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Krakow is a charming city in Poland. The former capital of Poland (before Warsaw), Krakow's castle on the Wawel hill (at the southern end of Krakow old town) was the center of royal ceremonial throughout the years of Poland's greatness and decline from c. 1300 to 1795. The city itself has a relaxed, student-like feel and an excellent cultural and theatrical life. One of central Europe's oldest universities, the Jagiellonian University (established 1364), is located in Krakow. Unlike Warsaw and so many other Polish cities, Krakow was fortunately spared destruction by the retreating Germans, although it didn't escape the Soviets, who built a vast steel mill (Nowa Huta) on one edge of the city, in an effort to destroy its intellectual and elitist atmosphere. The history of the city and area (and its relationships with the large local Jewish community) provide a great deal of human interest, and even optimism, to set against the dark effect of one of the century's great crimes. Bars, pubs and cafes in Krakow are one of its biggest attractions. Krakow is not only full of cosy cafes, but is also said to be the place of the first Cafe founded in Europe. Most cafes offer good espresso and something to it as well as something to nibble at a very reasonable price.