Wawel Castle
The royal castle and cathedral on a hill above the Vistula in Krakow - the coronation and burial place of Polish kings, the symbol of the nation.
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Wawel Hill rises above the Vistula in Krakow, crowned by the royal castle and cathedral that together form the symbolic heart of Poland. For centuries the seat of the Polish kings, it holds a magnificent Renaissance palace, the cathedral where monarchs were crowned and buried, and, in legend, a dragon's den beneath the hill.
What you actually see
- The cathedral - the coronation and burial church of Polish kings, with royal tombs.
- The royal palace - the Renaissance state rooms and the tapestry collection.
- The Crown Treasury - the royal regalia and armoury.
- The dragon's den - the cave beneath the hill of the Wawel dragon legend.
When to go
Year-round; the grounds are free and open, with the buildings ticketed and often on timed entry, so book ahead in the busy season. A clear day suits the hilltop and river views.
Honest expectations
The various parts, palace, cathedral, treasury, are separate ticketed visits, often with timed and limited entry, so plan and book. The grounds and views are free. It is busy, being the symbolic heart of the nation.
Nearby
The Krakow old town is just north; the Kazimierz Jewish quarter is nearby.
What to pack for Wawel Castle
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
