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Wawel Royal Castle

5 Wawel, Kraków, Małopolskie

Description

Wawel Royal Castle (Zamek Królewski na Wawelu) was built in the mid-14th century in Krakow on the left bank of the Vistula River under King Casimir III the Great and expanded over time so that the architectural styles range form the Medieval to the Baroque. For several centuries, it was the seat of power of the Polish Kingdom, until the capital was moved to Warsaw in 1596. Highlights include the State Rooms, the tiered arcades of the Italian Renaissance courtyard, the Wawel Cathedral (reviewed separately), the Crown Treasury (with replicas of the Polish Crown Jewels), the Ottoman Turkish Tents, the Sigismund II Augustus tapestry collection, and the weapon exhibits of the Armoury.

Access & Transport

The 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. Accessibility info: https://wawel.krakow.pl/en/accessibility-1

Instructions & Recommendations

Note that various parts of the castle have different opening hours (and closure days). Bookings open 2 weeks in advance and there are limited availability with different sections requiring different tickets: Castle I, Castle II, Castle Underground, Crown Treasury and Armoury. Those are priced at PLN 23-49 each (reduced is PLN 17-37). There is also the option of 150mins English guided tour taking on most of the areas priced at PLN125/95.

Meta review

Generally ranked and described as the #1 attraction in Krakow itself, be it by travel guidebooks or online reviewers. Most of visitors comment are, a little surprisingly, about the look of the castle rather than the content of the various rooms & museums inside though we gathered that the State Rooms and Crown Treasury are often tagged as being the most interesting. Recurring mentions that it is free to enter the complex to walk around the gardens, sit at one of the cafes and enjoy the views.

Environmental & Social

We deem this activity environmentally neutral. An integral part of the city's and country's architectural and historical heritages.

Conclusion

The main evidence of Krakow's central role during Poland's medieval period and an aesthetically pleasing architectural complex, Wawel Royal Castle is arguably an unmissable cultural activity for any first-time visitor to the city. History buffs can expect to spend more than the 2h30 that we have allocated.

Key positive

Deep historical background

Free access to the grounds

Walking distance to the Old Town and tram stop next to it

Key negative

May need several tickets to see what you want

Suitability

Most of the areas are accessible to wheelchair users.

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

April 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
Closed on 01 Nov, 11 Nov, 24/25 Dec and many sections also on 31 Dec

av. transport time:0h 15m

est. visit time:2h 30m

Regulated hours

Start of Season 1:Sep, 01

Season 1

MONDAY10:00 - 16:00

TUESDAY09:00 - 17:00

WEDNESDAY09:00 - 17:00

THURSDAY09:00 - 17:00

FRIDAY09:00 - 17:00

SATURDAY09:00 - 17:00

SUNDAY09:00 - 17:00

Start of Season 2:Jul, 01

Season 2

MONDAY10:00 - 16:00

TUESDAY09:00 - 18:00

WEDNESDAY09:00 - 18:00

THURSDAY09:00 - 18:00

FRIDAY09:00 - 18:00

SATURDAY09:00 - 18:00

SUNDAY09:00 - 18:00

Pricing
Age band
Age band
Regular price / pers.
Senior
65 - 99
PLN 66
Adult
18 - 64
PLN 88
Child
7 - 17
PLN 66
Infant
0 - 6
PLN 0
Computed as 2 bookings for Castle 1 or 2 or Underground AND Crown Treasury

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