along Florianska Street, down to the Main Market Square and then to the Wawel Hill, which was for centuries a Polish State's political and spiritual heart. Furthermore, you will become acquainted with magnificent district of the oldest university in this part of Europe and you will see places connected with the life story of John Paul II.
Highlights of the route:

1 - the Medieval Fortification system with the Barbican (a masterpiece of Gothic military architecture)
2 - architectural monuments like Sukiennice (the Cloth Hall, a main focus of Cracow's trade)
2 - the Market Square (one of the biggest and the most beautiful square in Europe)
3 - St Mary's Basilica (impressive brick gothic church, the main city parish)
4 - the University district
5 - Bishops Palace with John Paul II window - 'Papal Window'
6 - Grodzka Street
7 - the Wawel Castle and the Royal Cathedral

Price: 30 Euro/Person
Departure: 11:00 at the Auditorium Maximum
Duration: approx. 3-4 h

Monday, 24 September 2012: The Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum
(Bus Tour)

The former concentration and extermination camp of Auschwitz-Birkenau was the largest in the Third Reich. It is a place, where Jews, Gypsies, Poles and members of other ethnic groups and nationalities were murdered in the Holocaust. Although sightseeing in the Museum may be a traumatic experience, it is a duty of each human being to pay homage to the victims of the Nazi.

Parts of the route:

Grounds of former Auschwitz I Concentration Camp
Death block
Gas chamber
Birkenau ramp

Price: 35 Euro/ person
Departure: 09:00 at the Auditorium Maximum
Duration: approx. 5-6 h

Tuesday, 25 September 2012: Wieliczka Salt Mine (Bus Tour)

Wieliczka "salt empire" is the only site in the world where mining has continued since the Middle Ages. In 1978 the Wieliczka Salt Mine was included on the very first UNESCO World Heritage List. It is visited each year by over a million tourists from around the world. Spread over nine levels, it has 300 km of galleries with works of art, altars, and statues sculpted in the salt.

Highlights of the route:

The Danilowicz Shaft
Foreman's Excavation
The Kunegunda Traverse
Treasurer
The Saint Kinga's Chapel

Price: 40 Euro/ Person
Departure: 09:00 at the Auditorium Maximum
Duration: approx. 3-4 h