Wawel Royal Castle, located in the heart of Krakow, is one of the most precious jewels of the Polish national heritage. Its picturesque location on a limestone hill above the Vistula River, its historical significance and rich architecture attract thousands of tourists from all over the world every year. As the former residence of Polish kings, a witness to coronations, state ceremonies and the final resting place of many distinguished monarchs, Wawel tells the story of the passing of eras, changing styles and ideas that shaped Poland and Europe.
General information
The Wawel Royal Castle, together with the adjacent hill, is one of the most important places of historical and cultural importance in Poland. For centuries, it served as a royal residence and was a symbol of national sovereignty. Since 1930, the castle has also functioned as one of the key museums in the country, presenting rich collections of works of art. In its interiors, you can admire, among others, excellent tapestries of Zygmunt August, Renaissance frescoes from the Lanckoroński collection and exhibits of Oriental art, including a unique collection of tents in Europe. The castle is also a significant center for the conservation of works of art and offers permanent exhibitions reconstructing Renaissance and Baroque interiors.
The castle attracts over a million tourists a year, who visit both the permanent and temporary exhibitions. The same number of people explore the hill itself. Around 20,000 students attend the museum lessons organized here, and numerous special classes, scientific and artistic competitions attract young people and children.
The history of Wawel
Wawel Hill plays a role for Kraków as important as the Acropolis for Athens in ancient times or the Capitoline Hill for Rome. This rocky elevation on the Vistula has served as a centre of both secular and ecclesiastical power since ancient times, although archaeological finds indicate that the area was inhabited as early as the Paleolithic. The first historical ruler to make Wawel his seat was Mieszko I (ruling ca. 960-992), the founder of the Polish state. It was his decision to accept Christianity that opened Poland to the influence of Western culture. In 1000, a bishopric was established on Wawel and the first cathedral was built.
The development of Wawel took place in the period from the 14th to the 16th century, under the rule of the last Piasts and the Jagiellonian dynasty. During the reigns of kings Alexander (1501-1506), Sigismund I the Old (1506-1548) and Sigismund Augustus (1548-1572), the Gothic castle was transformed into a Renaissance residence, which was among the most magnificent in the Central European region. This was a time of abundant development of art and humanities.
However, after King Sigismund III Vasa (reigned 1587-1632) moved to Warsaw in the years 1609-1611, Wawel lost its former importance, although it remained a royal residence and a place of coronations and funerals of kings. The castle was repeatedly destroyed during armed conflicts, including the Swedish Deluge. After the third partition of Poland in 1796, the Austrians took over the castle, transforming it into barracks.
At the beginning of the 20th century, extensive restoration work began, aimed at restoring the castle to its former glory. After Poland regained independence, the castle was turned into a museum.
11th century
In the 11th century, Wawel was already beginning to emerge as a significant center of power and worship in the newly established Polish state. Wawel Hill, located on the Vistula River, was a strategically important place due to its natural defensive conditions and developing trade routes.
During this period, Wawel witnessed significant historical events and developed under the influence of the first Piast dynasty. The most important moment for Wawel in the 11th century was the establishment of the bishopric of Kraków in 1000, which began its role as a religious center. At the initiative of the first bishop of Kraków, a cathedral was built – a place that was to serve not only as the main temple of the region, but also as a symbol of Christian influence in Poland. The construction of the cathedral was a significant architectural undertaking, but due to conflicts with the Empire, its construction probably began only after the conclusion of the Peace of Bautzen, around 1020.
At this time, Wawel also served as an important royal residence, although detailed information about the appearance and structure of the castle from this period is limited. Nevertheless, archaeological evidence indicates the expansion and modernization of existing structures. Despite the difficulties in reconstructing the appearance of the first cathedral, it is known that it was an important liturgical and political center, testifying to the consolidation of Christianity in the region.
12th century – Gothic
During the Gothic period, which began in Poland in the 13th century and lasted until the 16th century, Wawel underwent a significant transformation, becoming one of the most important political and cultural centers in the Kingdom of Poland. Gothic architecture at Wawel, characterized by pointed windows, cross-ribbed vaults and richly decorated portals, began to dominate its landscape.
During the Gothic period, Polish kings, particularly Casimir the Great, who reigned from 1333 to 1370, contributed to the significant expansion and strengthening of the castle. Casimir the Great built new defensive walls, towers, and also erected new residential buildings, which were to better meet the needs of the growing royal administration and provide greater security. During this period, the castle became a solid, Gothic fortress, but also an elegant residence, which emphasized the power and prestige of the monarchy.
Wawel Cathedral – an equally important transformation affected the cathedral on Wawel Hill, which was the place of coronation and burial of Polish kings. The current cathedral, begun in 1320, replaced older, Romanesque and early Gothic buildings. Its construction, lasting many decades, was a testament to the growing importance of Kraków and Wawel as the spiritual and national center of Poland. The Gothic cathedral was characterized by tall, slender towers, intricate vaulting, and elaborate religious iconography, intended to reflect the richness and depth of medieval spirituality.
Sigismund’s Chapel – although a later Renaissance addition, its foundations are Gothic and form part of Wawel’s Gothic architectural tradition. Built as a mausoleum for King Sigismund I the Old and his family, this chapel is one of the most valuable examples of the fusion of Gothic and the coming Renaissance.
16th century – Renaissance
During the Renaissance, which flourished in Poland in the 16th century, Wawel transformed into a truly royal residence, reflecting new trends in European architecture and art. This was a time when Wawel became a symbol of modern culture and science, and kings such as Sigismund I the Old and Sigismund II Augustus invested in transforming the medieval fortress into a Renaissance palace.
During the Renaissance, the Wawel Royal Castle underwent significant expansion and renovation. New architectural elements were introduced, such as spacious courtyards, elegant arcades and richly decorated facades. The castle gained a characteristic Renaissance appearance thanks to the work of architects such as Francesco Fiorentino, Bartolomeo Berrecci, and Benedict of Sandomierz, who introduced Italian stylistic patterns to Poland.
Sigismund I the Old initiated the construction of the third castle courtyard, which was completed during the reign of Sigismund II Augustus. One of the most important investments of this period was the construction of the Renaissance Wawel Cathedral and the Sigismund Chapel, designed by Bartolomeo Berrecci, which is considered the pearl of the Polish Renaissance. This chapel served as a mausoleum for King Sigismund I the Old and his family.
The Renaissance at Wawel was also a period of flourishing art and culture. The royal residence became a centre of intellectual and artistic life, attracting artists, poets and scientists from all over Europe. The castle hosted figures such as the Italian poet Francesco Petrarca, and the royal libraries were filled with literary and scientific works, becoming some of the richest collections in Europe.
20th-21st century
- In 1905, Emperor Franz Joseph I agreed to the withdrawal of Austrian troops from Wawel, which enabled the commencement of conservation work on the castle. These activities were supervised by Zygmunt Hendel, and later Adolf Szyszko-Bohusz, who discovered the rotunda of the Blessed Virgin Mary and other historical relics.
- In the years 1904-1907, Stanisław Wyspiański and Władysław Ekielski created a plan to expand the hill, known as the Acropolis, which was not implemented. The project assumed the placement of state and cultural buildings on Wawel, modelled on ancient architecture.
- During this period, the cathedral was enriched with two new tombstones by Antoni Madeyski – Queen Jadwiga (1902) and the symbolic Władysław Warneńczyk (1906). The paintings in the cathedral and its chapels were made by Józef Mehoffer, and Stanisław Wyspiański designed the stained glass windows for the cathedral that were never completed.
- After Poland regained independence in the interwar period, Wawel was used as a representative state building for the Chief of State and later for the President of the Republic of Poland. In 1921, the Sejm of the Republic of Poland officially recognized the castle as one of the residences of the President of the Republic of Poland.
- In 1921, a monument to Tadeusz Kościuszko by Leonardo Marconi and Antoni Popiel was placed on the Władysław IV Vasa bastion. In 1927, the ashes of Juliusz Słowacki and his mother were transferred to Wawel, and in 1935 Józef Piłsudski was buried there.
- During World War II, Wawel served as the residence of Hans Frank, the Governor General, and many valuable monuments were stolen at that time. In January 1945, after the Germans had abandoned it, the castle was secured by firefighters and soldiers of the Home Army.
- In 1978, Wawel, together with the historic centre of Kraków, was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.
- In subsequent years, the ashes of important figures in Polish history and culture were transferred to Wawel, including an urn with soil from Monte Cassino in 1992, and in 1993 the remains of General Władysław Sikorski.
- In 2001, soil from the grave of Cyprian Kamil Norwid was placed on Wawel, and in 2010 a plaque in memory of Fryderyk Chopin. In April of the same year, President Lech Kaczyński and his wife were buried there.
- Since 2015, the Polish flag has been displayed on Wawel.
Today, the following are open to the public:
in the castle:
- the representative royal chambers – the exhibition includes the castle governor’s chambers on the ground floor and the chambers on the second floor, including the Chamber of Deputies, whose ceiling is decorated with carved heads (so-called Wawel heads) and the Senator’s Chamber
- private royal apartments
- the crown treasury, where the Szczerbiec coronation sword is presented, among other things
- the Armoury
- the exhibition “Oriental Art”
in the cathedral: - royal tombs
- the Zygmunt bell
- the Lost Wawel – an archaeological reserve with the partially reconstructed Rotunda of the Blessed Virgin Mary
- the Dragon’s Den
- the Royal Gardens route – a reconstructed Renaissance garden
Wawel is located on the route of the Małopolska Way of St. James from Lublin and Sandomierz to Tyniec. It is also the place where the Via Regia meets. The Jagiellonian Trail leads from Wawel Hill to Lithuanian Vilnius, through Belarusian Grodno.
Permanent Exhibitions
The mysterious aura of times gone by comes alive in the majestic walls of the Royal Chambers at Wawel, where history becomes reality. This is an extraordinary place where the past intertwines with the present, inviting you to an unforgettable journey into the depths of legend. Discover the secrets of great monarchs and the mystical atmosphere of the court, waiting for visitors in the heart of Krakow.
State Royal Chambers
Referencing the interior design of the royal residence from the 16th and early 17th centuries, these exhibitions include impressive halls – the Envoys’ Hall (decorated with carved heads on the ceiling) and the Senators’ Hall. In these spaces, you can admire the renowned collection of tapestries belonging to King Sigismund Augustus, portraits of monarchs, works by Italian and Dutch painters from the 15th to 17th centuries, as well as Renaissance furniture from Italy.
Royal Private Apartments
The former halls, which were used by the monarchs, their court and the guests received by the king, are characterised by their Renaissance furnishings. It is worth paying attention to the Italian paintings from the Lanckoroński collection. Three of these rooms have preserved larch ceilings, and two of them have colourful wall friezes. In the northern wing of the castle there are two halls presenting exhibits from the Wettin dynasty, including a collection of Meissen porcelain and silverware; two additional halls are decorated in the classicist style.
Crown Treasury and Armoury
The exhibition is located in the Gothic and Renaissance spaces of the north-eastern corner of the castle, where Polish coronation insignia and national jewels have been kept since the 14th century. The exhibition presents objects preserved from the original treasury, including the coronation sword – Szczerbiec, objects belonging to Polish monarchs, works of Polish and Western European goldsmiths, as well as various types of weapons and armaments from the Middle Ages to the 18th century, including impressive horse accessories.
Oriental Art
The six rooms feature carpets, banners, tapestries, and Turkish and Persian weapons, as well as Japanese and Chinese ceramics. The key elements of the exhibition are trophies and memorabilia related to Jan III Sobieski and his participation in the relief of Vienna in 1683.
The Lost Wawel
The archaeological and architectural reserve contains a number of fascinating exhibits and structures, including the rotunda of Saints Felix and Adauctus (St. Mary) from the 10th and 11th centuries, the remains of stables and coach houses from the 16th and 17th centuries, and relics of Renaissance royal kitchens. Additionally, there is a presentation of objects discovered on the hill during archaeological work. The history of the buildings is presented on various information boards and a model that reflects the spatial layout of the hill in the 18th century. A virtual reconstruction of buildings from the early Romanesque and Romanesque periods is also available.
Wawel Recovered
The newly opened permanent exhibition, located in the medieval Gothic spaces of the northern side of Wawel, focuses on the history of this place from the moment Poland lost its independence in 1795 to the present day. It presents the difficult period after the partitions, when the hill was transformed into an Austrian fortress, some of the medieval structures of the Wawel town were demolished, and the former royal residence was transformed into the barracks of the occupying army. The history of the reconstruction is illustrated by works of art, architectural elements, historic weapons, memorabilia from that time, large prints of photographs and archival documents, as well as advanced multimedia and interactive programs.
Seasonal Routes and Exhibitions (April-October)
Travel deep into the history of Krakow, discovering the mysterious nooks that hide behind every corner of the city. Let the atmosphere of past eras captivate you as you delve into the history of these unique places. Each of them contains a wealth of narratives waiting to be discovered and told.
Dragon’s Den
One of the unique attractions of Wawel is the cave located on its western slope, created 12 million years ago, known from the legend of the Wawel Dragon and the founder of the city, the Prince of Krakow. The tour of the Dragon’s Den begins on the hill, near the Thieves’ Tower. The total length of the cave is 270 meters, of which 81 meters is a route available to visitors. At the end of the route, at the Vistula boulevard, there is a sculpture of the Wawel Dragon, made by Bronisław Chromy in 1972.
Sandomierz Tower
One of the two defensive towers on Wawel, it was built around 1460 during the reign of King Casimir IV Jagiellon. Its construction was intended to strengthen the protection of the royal residence from the south, which was considered to be the side particularly at risk of attacks. The tower also served as a residential area, serving as a place to house guards and as a prison for people of higher social status. The top floor of the tower offers a view of the castle’s outer courtyard and the panorama of Krakow and the surrounding area.
Royal Gardens
The reconstruction of these gardens was the result of long-term research and analysis aimed at restoring their Renaissance character. The plants used, the layout of the plantings and the architectural elements of the garden reflect the atmosphere of that era. These gardens were divided into upper and lower terraces and contain small vineyards.
Gardens, Courtyards, Church of St. Gereon
During the tour, visitors have the opportunity to see unique architecture and visit peaceful corners, including the sunny royal gardens located on the eastern side of the hill. The route begins with the exhibition “The Lost Wawel” and leads through the Batory Courtyard, the archaeological and architectural reserve with the churches of St. Gereon and St. Mary of Egypt, the arcade courtyard, the Tatar Hall, the northern slopes of the castle hill, and finally to the royal gardens.
To sum up, the Wawel Royal Castle is not only one of the most important architectural monuments in Poland, but also a key place that has shaped the history and culture of the nation for centuries. As the former residence of the kings of Poland, the place of coronations and burials, the castle played an important role in the political and spiritual life of the country. From the early Middle Ages, through the period of Renaissance reconstruction, to the regaining of independence and renovations in the 20th century, Wawel has survived as a symbol of Polish identity and steadfastness.
Over the years, the castle has witnessed many important historical events, and thanks to the rich collections of art, relics and exhibits it has gathered, it has also become a valued scientific and cultural center. Investments in its restoration and conservation have helped to preserve this majestic structure for future generations, allowing people from all over the world to discover its history and beauty.
