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Wawel Cathedral

3 Wawel, Kraków, Małopolskie

Description

The Wawel Cathedral (Katedra Wawelska) was first built in the 11th century but it and its second incarnation were destroyed so that the current main structure dates from 14th century with later additions explaining the mix of architectural styles, from Romanesque through Renaissance, the Baroque and even Neogothic. It is part of the Wawel Castle complex and has served as both the coronation and burial site of Polish monarchs. Highlights include the gilded main altar, various sarcophagus and cenotaphs, and the Renaissance Sigismund's Chapel with its golden dome. Trivia: Karol Wojtyła, who in 1978 became Pope John Paul II, gave its first mass there in 1958.

Access & Transport

The castle & cathedral complex is located in the centre of Krakow between the Old Town and the Kazimierz neighbourhood. The 'Wawel' tram stop is next to it and, for those who drive, the 'Plac na Groblach' car park is a 5 mins walk away.

Instructions & Recommendations

We strongly suggest combining this attraction with a visit of one or two areas of the Wawel Royal Castle. Note that the Cathedral Museum is closed on Sundays and the Cathedral is closed for mass on Sunday mornings.

Meta review

Systematically featured in travel guidebooks alongside the Royal Castle, the online reviews are full of fake entries... even for a Cathedral! The highlight seems to be the Royal Crypt and the interior of the church is otherwise described as unspectacular compared to major European cathedrals. Many visitors seem to enjoy climbing up the bell tower and also note that photos are not allowed inside.

Environmental & Social

We deem this attraction environmentally neutral. Part of the city's architectural and artistic heritages.

Conclusion

The cathedral makes for an interesting visit but more on account of the historical aspects, including the crypt and sarcophagus, rather than the interior artwork. Make sure to have a look from the outside, when checking out the Castle Complex, but consider the visit optional if you aren't that into religious and/or historical attractions.

Key positive

Unusual exterior architectural aspects

Interesting coffins & cenotaphs

Key negative

The main structure isn't particularly grand (relatively speaking)

Suitability

Partially accessible to visitors with reduced mobility and no religious denomination restrictions

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

April 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
The Cathedral Museum is closed on Sundays and the Archdiocesan Museum is closed on Mondays

av. transport time:0h 15m

est. visit time:1h

Regulated hours

Start of Season 1:Apr, 01

Season 1

MONDAY09:00 - 17:00

TUESDAY09:00 - 17:00

WEDNESDAY09:00 - 17:00

THURSDAY09:00 - 17:00

FRIDAY09:00 - 17:00

SATURDAY09:00 - 17:00

SUNDAY12:30 - 17:00

Start of Season 2:Nov, 01

Season 2

MONDAY09:00 - 16:00

TUESDAY09:00 - 16:00

WEDNESDAY09:00 - 16:00

THURSDAY09:00 - 16:00

FRIDAY09:00 - 16:00

SATURDAY09:00 - 16:00

SUNDAY12:30 - 16:00

Pricing
Admission to the Cathedral, Sigismund’s Bell, the Royal Tombs, the Cathedral & Archdiocesan Museums
Age band
Age band
Regular price / pers.
Senior
65 - 99
PLN 16
Adult
18 - 64
PLN 23
Child
7 - 17
PLN 16
Infant
0 - 6
PLN 0

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