The medieval Wawel Castle and Cathedral site is one of the greatest attractions in Poland and is an architectural wonder. Located atop Wawel Hill, it is the central symbol of Poland and lies at the heart of its history. It was originally constructed in the 10th century, but later remodeled in the 16th century. The castle contains 71 chambers and some outstanding 16th century tapestries, as well as five different exhibits. Of these exhibits, the most popular are the Royal Chambers and Royal Private Apartments. You can view some of the royal family’s treasures in these exhibits. There is also a Treasury & Armory that includes the coronation sword, and the Oriental Collection of outstanding Chinese and Japanese porcelain.

Wawel Cathedral dates back to the 14th century and was the coronation and burial place for Poland’s monarchs. Over 100 kings and queens have been buried here in the Royal Tombs. Pope John Paul II was also a member of the clergy here when he was an Archbishop. Within the cathedral, the 16th century Sigismund Chapel is considered one of best Renaissance buildings in Poland, and its bell tower (with its giant bell) offers and excellent view of Krakow. The Cathedral Museum displays exhibits about and treasures from the cathedral.

Note: Separate admission fees required for most exhibits. Admission can therefore range from 4 Zloties to 68+ Zloties.

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Last edited on Jun 9, 10 6:46 PM.
Contributors: Aaron C. Show History

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Federico P.

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Zbigniew M.

Oct 18, 2008

Wawel castle is polish heart. Here begin polish hirtory. Here are tonbs polish kings.

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Lukasz S.

Apr 29, 2009

Wawel Castle is probably the famous landmark of Cracow. It towers over the city and is visible from the distance. On the left side of the hill you can find Dragon Cave. There are signs of settlement from neolit period and bronze age even though some scientists believe (and have some evidence too) that human being was there much earlier. From X century - Kings home. Roman rotund (X century), gothic cathedral (1320-46), 2 other roman cathedrals (XI-XIII cent) with rich gothic, renaiscance and baroque interior. Kings Castle on the remnants of stronghold from X-XIII cent. with the usage of gothic elements from XIII-XIV cent. built as a renaiscance palace with 4 wings around bailey. If you visit Cracow its compulsory point of your trip.

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Maciej R.

May 10, 2009

Beautiful site of great importance for the Polish history. The most interesting in the complex is the cathedral with tombs of Polish kings. You can find there beautiful renaissance Zygmuntowska chapel and Swietokrzyska chapel witch medieval polychrome. Also interesting is the inner courtyard of the castle witch renaissance cloisters. In my opinion there is no point in entering the castle, especially so called King's Chambers. It is expensive and not much to see. The other place worth seeing is the exposition called "Wawel zaginiony" (Lost Wawel), which presents the remains of romanic architecure.

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Dave V.

Feb 21, 2009

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Federico P.

Jun 26, 2008

The Wawel Castle is a wonderful place to be, and I stop by everytime I'm in Krakow even if I have just a few hours. Not only this allows a nice walk throug the old city to reach but also you can enjoy the majestic walls that are dominating the river Vistula . Over there you have to find the hideout of the famous Dragon!
Wandering around the Castle you can enjoy a travel back in history and at the same time appreciate the peace of the atmosphere allowing you to get lost in your thoughts.

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