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Wawel Hill –the Royal Residence

For Polish people Wawel is the symbol of national strength and patriotism and the ancient home of kings. For foreign visitors Wawel is an unforgettable journey through the history of Poland. On top of the hill we can admire the Royal Castle, the finest example of Renaissance architecture and the Wawel Cathedral, the coronation and the burial place of Polish kings and queens.

The Wawel Cathedral shows a stormy Polish history past. The interior of the Cathedral is overwhelmingly full of spectacular chapels, medieval tombs and sarcophagi. Each chapel demonstrates a picturesque variety of architectural styles. The most beautiful is the Sigismund Chapel called “the pearl of the Renaissance art” with its golden dome. In the past the coronations of Polish kings and their solemn funerals were performed inside the Cathedral. Clambering through narrow passages you can reach the Sigismund Bell, cast in 1520. This most famous Polish bell weights over 11 tons and can be heard from a distance of 50 km away. It is below in the crypt where you can walk around the Royal Tombs where the Polish monarchs, their wives and children as well as number of heroes and outstanding men are buried.
The Royal Castle is a conglomeration of Medieval, Romanesque, Renaissance and Baroque styles each brought by different rulers. The Castle is divided into three floors, each of the different function. The rooms of the first floor once served as living apartments. On the second floor there are the representative rooms. One of the most comprehensive and splendid collections of tapestries commissioned by King Sigismund Augustus adorn the walls. The decoration of the Audience Hall is exceptionally unique. Its coffered ceiling contains 30 sculpted wooden heads.
The visit of Wawel Hill ends with the nicest view of the city from the top of the hill. You can see the beautiful panorama of Kraków, have a look at the “queen of Polish rivers” the Vistula, and hear the legend about the dragon that once used to live in one of the caves under the hill.

Tour with an English speaking licensed city guide
The guide will meet you in your apartment

The guide will meet you in your apartment
It is the walking tour

The Cathedral:
Open: Monday to Saturday 9.00 – 16.00
Sunday 12.45 - 16.00
Admission: 10 zł adults / 5 zł students
No pictures with flash inside the Cathedral

The Royal Castle:
Open: Tuesday, Friday 9.30 – 16.00
Monday 9.30 – 12.00
Wednesday, Thursday .30 – 15.00
Sunday 10.00 – 15.00
Admission: 15 zł adults / 8 zł students
+ reservation 16 zł (a group 9 people max.), 38 zł (38 people max.)