Wawel Castle is one of Krakow’s must-see places and an important Polish landmark. As Polish castle complexes progress, Wawel is large and significant. This closed fortification, which includes palaces and a cathedral, overlooks the Vistula River on a raised rocky outcrop.
Story
Like most castles in Eastern Europe, the sight of Wawel Castle was identified by early people as a place that could offer strategic defensive benefits. With the river to one side and the rise of the hill offering views in the distance, the inhabitants of Wawel Hill could see intruders before they arrived and protect themselves with the river behind them.
Also like other fortresses in Poland and throughout Europe, the Wawel Castle that stands today is made up of buildings from different eras, and the original structures have been replaced by more permanent decorative structures. Archaeological evidence points to Wawel Hill being used as a settlement since the 7th century AD. C., and it became a seat for the rulers and the nobility of Poland from that moment until the great European events required a change in its role. These rulers were added to the Wawel Castle complex to accommodate changing styles and their own tastes, and when Poland was in a position to carry out restoration at Wawel Castle, damaged or deteriorated structures began to revert to their former glory.
What to see
Visitors first ascend Wawel Hill via a ramp and enter the grounds through a gate. The grounds themselves are interesting to explore – you will be able to enjoy the view over the Vistula River, examine the architecture, identify the outlines of structures that no longer exist, and imagine what Wawel Castle must have looked like hundreds of years ago.
Some of the Wawel State Rooms and Private Royal Chambers are open to the public and include original interior design, Renaissance paintings, and rich furnishings. Some rooms, like the Planet Room, are named after their decorations; others are appointed for their intended purpose. Private rooms include guest rooms and rooms of unknown purpose, Hen’s Foot Rooms, which offer panoramic views of Krakow.
The Crown Treasure and Armory exhibits contain some interesting artifacts from the time of the Polish kings, including original rooms, a coronation sword, jewels, and of course weapons used throughout the centuries for defensive purposes, ceremonial and tournament.
If you’re into archeology, head down to the Wawel Basement to see items unearthed by the Wawel Hill excavations. The exhibition reveals various objects from everyday life in the castle and architectural fragments of dilapidated structures.
Other points of interest at Wawel Castle include the so-called Dragon’s Lair, a medieval tower, and the royal garden.
Wawel Cathedral is a must see at Wawel Castle. This cathedral was seen for royal coronations and also acts as a burial place for Polish kings. The richly decorated chapels, some dedicated to rulers of the past, contain examples of elaborate pieces of art and relics.
visiting
Wawel Castle is crowded with tourists during the summer season, but it’s nice to explore out of season. A limited number of visitors can enter the castle during the day due to the delicate nature of the architecture and artifacts there, so it is important to visit the castle early in the day during peak season before tickets are sold out.
Separate tickets for exhibitions must be purchased at the visitor center on the castle grounds. It is helpful to visit the castle’s website to see a map of the Wawel and decide which exhibits are most interesting to you. Some exhibitions require a tour guide, whose service is included with the purchase of a ticket.
It is also important to visit the castle’s website for information on admission times, prices, and seasons. Some exhibitions are closed during the winter months; others are open all year. Some exhibitions have a free admission day; others don’t have that day. The exhibition hours also change with the season.
Please note that even on free admission days, a special free admission ticket is required to enter the exhibits. This helps those responsible for preserving the castle to limit the number of visitors to the fragile historic architecture.
