Kości „Smoka Wawelskiego”
The Dragon of Wawel Bones hang on chains outside the west entrance of Wawel Cathedral. These three large bone pieces, one of which measures over 3 feet (1 meter) long, are scientifically identified as remains of a mammoth, whale, and woolly rhinoceros from the period between ice ages.
Records from the 1500s first mentioned these bones as remains of extinct creatures. Over centuries they became linked to the legend of a dragon, but scientific studies in the 1930s revealed their true origin from prehistoric animals.
The bones hang on the outside of the cathedral, so you need no ticket to view them. They are positioned on the left side when approaching the west entrance and are easily visible from street level.
Local legend claims that if the chains break, the cathedral could collapse or the world might end. This belief reflects ancient practices where animal bones were hung at sacred places to serve as protective talismans.
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