Wawel Royal Castle, Krakow

Wawel Royal Castle, Krakow (must see)

Situated at the heart of Krakow, the Wawel Royal Castle stands as a regal residence with a rich historical legacy. It holds the distinction of being among the earliest UNESCO World Heritage Sites globally. This castle was commissioned by King Casimir III the Great and comprises a range of architectural elements from different epochs, encircling the central courtyard designed in an Italian style. With its grand scale, the castle is a testament to Poland's architectural prowess, showcasing diverse European styles spanning the medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque eras. Both the Wawel Royal Castle and the adjacent Wawel Hill hold unparalleled historical and cultural significance on a national level.

This castle forms the core of a fortified architectural ensemble positioned atop a limestone prominence on the northern bank of the Vistula River, elevated at an impressive 228 meters above sea level. This complex encompasses a multitude of buildings that carry immense historical and national importance. Among them, the Wawel Cathedral stands out鈥攁 sacred site where Polish monarchs received their coronations and final resting places. Some of the oldest stone structures in Wawel trace back to the year 970 AD, showcasing pioneering instances of Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles in Poland. The present-day castle, initially established in the 14th century, underwent continuous expansion over the ensuing centuries.

Having served as the royal residence for generations of Polish kings and a symbol of the nation's sovereignty, the Wawel Castle has evolved into a premier art museum within the country. Since its establishment in 1930, the museum has developed ten distinct curatorial divisions, overseeing an array of art collections. These encompass paintings of various genres, including a notable assembly of Italian Renaissance artworks, as well as prints, sculptures, textiles, and the renowned Sigismund II Augustus tapestry collection. The museum also boasts an assortment of goldsmith's creations, arms and armor, ceramics, Meissen porcelain, and period furnishings. Notably, the museum's holdings also encompass a remarkable collection of oriental art, highlighted by Europe's most extensive array of Ottoman tents.

Why You Should Visit:
The Wawel Royal Castle was among the first UNESCO World Heritage Sites declared in 1978.

Tip:
You can walk around the grounds for no charge at all; what you choose to do dictates the entry price. Opting for the State Rooms and Royal Apartments is worth it as you see a lot of impressive and well-preserved interiors. The Sandomierska Tower will give you a great all-round view of the place and the Dragon's Den takes you to the underground caves, but note that these are seasonal (closed Nov-Mar).

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Krakow. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Create Your Own Self-Guided Walk to Visit This Sight

Sight Name: Wawel Royal Castle
Sight Location: Krakow, Poland (See walking tours in Krakow)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Krakow Introduction Walking Tour

Walking Tours in Krakow, Poland

Create Your Own Walk in Krakow

Creating your own self-guided walk in Krakow is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.

Jewish Heritage Tour in Krakow

The Jewish community has been an integral part of Krakow since the late 13th century. On the eve of World War II, there were 60,000 Jews living in the city, mostly in the historic Kazimierz neighborhood, which accounted for a quarter of the local population. The old town square in Kazimierz was the center of Jewish life.

During the war, the Nazis separated ethnic Jews from the rest of... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles

Krakow Introduction Walking Tour

A unique entry on the list of the World Heritage Sights, Krakow is a recognized center of the academic, artistic and cultural life of Poland. Established in the 7th century as a tiny hamlet at the top of the Wawel Hill, overlooking the Vistula River, it is one of the country's oldest cities. Over the course of the next fifteen centuries it has evolved into the nation's second-largest... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles

Historical Churches Walking Tour

Krakow, the center of religious life in Poland, was once considered 鈥渢he Northern Rome鈥� for its multitude of churches. Alongside the new temples continuing to appear in the city today, these remarkable sanctuaries, holding deep historical and cultural significance, still remain the most attractive and interesting to look at.

By far the most iconic of these is the Basilica of Saint Mary. A... view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles

Historical House Museums Tour

Well-preserved historical buildings can often tell the stories of their city more vividly than any history book. Krakow, the old capital and cultural center of Poland, for many years, has been the home of many important Poles. Today, their former residences have been converted into house museums where visitors can learn about their inhabitants and see what life was like in the past.

One such... view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles

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