Wawel Cathedral, Cathedral at Wawel Hill, Kraków, Poland.
Wawel Cathedral is a three-nave basilica built from brick and stone, with multiple side chapels attached that display different periods and styles. The central tower with its golden dome rises above the west portal and is flanked by smaller towers on the facade.
The current building dates from the 14th century and is the third structure on this site, following fire and collapse that destroyed two earlier Romanesque predecessors. Polish kings were crowned and buried here until the capital moved to Warsaw.
This building serves as the spiritual heart of Poland, hosting state ceremonies and religious events of national importance. Visitors walk among the tombs of monarchs and two beloved national poets, figures deeply woven into the country's collective memory.
Entry is through the main portal on Wawel Hill, where queues can grow longer during fine weather. Part of the building is open for free access, while other areas such as the crypt and tower require separate tickets.
The Sigismund Chapel is considered a perfect example of Renaissance design north of the Alps and was built between 1517 and 1533 by Italian masters. Its proportions and details follow strict mathematical rules that were still rare in Central Europe at the time.
Location: Kraków
Inception: 1020
Architects: Giovanni Battista Trevano, Giovanni Battista Gisleni
Architectural style: Gothic architecture, Romanesque art, Gothic art, Baroque
Accessibility: Dostępne dla wózków inwalidzkich
Part of: Wawel Castle
Address: Wawel, 31-001 Kraków, Poland
Opening Hours: Poniedziałek-Sobota 06:30-17:00; Niedziela 07:00-17:30; kwietnia-października Poniedziałek-Sobota 06:30-18:00; kwietnia-października Niedziela 07:00-18:30
Phone: +48124299516
Email: info@katedra-wawelska.pl
Website: http://katedra-wawelska.pl
GPS coordinates: 50.05464,19.93542
Latest update: December 11, 2025 23:20
Wawel Royal Castle
59 m
Wawel Castle
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Wawel
53 m
Sigismund Bell
31 m
Sigismund's Chapel
22 m
Saints Peter and Paul Church
357 m
Statue of the dog Dżok
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Smocza Jama
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St. Andrew's Church
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National Bards crypt of the Wawel
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St. Leonard's Crypt
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Panteon Narodowy w Krakowie
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Stradom
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Wawel heads
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Tadeusz Kościuszko Monument
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Rotunda of the Virgin Mary
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Zygmunt's Tower
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Vasa Chapel
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Archaeological Museum of Kraków
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Wawel Royal Castle National Art Collection
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Wawel Kurza Stopa Tower
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Jan Dlugosz House, Krakow
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Church of St. Martin in Kraków
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Museum of illusions
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Silver Bells Tower
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Church of the Conversion of Saint Paul, Krakow
368 mVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
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