Smocza Jama, Kraków

Name: Smocza Jama
Address: Kraków, Poland

#23 among attractions in Kraków

Nature, Cave, Natural attraction

Gallery (11)

Map

Gallery

Photo details 1. Wikipedia / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Falk2 / URL • 2. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Falk2 / URL • 3. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0 / Jennifer Boyer / URL • 4. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Falk2 / URL • 5. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0 / RaNo / URL • 6. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 pl / Dawid Galus / URL • 7. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 pl / Dawid Galus / URL

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the historic city of Kraków, Poland, Smocza Jama, or the Dragon's Den, is a fascinating cave that has captured the imagination of locals and tourists alike. This natural limestone cavern, located at the foot of Wawel Hill, is steeped in legend and history, making it a unique addition to Kraków's rich cultural tapestry.

Smocza Jama's origins are shrouded in myth, with tales of a fearsome dragon that once dwelled within its depths. The dragon, known in Polish folklore as the Wawel Dragon, is said to have terrorized the city's inhabitants until it was outwitted and slain by a clever shoemaker's apprentice. Today, a metal sculpture of the dragon breathes fire at the cave's entrance, delighting visitors and paying homage to the legend.

The cave itself extends approximately 270 meters, with a descent of 135 steps leading into its shadowy interior. The cavern's chambers and corridors have been carved by water over millions of years, creating a subterranean world of stalactites and stalagmites. Although not as vast as other famous caves, Smocza Jama offers an intriguing glimpse into the geological past of the region.

Archaeological findings suggest that the cave was once inhabited by prehistoric humans, and throughout the Middle Ages, it served various purposes, including as a tavern and a meeting place for secret societies. The cave's historical significance adds an extra layer of intrigue for visitors exploring its hidden corners.

Open to the public, Smocza Jama provides a cool respite from the city's bustle and an opportunity for an underground adventure. Guided tours are available, offering insights into the cave's geology, history, and the enduring dragon legend. The experience is both educational and entertaining, making it a must-visit for those seeking to connect with Kraków's mythical past.

The cave is accessible to tourists throughout the year, with adjusted hours during different seasons. Visitors should be prepared for a slightly damp and chilly environment, typical of limestone caves, and suitable footwear is recommended for the descent and exploration within.

Alternative names: Coordinates: 50°3'11"N, 19°56'1"E

Address

Stare Miasto (Nowy Świat)Kraków Poland

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Day trips

Smocza Jama – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Wawel Castle, Wawel, Wawel Cathedral, Saints Peter and Paul Church.

~810 ftNE
Medieval royal castle museum complex
Wawel Castle, Kraków
4 min walk • Wawel Castle, a majestic royal residence and fortress, stands as a crowning jewel of Kraków, Poland. Perched atop Wawel Hill, the castle is not only a significant museum but also a testament to Poland's rich history, having been the political and cultural heart of the...
~1260 ftE
Palace
Wawel, Kraków
7 min walk • Wawel Royal Castle, perched on Wawel Hill in Kraków, Poland, stands as a magnificent testament to the country's royal heritage and architectural grandeur. This historic palace, dating back to the 14th century, was the residence of Polish kings for centuries and is a...
~730 ftNE
Gothic cathedral and national sanctuary
Wawel Cathedral, Kraków
4 min walk • Wawel Cathedral, also known as the Royal Archcathedral Basilica of Saints Stanislaus and Wenceslaus, is a towering symbol of Kraków's historical and religious significance. Located on Wawel Hill, this Gothic church is not only a place of worship but also a pantheon of...
~1670 ftNE
Catholic church in the baroque style
Saints Peter and Paul Church, Kraków
9 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Kraków, the Saints Peter and Paul Church is a baroque masterpiece and an architectural gem of the city. This Roman Catholic church, completed in 1619, stands as a testament to the religious and cultural history of Poland.
~1700 ftNE
Stone church built from 1079 to 1098 CE
St. Andrew's Church, Kraków
9 min walk • St. Andrew's Church stands as a historic jewel in the heart of Kraków, Poland, distinguished by its Romanesque architecture and storied past. Built between the 11th and 13th centuries, this fortress-like church is one of the best-preserved examples of Romanesque...
~930 ftSW
Museum of Japanese art and culture
Manggha, Kraków
5 min walk • Manggha is a museum in Kraków, Poland. Until 2005, it was a branch of the National Museum of Kraków.
~620 ftN
Museum, Art museum
John Paul II Cathedral Museum, Kraków
3 min walk • The John Paul II Cathedral Museum is a museum in Kraków, Poland. It is situated on Wawel Hill, between the Vasa Gate and the former seat of the Castle Seminary, in the Cathedral House, which is composed of two 14th-century buildings.
~370 ftS
Park
Vistulan Boulevards, Kraków
2 min walk • The Vistulan Boulevards are historical hydraulic boulevards used for flood management in Kraków, Poland. The boulevards are structured from retaining walls, allowing the boulevards to perform a river port function.
~340 ftNE
Church
St. George's Chapel, Kraków
2 min walk • St. George's Chapel was a place of worship at Wawel Castle in Kraków, Poland. It was both a royal chapel and the chapel of the commoners. The chapel was governed by the dean and canons of Wawel. The chapel was located in the outer courtyard of the castle hill. There are not many historical sources.
~1760 ftN
Museum, History museum, Archaeological museum
Archaeological Museum of Kraków, Kraków
9 min walk • The Archaeological Museum of Kraków is a historic museum in Kraków, Lesser Poland Voivodeship, Poland. It was established in 1850.
~1340 ftNE
Palace
Florian Mokrski Palace, Kraków
7 min walk • Florian Mokrski Palace - a historical building, located by Kanonicza Street in Kraków, Poland. The palace owes its name to Florian Mokrski, who from 1367 to 1380 was a Bishop of Kraków. Around 1540, the building became property of Jan Andrzej Valentino - the doctor of Queen Bona and Zygmunt I.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which popular attractions are close to Smocza Jama?

Nearby attractions include Smok Wawelski, Kraków (1 min walk), St. George's Chapel, Kraków (2 min walk), Sandomierska Tower, Kraków (2 min walk), Vistulan Boulevards, Kraków (2 min walk).

How to get to Smocza Jama by public transport?

The nearest stations to Smocza Jama:

Tram

Wawel • Lines: 10, 13, 18, 6, 8 (8 min walk)
Orzeszkowej • Lines: 12, 18, 22, 52, 62 (8 min walk)

Bus

Rondo Grunwaldzkie • Lines: 112, 162, Bus Michalus (8 min walk)
Jubilat • Lines: 109, 114, 124, 144, 164, 169, 173, 179, 194, 304, 424, 469, 503, 608, Bus Michalus, Telesfor Kraków => Limanowa, Telesfor Limanowa => Kraków (10 min walk)

Train

Kraków Zabłocie (29 min walk)
Krakow Main Station (32 min walk)