Wawel Castle

Wawel Castle
See the coronation sword of Polish kings, opulent royal apartments, Renaissance paintings and an underground cave system at Krakow’s biggest castle. 

Explore the former bedchambers and staterooms in Wawel Castle. See Flemish tapestries and paintings by Rubens. Head to the Treasury to view collections of armor and royal jewelry and explore the castle’s past in an exhibit dedicated to archaeological finds in and around the grounds. Visit a cave where legend says a dragon once lived or relax with a stroll around the Royal Garden.

A castle was first built on the Wawel Hill as far back as the 14th century, but the building you see today is largely the later work of King Sigismind I. In the 16th century he brought the finest sculptors, builders and artisans from Italy and across Europe to create a fashionable, Renaissance-style palace. Perched high above the Vistula River, it remains one of the most prominent sights in Krakow today.

Start your exploration of the castle in the Treasury. Here you will find the sword used to swear in Polish kings, as well as a large collection of armor and royal jewelry. Visit the top floor to find more royal riches in the king’s apartments. See art by Rubens and other Renaissance painters, original furniture and portraits of the rooms’ former inhabitants. Enjoy sweeping views across Krakow from the Hen’s Foot Tower. 

Delve into the castle’s past in the Lost Wawel exhibit, a collection of archaeological finds from as far back as the 10th century. Enter the cathedral and visit the ornate tombs of bygone kings. Descend into the labyrinth known as the Dragon’s Den, a cave system beneath the castle. The entrance is easy to find thanks to the large bronze dragon that breathes fire at regular intervals throughout the day. 

Wawel Castle is a 10-minute walk from the main town square in central Krakow. It is open daily. Check the castle’s official website for opening hours, as these vary. Be aware that daily visitor numbers to the castle are limited, so it’s best to arrive early in the day during summer and on public holidays. All areas of the castle, such as the Dragon’s Den and the Treasury, have separate entrance fees.

Reviews of Wawel Castle

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
620
" "5 - Excellent 58.71212121212121%
4 - Good
377
" "4 - Good 35.70075757575758%
3 - Okay
57
" "3 - Okay 5.3977272727272725%
2 - Disappointing
1
" "2 - Disappointing 0.0946969696969697%
1 - Terrible
1
" "1 - Terrible 0.0946969696969697%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
18 Jan 2020

Missed out on the audio guides as the area where you purchase tickets has little information inside, feel it would have enhanced the experience if we had picked them up. They are next to the ticket office through some doors.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
16 Dec 2019

Walk around the outside of the castle to see the dragon breathe fire.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
4 Dec 2019

Go early for tickets to state rooms

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
28 Nov 2019

Closed all day Monday which was only day we could visit

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
3 Oct 2019

Visit the Wawel early in the morning to be sure of getting tickets for some of the popular areas. Later in the day they sell out!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
10 Aug 2019

Prebook or get there early the queues are long and availability of some areas sell out quickly. You pay for what you want to see.

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