Distance from Stradonia: approx. 5–7 minutes on foot.

Wawel Royal Castle

Wawel Royal Castle along with the Wawel Hill is one of the most important places of historical and cultural significance in Poland. For centuries it was the residence of kings and remains a symbol of Polish statehood to this day. In 1930, the Castle also became one of the most important museums in the country, housing valuable collections of paintings, graphics and sculptures. Visitors can view both permanent and seasonal exhibitions as well as temporary exhibitions.

Permanent Exhibitions:

Representative Royal Chambers
Private Royal Apartments
Crown Treasury
Crown Treasury and Armory
Armory
Eastern Art. Turkish Tents
Lost Wawel
Recovered Wawel

Seasonal routes, available exclusively as part of guided tours:

Lost Wawel and St. Gereon’s Church
Wawel – The Most Valuable
Crown Wawel
Wawel – Private Royal Residence
Wawel after Hours
Wawel Dragonlings
Open Your Eyes to Wawel

Wawel Cathedral

The Wawel Cathedral has served for centuries not only a sacred function but also a representative and trophy role. It was here that the solemn coronations and burials of Polish kings and outstanding historical figures took place.

The cathedral contains many elements of particular historical and artistic significance, including:

Sigismund Tower
Silver Bells Tower
Clock Tower
Sigismund Bell – the heaviest bell in Poland, hand-rung on church holidays, state occasions and important patriotic events
Sigismund Chapel, called the "pearl of the Renaissance on the other side of the Alps"
Holy Cross Chapel – an example of 15th-century Gothic art, with the tomb of King Casimir Jagiellon sculpted by Veit Stoss
Crypts of Polish kings and national heroes
Crypts of Polish poets, including Adam Mickiewicz and Juliusz Słowacki

Royal Gardens

When visiting the Wawel Hill, it is also worth visiting the Royal Gardens. They have been reconstructed based on many years of research and analysis, with a clear reference to Renaissance garden design. The selection of plants, planting layout and garden architectural elements evoke the atmosphere of a bygone era.

The gardens consist of two terraces — upper and lower — and small vineyards. A walk through them, especially in spring during the flowering period, is one of the most pleasant experiences accompanying a visit to Wawel.