Kraków

1. Historic Salt Mines: Just outside of Kraków lies the Wieliczka Salt Mine, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This incredible underground labyrinth features chapels, sculptures, and even chandeliers made of salt, showcasing the rich history of salt mining in the region. 2. Kraków's Dragon Legend: The Wawel Dragon, a legendary creature said to have lived in a cave beneath Wawel Hill, is an integral part of Kraków's folklore. According to the tale, the dragon was defeated by a clever shoemaker who tricked it into eating a lamb stuffed with sulfur. 3. Home to the First University in Poland: The Jagiellonian University, founded in 1364, is one of the oldest universities in Europe and was a significant center of learning during the Renaissance. It has produced notable alumni, including the astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus.

The housing market in Kraków, Poland, is experiencing a significant crisis. The city faces high demand and limited supply, leading to increased rents and property prices. Many residents are forced to rent, with a notable percentage of the population unable to afford ownership. The crisis is exacerbated by factors such as the influx of refugees, students, and professionals, as well as the impact of the pandemic and the Ukrainian War on housing availability and costs. Kraków is attempting to address the housing crisis through various measures. The city is focusing on developing affordable housing options, particularly on the outskirts, to meet the growing demand. Additionally, there are efforts to improve local policies and regulations to favor housing development over profit-driven projects. The city also aims to leverage EU funds to support housing initiatives and infrastructure development, which has historically contributed to the city's growth and development.

Housing cooperatives in Kraków play a significant role in addressing housing needs, particularly for lower and middle-income groups. These cooperatives are not intended for profit but rather to meet the housing needs of their members. The law on housing cooperatives in Poland facilitates the realization of housing projects by individuals, providing statutory solutions to encourage cooperation and offering favorable terms for acquiring real estate from municipalities. In Kraków, housing cooperatives contribute to the housing market by offering affordable and stable housing options. While specific market share data for Kraków is not available, housing cooperatives generally account for a significant portion of the housing stock in Poland. New housing cooperatives have emerged in recent years, reflecting a growing interest in cooperative housing models. The city promotes cooperative housing through legal frameworks and municipal support. For instance, the municipal council can dispose of real estate to housing cooperatives under favorable terms, such as installment payments and discounts. This support helps in the development of new housing projects, making cooperative housing more accessible and sustainable.