Wawel Castle
Visit Wavel Royal Castle, the first UNESCO World Heritage Site, and formerly the luxurious residence of Polish royalty. Admire its European architecture, explore the vast museum, and of course visit the royal chambers and Wavel Cathedral. Book Wavel Castle tickets here to enjoy detailed guided tours, skip-the-line entry, and combo tours.
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Explore Krakow's iconic landmark & UNESCO site with skip-the-line tickets and a guided tour to delve into Polish history.
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See the Royal Private Apartments, adorned with tapestries, paintings, and chandeliers to see how Polish royalty lived.
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Delve into the depths of the castle and discover the armory, once housing the Royal arsenal.
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See the Oriental Art section, boasting Europe's largest collection of Ottoman tents, with a guided tour in English or Spanish.
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Fun fact: Legend says that Wawel Hill was once home to a dragon. You can even see a fire-breathing statue of the dragon near the castle.
More details
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Explore Krakow's iconic landmark & UNESCO site with skip-the-line tickets and a guided tour to delve into Polish history.
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See the Royal Private Apartments, adorned with tapestries, paintings, and chandeliers to see how Polish royalty lived.
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Delve into the depths of the castle and discover the armory, once housing the Royal arsenal.
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See the Oriental Art section, boasting Europe's largest collection of Ottoman tents, with a guided tour in English or Spanish.
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Fun fact: Legend says that Wawel Hill was once home to a dragon. You can even see a fire-breathing statue of the dragon near the castle.
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Discover the rich history and heritage of Polish identity on a guided tour of the majestic Wawel Castle & Cathedral.
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Explore Zygmunt August's tapestries, stunning Renaissance art, and one of Europe's largest Eastern art tent collections inside the Wawel Castle chambers.
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Perched on Wawel Hill, the Wawel Cathedral of brick and limestone features the iconic Sigismund Tower and 18 chapels, including King Władysław II Jagiello's tomb.
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Enjoy a personalised tour experience with guides fluent in English, German, French, Polish, Spanish, or Italian, according to your preference.
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Did you know? The Wawel Castle was once occupied by the Prussian army and was used as a military hospital during the partition period.
More details
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Discover the rich history and heritage of Polish identity on a guided tour of the majestic Wawel Castle & Cathedral.
-
Explore Zygmunt August's tapestries, stunning Renaissance art, and one of Europe's largest Eastern art tent collections inside the Wawel Castle chambers.
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Perched on Wawel Hill, the Wawel Cathedral of brick and limestone features the iconic Sigismund Tower and 18 chapels, including King Władysław II Jagiello's tomb.
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Enjoy a personalised tour experience with guides fluent in English, German, French, Polish, Spanish, or Italian, according to your preference.
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Did you know? The Wawel Castle was once occupied by the Prussian army and was used as a military hospital during the partition period.
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Explore the seat of secular and ecclesiastical power on a guided tour, filled with chambers, halls, and famous tapestries, showcasing the grandeur of Polish royalty in Wawel Castle.
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Visit the Westminster Abbey of Poland, where the country's monarchs are buried, and immerse yourself in the rich narrative of Polish history at Wawel Cathedral.
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Take in iconic landmarks such as the historic Wawel Castle, the vibrant Kazimierz District, the striking 'Church on the Rock,' and more as you cruise along the Vistula River.
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Enjoy an informative audio guide in multiple languages, including Polish, English, German, and Spanish, enhancing your understanding and enjoyment of the sights.
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Fun fact: Hidden beneath the castle's courtyard lies a network of mysterious underground tunnels and chambers known as the 'Wawel Dragon's Den.'
More details
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Explore the seat of secular and ecclesiastical power on a guided tour, filled with chambers, halls, and famous tapestries, showcasing the grandeur of Polish royalty in Wawel Castle.
-
Visit the Westminster Abbey of Poland, where the country's monarchs are buried, and immerse yourself in the rich narrative of Polish history at Wawel Cathedral.
-
Take in iconic landmarks such as the historic Wawel Castle, the vibrant Kazimierz District, the striking 'Church on the Rock,' and more as you cruise along the Vistula River.
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Enjoy an informative audio guide in multiple languages, including Polish, English, German, and Spanish, enhancing your understanding and enjoyment of the sights.
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Fun fact: Hidden beneath the castle's courtyard lies a network of mysterious underground tunnels and chambers known as the 'Wawel Dragon's Den.'
10% off
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Skip the lines and learn about the history of the Holocaust and the story of Schindler's efforts to save over 1,100 Jewish lives.
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Enter Oskar Schindler's office with the symbolic "Survivor's Ark" and learn about how he saved over 1000 lives.
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Discover the residence of Polish royalty for centuries and the finest collection of art and cultural treasures of Europe on a guided tour of Wawel Royal Castle.
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Admire the beautiful Italian-styled courtyard, and architectural styles from the medieval, renaissance, and baroque periods.
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Fun Fact: Wawel Castle is said to be haunted by King Sigismund III Vasa's ghost, seen walking the halls of the castle with a sword and a crown. Seeing him is believed to be a sign of good luck!
More details
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Skip the lines and learn about the history of the Holocaust and the story of Schindler's efforts to save over 1,100 Jewish lives.
-
Enter Oskar Schindler's office with the symbolic "Survivor's Ark" and learn about how he saved over 1000 lives.
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Discover the residence of Polish royalty for centuries and the finest collection of art and cultural treasures of Europe on a guided tour of Wawel Royal Castle.
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Admire the beautiful Italian-styled courtyard, and architectural styles from the medieval, renaissance, and baroque periods.
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Fun Fact: Wawel Castle is said to be haunted by King Sigismund III Vasa's ghost, seen walking the halls of the castle with a sword and a crown. Seeing him is believed to be a sign of good luck!
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Immerse in a comprehensive tour of historic Wawel Hill, a site vital to Poland's royal past, filled with intriguing tales and captivating landmarks.
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Unlike standard tours, our expert multi-lingual guide makes your journey through Poland's history personalised and deeply engaging.
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Unveil history with an expert guide in your language as you marvel at the Wawel Cathedral, its charming garden, 2 mighty towers, and the energy-rich Wawel Chakra.
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Discover the alchemical mishap that caused Wawel Castle's great fire or the WWII bomb site, and more, by upgrading to a multilingual audio-guided tour.
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Did you know? The bone hanging in Wawel Cathedral, thought to be from the Wawel Dragon, is whalebone!
More details
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Immerse in a comprehensive tour of historic Wawel Hill, a site vital to Poland's royal past, filled with intriguing tales and captivating landmarks.
-
Unlike standard tours, our expert multi-lingual guide makes your journey through Poland's history personalised and deeply engaging.
-
Unveil history with an expert guide in your language as you marvel at the Wawel Cathedral, its charming garden, 2 mighty towers, and the energy-rich Wawel Chakra.
-
Discover the alchemical mishap that caused Wawel Castle's great fire or the WWII bomb site, and more, by upgrading to a multilingual audio-guided tour.
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Did you know? The bone hanging in Wawel Cathedral, thought to be from the Wawel Dragon, is whalebone!
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Discover the grandeur of Krakow on a 5.5-hour guided tour with exclusive access to 4 iconic landmarks in your preferred language.
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Step into Wawel Castle to admire stunning 16th-century friezes, the majestic throne room, and opulent interiors with gold, marble, and ornate ceilings!
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Explore the Old Town's 40,000-square-foot mix of eateries, museums, bars, shops, and hotels, and marvel at St. Mary's Basilica with Europe's largest Gothic altar.
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Kraków’s Rynek Underground Museum, hidden below the Main Square, offers a captivating look at the city’s past with medieval stalls and archaeological relics.
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Fun fact: The Rynek Underground Museum was born from excavations between 2005 and 2010, revealing around 6,000 fascinating artefacts.
More details
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Discover the grandeur of Krakow on a 5.5-hour guided tour with exclusive access to 4 iconic landmarks in your preferred language.
-
Step into Wawel Castle to admire stunning 16th-century friezes, the majestic throne room, and opulent interiors with gold, marble, and ornate ceilings!
-
Explore the Old Town's 40,000-square-foot mix of eateries, museums, bars, shops, and hotels, and marvel at St. Mary's Basilica with Europe's largest Gothic altar.
-
Kraków’s Rynek Underground Museum, hidden below the Main Square, offers a captivating look at the city’s past with medieval stalls and archaeological relics.
-
Fun fact: The Rynek Underground Museum was born from excavations between 2005 and 2010, revealing around 6,000 fascinating artefacts.
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Make your way through the heart of Krakow for an informative venture through Polish history
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Walk alongside your expert tour guide who will let you in on facts, secrets, and stories of Krakow
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Wander through the Wawel Royal Castle: its chambers, halls, and State Rooms
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The Wawel Cathedral is the Westminster Abbey of Poland, where all monarchs are buried
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Tuck into the traditional flavors with a polish lunch, comprised of a soup and a main course dish
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Take to the small town of Wieliczka and explore one of Europe’s largest ancient salt mines
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Visit St. Kinga's Church here, an underground church decorated with chandeliers and sculptures of saints
More details
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Make your way through the heart of Krakow for an informative venture through Polish history
-
Walk alongside your expert tour guide who will let you in on facts, secrets, and stories of Krakow
-
Wander through the Wawel Royal Castle: its chambers, halls, and State Rooms
-
The Wawel Cathedral is the Westminster Abbey of Poland, where all monarchs are buried
-
Tuck into the traditional flavors with a polish lunch, comprised of a soup and a main course dish
-
Take to the small town of Wieliczka and explore one of Europe’s largest ancient salt mines
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Visit St. Kinga's Church here, an underground church decorated with chandeliers and sculptures of saints
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Enjoy an audio-guided tour of Wawel Hill, home to the Wawel Castle surrounded by lush gardens to enjoy the historical and cultural side of Poland.
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Learn about the rich history of this UNESCO site as you explore the outside of the castle with an audio guide.
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Meet the magnificent Wawel Dragon, one of the most famous dragons in Polish folklore, featuring a series of stalactites and stalagmites.
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Marvel at stunning vistas of Cracow and the majestic Tatra Mountains with its soaring peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and diverse wildlife from atop Wawel Hill.
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Fun fact: The Wawel Hill, rising nearly 228 meters above sea level, is a Jurassic limestone formation dating back a whopping 150 million years!
More details
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Enjoy an audio-guided tour of Wawel Hill, home to the Wawel Castle surrounded by lush gardens to enjoy the historical and cultural side of Poland.
-
Learn about the rich history of this UNESCO site as you explore the outside of the castle with an audio guide.
-
Meet the magnificent Wawel Dragon, one of the most famous dragons in Polish folklore, featuring a series of stalactites and stalagmites.
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Marvel at stunning vistas of Cracow and the majestic Tatra Mountains with its soaring peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and diverse wildlife from atop Wawel Hill.
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Fun fact: The Wawel Hill, rising nearly 228 meters above sea level, is a Jurassic limestone formation dating back a whopping 150 million years!
Pro tips to help you make a pick
Choose comfortable footwear: The Wawel Castle is perched on top of the Wawel Hill. You need to do a fair amount of walking and climbing stairs to explore all its rooms and the Wawel Cathedral. Make sure to wear closed, comfortable shoes to explore the castle complex comfortably.
Keep a few hours on hand: The Wawel Castle is filled with historical artifacts and comprises several rooms, that once functioned as the living quarters of the Polish royalty. It also has a Cathedral with the Sigismund Bell, that heralds the good fortune of those who hear it. Plan to visit the Wawel Castle with a few hours on hand.
Book guided tours: Consider joining a guided tour of the Wawel Castle to gain deeper insights into its history, architecture, and legends. These expert guides will help you get a closer look at the historical trajectory and famous legends to enhance your understanding of this iconic landmark.
Respect the photography policy: While photography is generally permitted in outdoor areas and some parts of the castle, there may be restrictions in certain rooms or exhibitions. Make sure to follow any signage or instructions regarding photography to avoid any inconvenience.
Explore surrounding areas: When visiting the Wawel Royal Castle, take some time to explore the surrounding areas of Wawel Hill, including the Wawel Cathedral, the picturesque gardens, and panoramic viewpoints overlooking the city.
Top things to do in Krakow
About Wawel Royal Castle
The Wawel Royal Castle offers a glimpse into Poland’s rich cultural heritage. Marvel at the architectural splendor of the Renaissance-era Royal Chambers, adorned with exquisite tapestries and paintings that narrate Poland's glorious past. Step into the Wawel Treasury, where the crown jewels and regalia of Polish monarchs are preserved. The Sandomierz Tower offers breathtaking views of the city’s skyline and the surrounding countryside. From its imposing facade to its royal chambers, Dragon’s Den, and regal sculptures, the Wawel Castle stands as a poignant reminder of Poland's storied past.
The legend of the Wawel Dragon: One of the most famous legends associated with Wawel Castle is that of the Wawel Dragon. According to folklore, this dragon terrorized the city of Krakow until it was slain by the legendary hero, Krakus. Today, a statue of the Wawel Dragon stands at the foot of Wawel Hill, delighting visitors and keeping the legend alive.
The Sigismund Bell: The Sigismund Bell, housed in the Wawel Cathedral's Sigismund Tower, is one of the largest bells in Europe. Cast in 1520, the bell weighs over 13 tons and is renowned for its melodious tone. It is said in the local legends that when this bell rings, it brings good luck to those who hear it, making it a cherished symbol of the city’s heritage.
The Dragon’s Den: Beneath Wawel Hill lies a network of caves and tunnels known as the Dragon's Den. According to the local legends, this labyrinthine passageway was once the lair of the Wawel Dragon.
The Renaissance courtyard: The Renaissance Courtyard, located within the Royal Castle complex, is a masterpiece of architectural design. Built during the reign of King Sigismund I, it features elegant arcades, decorative friezes, and a stunning courtyard fountain.
The Vasa King’s apartments: The Vasa Kings' apartments, located in the eastern wing of Wawel Castle, are named after the Vasa dynasty that ruled Poland during the 17th century. These lavishly decorated chambers showcase the opulence of the Polish monarchy, with intricate stucco work, gilded ceilings, and richly furnished interiors.
Why visit Wawel Royal Castle?
Highlights
Representative Royal Chambers
Adorned with intricate stucco work, gilded ceilings, and exquisite furnishings, the Representative Royal Chambers are a testament to the grandeur and opulence of Polish royalty. These lavishly decorated rooms served as venues for official ceremonies, receptions, and diplomatic events.
Art of the East
Wawel Castle also hosts a collection of Eastern art, featuring works from countries such as Turkey, Persia, and China. These pieces, including ceramics, textiles, and decorative arts, offer a fascinating glimpse into the cultural exchange between Poland and the East throughout history. This collection highlights the global influences that have shaped Poland's artistic landscape.
Plan your visit
Sigismund Gate
This is the primary entrance to Wawel Castle and is located on the southern side of the complex. The Sigismund's Gate is a grand entrance adorned with a Renaissance portal and leads into the castle courtyard.
Gate of the Vistula River
Situated on the eastern side of Wawel Hill, this entrance provides access to the castle complex from the side. It was once used for administrative purposes and is not typically open to the public.
Sandomierz Tower entrance
The Sandomierz Tower serves as both a defensive structure and an entrance to the castle. You can access the castle grounds through this tower, which is located near the northern end of the complex.
Well Tower entrance
This entrance is located near the Well Tower on the northern side of Wawel Castle. While it may not be as prominent as the main entrance, you can use this gate to enter the Castle premises.
- A few selected temporary exhibitions, such as ‘Long Live the King! Masterpieces from the Lanckoronski Collection’ and ‘Wawel Recovered,’ are open from 3 to 3:30 p.m. on Mondays.
- On 11 November, only the ‘Wawel Recovered’ and ‘Wawel Underground: The Lapidarium’ are open between 9am and 5pm.
The Wawel Castle has a cloakroom you can use to store your belongings. Coats, umbrellas, suitcases, and large bags above 55 x 40 x 23 cm can be kept in this cloakroom.
You can make use of the free Wi-Fi in and around the Wawel Castle to download audio guides or look up any historical fact about the castle.
There are dining outlets inside the Wawel Castle, where you can grab a bite or get a drink before continuing your tour.
The Wawel Castle has accessible washrooms for your convenience.
Visitors with mobility challenges can borrow wheelchairs on a first-come, first-served basis during their Wawel Castle visit.
Assistance dogs and service animals are allowed in the Wawel Castle, provided you can show the necessary documents before entering the exhibition rooms.
The walk up the Wawel Hill is not suitable for visitors in wheelchairs. Only the exterior courtyard and arcaded courtyard have ramps. The exhibition rooms on the first and second floor are not accessible to visitors in wheelchairs. The Crown Treasury, Armory, and the Lost Wawel exhibitions are partially wheelchair-accessible.
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