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Wavel Castle
and Cathedral
tips you can trust
Why Wawel Castle and
Cathedral are special
These Krakow landmarks rate high in both historical and sightseeing value.
Wawel Castle
and Cathedral
tips & insights
Castle
It royally sits on a hill overlooking Krakow city and the Vistula River. Wawel Castle dates back to the 11th century and has been damaged, reconstructed, and expanded a number of times. Today, it's in good condition.
Top 2 highlights:
Royal
Apartments and State Rooms
They are furnished with period furniture. The Flemish tapestries are the star attraction.
Courtyard
This large space is lined with remarkable balcony architecture.
Other notable attractions include:
Crown
Treasury and Armory
Houses the crown jewels and the fabled Szczerbiec sword.
Lost
Wavel
Features archaeological findings.
Dragon's
Den
A cave with an interesting tale.
Cathedral
Nearly all the several dozen Polish kings were crowned and buried here. The cathedral is jammed with tombs and is venerated by the Poles.
Ticket
system
Unfortunately, this is the weakest point of the Wawel Castle and Cathedral complex. Tickets to some interior attractions are sold separately, limited, and time-sensitive. Buy them as early as possible if you will be there during the peak tourist periods.
Freebie
You do not require a ticket if you stay outside. Just walk through the front gate and enjoy the castle grounds and courtyard.
How
to pronounce
Wawel = vah-vell
Nearby
wonders
Up the street is the Krakow Market Square, and a half-hour out of town is Weilicska Salt Mine. Both win Hillman Wonders bronze medals.
Gdansk
Old Town
Krakow Market Square
Malbork Castle
Lublin Old Town
Warsaw
Market Square
Wawel Castle
& Cathedral
Wielicska Salt Mine
Zamosc Old Town
My other Polish pages
Poland wonders - Top 3 rankings
Basic Polish phrases
My credentials
About my website and criteria
Reader testimonials
Polish National Tourist Office
Photo by Jakub Halun - CC BY-SA 3.0
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