Wawel Cathedral, Kraków

Name: Wawel Cathedral
Address: Wawel 3, Kraków, 31-001, Poland
Telephone: +48 12 429 95 16

#4 among attractions in Kraków

Church, Gothic architecture, Baroque architecture, Top attraction, More...

Gallery (16)

Map

Gallery

Photo details 1. Wikipedia / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Silar / URL • 2. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0 / Carminecapricorn / URL • 3. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Diddaw / URL • 4. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Maxim75 / URL • 5. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Oliszydlowski / URL • 6. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0 / Fæ / URL • 7. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 pl / Anna Saini / URL

Facts and practical information

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 Polish kings and a testament to the nation's past.

Constructed in the 14th century, Wawel Cathedral has undergone numerous renovations and additions, resulting in a complex blend of architectural styles, including Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque. Its chapels, each a masterpiece in its own right, contain the tombs of Polish monarchs, national heroes, and revered saints, making it a hallowed ground for Polish history and identity.

The cathedral's interior is a treasure trove of art, with altarpieces, paintings, and sculptures adorning its walls and sanctuaries. Of particular note is the Sigismund Chapel, hailed as the most beautiful example of Tuscan Renaissance north of the Alps. The cathedral also houses the famous Sigismund Bell, the largest in Poland, whose solemn toll can be heard during significant national events.

Wawel Cathedral is not only a significant religious site but also a popular tourist destination. Visitors can explore the royal crypts, admire the intricate artwork, and climb the bell tower for a panoramic view of Kraków. The cathedral's museum holds a collection of ecclesiastical artifacts, including textiles, liturgical vessels, and the relics of Polish saints.

Alternative names: Completed: XI centuryCoordinates: 50°3'17"N, 19°56'8"E

Address

Wawel 3Stare Miasto (Nowy Świat)Kraków 31-001 Poland

Contact

+48 12 429 95 16

Website

Social media

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Kraków

Day trips

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

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

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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.
~1070 ftSW
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When is Wawel Cathedral open?

Wawel Cathedral is open:

Monday 9 am - 4 pm
Tuesday 9 am - 4 pm
Wednesday 9 am - 4 pm
Thursday 9 am - 4 pm
Friday 9 am - 4 pm
Saturday 9 am - 4 pm
Sunday 12:30 pm - 4 pm

Which popular attractions are close to Wawel Cathedral?

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

How to get to Wawel Cathedral by public transport?

The nearest stations to Wawel Cathedral:

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 (29 min walk)