Wawel Royal Castle
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Wawel Royal Castle - by FotoCavallo (CC BY 3.0)





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.
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
av. transport time:0h 15m
est. visit time:2h 30m
Start of Season 1:Sep, 01
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
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