The Wawel Hill consists of the Cathedral and the castle (as well as some additional buildings).

Wawel Hill is probably the most important place in Kraków. It is a Jurassic limestone rock that was formed 150 million years ago and rises over the Old Town. Although the settlements had been there much before, as early as in the 9th century it became the centre of the political power. As the hill was the castrum of the Vislane tribe, the first historical ruler of Poland and his successors chose Wawel as one of their residences. In 11th century it became political and administrative centre for the Polish State. The first historically recorded coronation (of Ladislav the Short) took place in the Cathedral in 1320.
When entering the Wawel Hill you approach the entrance to the Cathedral. It is Poland’s national sanctuary with 1000-year-old tradition. This 14th century church houses great objects of art, from Gothic to Modern. The building, however, still has surviving Romanesque fragments – such as St. Leonard Crypt. Just before entering the shrine, one can notice on the left side the bones suspended by chains (these are: mammoth’s shin, rhinoceros’ skull and rib of a whale). According to the legend, if the bones fall it will mean that the end of the world is at hand. In the centre of the main nave one can see the silver coffin containing the relics of St. Stanislaw – Poland’s saint patron, who was a Krakow Bishop murdered in 11th century by King Boleslaw II. Both sides of the Cathedral are filled with sarcophaguses of Polish Kings. The oldest one of them is the sandstone sarcophagus of Ladislaw I the Short – made in 14th century. In the cathedral one can also find the tomb of Queen-Saint Jadwiga. It was carved in white Carrara marble. Her grave insignia are displayed nearby. The Cathedral contains also the relics of St. Jadwiga – the only female who was called the King of Poland.

Wawel Cathedral - relics of St. Stanislaw. The silver coffin with the relics of St. Stanislaw was created between 1669-1671. It is located under the gilded baldachin made by Giovanni Battista Trevano and Matteo Castelli.

The nave is surrounded by eighteen chapels, full of art treasures. The most precious of them is the Sigismund Chapel, called by many “the Pearl of Renaissance” (situated opposite the sarcophagus of St. Jadwiga). It served as a funerary chapel for the last Jagiellons. The Chapel, built in 1517-1533 by Bartolomeo Berrecci, is topped with a golden dome and houses the tombs of King Sigismund the Old and his family. Sculptures and paintings situated inside were designed by some of the most renowned artists of Renaissance. Every inch of the walls and dome is covered with sculptured scenes from Mythology, floral arabesques and grotesque creatures.
Visiting the main part of the cathedral is free of charge. It is open from 9 am to 5 pm (from October till March only till 4 pm) on weekdays. During Sundays and Church Holidays sightseeing is allowed from 12.30 pm. If you wish to see crypt of the Royal Family and the crypt of the Polish heroes (both located in the cellars) or the Sigismund Bell, which was cast in 1520 by Johannes Bohemus, you need to purchase the entrance tickets (accessible opposite the main entrance to the Cathedral).
If you pass the entrance to the Cathedral on your left side, you will approach a wide square. There are situated restaurants and the seasonal open air cafe. When turning left, you will notice the main gate leading you to the courtyard of the castle.

Wawel Castle. The Wawel Hill used to be the residence of Polish Kings and – according to the legend – the dragon.

The Wawel castle’s history dates back to 11th century. The remains of the Romanesque building are to be found in the northern wing of the castle. Further on the Gothic buildings were added. The complex remained unchanged until the fire in 1499. Essential changes were brought by Renaissance. It is the Sigismund I the Old that commissioned  the construction of the arcaded galleries which one can admire when looking at the courtyard. The Renaissance looks of the building has been preserved till today. Spacious, brightly lit interiors are embellished with wooden ceilings and walls are decorated with friezes and royal portraits. Halls and chambers of the Wawel Castle gained much splendour thanks to king Sigismund II August, who acquired collection of the Flemish tapestries.
Northern wing of the castle was rebuilt in early Baroque style by Sigismund III (Vasa), after it had been destroyed by fire in 1595. Wawel, however, was used by kings since that time very rarely (mostly for special occasions such as: weddings, coronations and funerals) as the Royal Court was permanently moved to Warsaw.

Wawel Castle. Arcaded courtyard of the Royal Castle is a magnificent example of Renaissance style.

The former residence of the Polish kings was soon after occupied by the Swedes and later on by the Austrians, who turned it into military quarters. Its restoration began in early 20th century. Wawel Castle came back almost to its original condition. It is now a seat of Wawel Royal Castle Museum. There are several exhibitions held in the building. In the part of Wawel Hill facing the Vistula River, one can find the Dragon’s Den. It is a Jurassic cave where – according to the legend – the Wawel Dragon lived. He was threat to the whole city but eventually he got defeated by poor, but very smart, shoemaker.
Wawel Hill is accessible daily from 6 am till 5 pm (arcaded courtyard – with no entrance fee – closes, however, half an hour before the gates of the hill). Tickets to State Rooms, Royal Private Apartments, Crown Treasury and Armoury, Exhibition Oriental Art, Exhibition the Lost Wawel, The Royal Garden Tour and Dragon’s Den are available at the main entrance to the hill (ticket office on the right site after passing the first gate to the hill). It is very wise to start the sightseeing early in the morning as limited number of tourists is let into the castle every day.

see more: www.wawel.krakow.pl