Home » Short Breaks » Articles » Krakow » 50,000 years of heritage at Krakow's Wawel Castle

50,000 years of heritage at Krakow's Wawel Castle

13th December 2006

Wawel Castle in Krakow is found on Wawel Hill, a site used by settlers over 50,000 years ago. The hill was once a busy centre for trade, but the construction of the castle in the early 11th century transformed it into one of Poland's most significant cultural locations.

The Castle holds numerous tributes to the past thousand years of Polish life. The country's rulers lived in the Castle for over 600 years, and their collections of Oriental art and Flemish tapestries are on display in the lavishly decorated royal chambers.

The adjacent Wawel Cathedral contains the sarcophagi and tombs of most members of the Polish Royal Family, as well as the mausoleum of Poland's patron saint, St Stanislav. The cathedral also holds the Sigismund Bell, a heavier and older counterpart to that found in Big Ben in London.

Visitors can investigate the Dragon's Den, a 200-foot-long cave found under the Castle that was once said to hold a mythical beast.

Daily tours provide guests with the best chances to see the Castle's various collections, which include Italian and Dutch Renaissance paintings, medieval weaponry from Europe and Turkey and objects excavated from Wawel hill by archaeologists.

One of the oldest pieces of architecture in Europe, Krakow's Wawel Castle gives visitors the chance to investigate over 1,000 years of Polish history and folklore.

© Adfero Ltd

Recommended Krakow Breaks

4* Novotel Krakow Centrum from £509
4 Star
The Novotel Krakow Centrum Hotel has 198 modern and comfortable ensuite bedrooms. The hotel is located the city centre, walking distance from the old city, and opposite the Royal... More Info

5* Sheraton Krakow from £609
5 Star
The Sheraton Krakow Hotel is a modern hotel with 232 spacious bedrooms and suites. The hotel has a pool and fitness centre. The QUBE bar in the lobby of the hotel serves 240... More Info