Wawel Castle, Kraków

Name: Wawel Castle
Address: Wawel 5, Kraków, 31-001, Poland
Telephone: +48 12 422 51 55

#1 among attractions in Kraków

Museum, History museum, Top attraction

Gallery (21)

Map

Gallery

Photo details 1. Wikipedia / CC BY 3.0 / FotoCavallo / URL • 2. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.5 / KHRoN / URL • 3. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Bogdan Kosar / URL • 4. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 pl / Anna Saini / URL • 5. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Zetpe0202 / URL • 6. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Lestath / URL • 7. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.5 / Grabi / URL

Facts and practical information

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 country for centuries. Dating back to the 13th century, this grand complex has witnessed the coronations and burials of Poland's monarchs and has been expanded and remodeled in various architectural styles over the years, from Romanesque to Renaissance.

The castle complex includes a number of iconic structures, such as the Wawel Cathedral, royal chambers, defensive fortifications, and beautiful courtyards. Visitors are welcomed to explore the lavish state rooms, royal private apartments, treasury, and armory, all housing an impressive collection of art, including paintings, sculptures, tapestries, and decorative arts that speak volumes of the Polish monarchs' wealth and taste.

One of the highlights of the castle museum is the collection of the famous 16th-century Arras tapestries, commissioned by King Sigismund II Augustus. The castle also houses Leonardo da Vinci's priceless painting 'Lady with an Ermine,' a captivating attraction for art enthusiasts.

Wawel Castle is not only a feast for the eyes but also a significant cultural hub, hosting a variety of exhibitions, events, and educational programs that delve into Poland's past. The well-preserved architecture and art offer a deep dive into the nation's royal heritage.

Local name: Zamek Królewski na Wawelu Architectural style: Romanesque architecture, Gothic, RenaissanceVisitors per year: 1.5 mil.Coordinates: 50°3'18"N, 19°56'8"E

Address

Wawel 5Stare Miasto (Nowy Świat)Kraków 31-001 Poland

Contact

+48 12 422 51 55

Website

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Kraków

Day trips

Wawel Castle – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Wawel, Wawel Cathedral, Saints Peter and Paul Church, St. Andrew's Church.

~820 ftSE
Palace
Wawel, Kraków
4 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...
~80 ftS
Gothic cathedral and national sanctuary
Wawel Cathedral, Kraków
1 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...
~860 ftNE
Catholic church in the baroque style
Saints Peter and Paul Church, Kraków
5 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.
~900 ftNE
Stone church built from 1079 to 1098 CE
St. Andrew's Church, Kraków
5 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...
~810 ftSW
Well-known cave with a dragon statue
Smocza Jama, Kraków
4 min walk • 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...
~270 ftW
Museum, Art museum
John Paul II Cathedral Museum, Kraków
2 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.
~1150 ftSW
Park
Vistulan Boulevards, Kraków
6 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.
~490 ftSW
Church
St. George's Chapel, Kraków
3 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.
~1120 ftN
Museum, Natural history museum, Specialty museum
Geological Museum, Kraków
6 min walk • Muzeum Geologiczne Instytutu Nauk Geologicznych PAN w Krakowie is a museum in Kraków, Poland. The collection dates back to 1865.
~1000 ftN
Museum, History museum, Archaeological museum
Archaeological Museum of Kraków, Kraków
5 min walk • The Archaeological Museum of Kraków is a historic museum in Kraków, Lesser Poland Voivodeship, Poland. It was established in 1850.
~550 ftNE
Palace
Florian Mokrski Palace, Kraków
3 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)

When is Wawel Castle open?

Wawel Castle is open:

Monday closed
Tuesday 9:30 am - 5 pm
Wednesday 9:30 am - 5 pm
Thursday 9:30 am - 5 pm
Friday 9:30 am - 5 pm
Saturday 10 am - 5 pm
Sunday 10 am - 5 pm

Which popular attractions are close to Wawel Castle?

Nearby attractions include St. Michael's Chapel, Kraków (1 min walk), St. Leonard's Crypt, Kraków (1 min walk), Royal Garden in Kraków, Kraków (1 min walk), Sigismund's Chapel, Kraków (1 min walk).

How to get to Wawel Castle by public transport?

The nearest stations to Wawel Castle:

Tram

Wawel • Lines: 10, 13, 18, 6, 8 (5 min walk)
Filharmonia • Lines: 1, 13, 18, 2, 6, 69, 8 (8 min walk)

Bus

Jubilat • Lines: 109, 114, 124, 144, 164, 169, 173, 179, 194, 304, 424, 469, 503, 608, Bus Michalus, Telesfor Kraków => Limanowa, Telesfor Limanowa => Kraków (11 min walk)
Starowiślna • Lines: 610 (11 min walk)

Train

Kraków Zabłocie (28 min walk)
Krakow Main Station (28 min walk)