Krakow: Wawel Royal Castle, Poland
The Royal Wawel Castle is a magnificent architectural marvel, seamlessly blending Romanesque and Gothic styles, which was splendidly refurbished into a Renaissance palace in the 16th century. Originally constructed in the 14th century, it served for centuries as the revered residence of the kings of Poland and stood as a powerful symbol of Polish statehood. This grand role continued until 1609, when the capital of Poland was officially moved to Warsaw, yet Wawel has retained its profound historical and cultural significance.
How to get there
Reaching the Royal Wawel Castle is a straightforward and rewarding journey, offering multiple entry points that lead to its historical grounds. The castle complex, a true testament to Poland's rich past, is easily accessible from various parts of Krakow's Old Town, making it a convenient and essential stop for any visitor. Understanding the different routes and gates can help you plan your visit effectively and enjoy the approach to this iconic landmark.
Wawel consists of two main architectural complexes: the Royal Castle and the Basilica of St. Stanislaus and St. Wenceslas. To get to the Wawel Castle Hill from the Market Square, you need to move along the Grodzka Street, a historic thoroughfare that leads directly to the castle grounds. You can enter the castle via the Herbowa Gate (A; GPS: 50.055048, 19.935156) (you can also use the Bernardyńska Gate located on the other side of the castle - B; GPS: 50.052889, 19.935390). As you ascend the stairs next to the statue of Kościuszko, you'll walk along a wall adorned with inscriptions commemorating the generous donors who contributed to the extensive restoration of Wawel Castle during the interwar period. Following this, you will pass through the Wazów Gate which was built in 1591 (C; GPS: 50.054789, 19.934841), which historically served as the sole gateway to the hill during its time.
What to do inside
Once inside the Wawel Castle complex, visitors are presented with a wealth of historical and cultural attractions, offering a diverse range of experiences to suit all interests. From exploring the ancient grounds to delving into royal chambers and witnessing legendary sites, there is an abundance of activities to fill your day. While some areas are freely accessible, many of the most fascinating exhibitions and unique features require a paid ticket, providing an in-depth look into Poland's royal heritage and folklore.
The castle grounds offer an abundance of activities and sights to explore. You are free to walk around the exterior and even to enter the cathedral but for other places there is a charge for every attraction. The castle grounds are amazing and they should be visited for anyone who is in Krakow. Looking at the Vistula river from the vantage point (D; GPS: 50.053254, 19.933646), do not forget to also watch Kosciuszko's mound on the horizon, and look down and see how the Wawel Dragon breathes fire every 5 minutes! You can also buy a ticket to go to the "Dragon's Lair", walk through the cave and see the fire-breathing dragon directly (E; GPS: 50.053015, 19.933573).
A little problem with tickets
While the Royal Wawel Castle offers an enriching visitor experience, one minor drawback is its somewhat fragmented ticket purchasing system. This aspect, though not insurmountable, can occasionally lead to a less streamlined entry process, particularly for those wishing to explore multiple attractions within the complex. Understanding this issue beforehand can help visitors plan their ticket acquisition more effectively and minimize any potential inconveniences.
The only real disadvantage is a confusing ticket buying system. It means that you need to visit several ticket offices to get the tickets for different attractions. We think this process should be better organized in the future. They should for example consider offering a "must-see" bundle or even one ticket to visit all the attractions.
Gastronomy in Wawel and surroundings
Exploring the Royal Wawel Castle and its vicinity can be a full-day affair, and fortunately, the area offers a variety of gastronomic options to satisfy every palate. From quick bites within the castle grounds to more extensive dining experiences in the surrounding Old Town, visitors have ample choices to refuel and relax. The culinary scene near Wawel blends traditional Polish flavors with modern influences, ensuring a delightful gastronomic complement to your historical journey.
What to Try?
- Traditional Polish Cuisine: Krakow is known for its hearty and delicious Polish dishes. Look for pierogi (dumplings with various fillings), żurek (sour rye soup), bigos (hunter's stew), and oscypek (smoked sheep cheese, especially popular with cranberries).
- Obwarzanki Krakowskie: These ring-shaped, braided bread snacks (pretzels) are a Krakow specialty, perfect for a quick and cheap bite while exploring. You'll find vendors selling them all around the Old Town and near Wawel.
- Sausages and Street Food: For a more casual experience, explore the local street food scene, which often includes various grilled sausages (kiełbasa) and zapiekanka (an open-faced baguette pizza).
- Craft Beer: Krakow's craft beer scene has been booming. Many pubs and restaurants offer a wide selection of local and regional craft beers.
- Sweets and Desserts: Don't miss out on traditional Polish cakes and pastries, such as sernik (cheesecake) or makowiec (poppy seed roll), often found in local bakeries and cafes.
Where to Eat?
While direct dining options within the Wawel Castle complex are limited mostly to cafes, the immediate vicinity and the Old Town offer a plethora of choices.
- Wawel Cafes: Inside the castle grounds, you'll find a few cafes offering coffee, drinks, and light snacks, perfect for a short break between visiting exhibitions.
- Grodzka Street: This main street leading from the Market Square to Wawel is lined with numerous restaurants and cafes, catering to a wide range of tastes and budgets. You'll find traditional Polish restaurants, as well as international cuisine.
- Kanonicza Street: One of Krakow's oldest and most picturesque streets, located just off Wawel, offers more upscale and intimate dining experiences in beautifully restored historical buildings.
- Main Market Square (Rynek Główny): Although a bit further from Wawel, the Market Square is a hub of gastronomic activity, with countless restaurants, pubs, and cafes surrounding it. It's a great place for a more lively dining experience.
- Kazimierz District: For those willing to venture a little further (a short walk or tram ride), the historic Jewish Quarter of Kazimierz offers a vibrant culinary scene with trendy cafes, traditional Jewish eateries, and a diverse selection of international restaurants.
Whether you're looking for a quick snack or a leisurely meal, the area around Wawel Castle provides ample opportunities to savor the flavors of Krakow and replenish your energy after exploring this historic site.
See also: