Smocza Jama, Show cave at Wawel Hill, Kraków, Poland.
Smocza Jama is a limestone cave at Wawel Hill with several chambers connected by narrow passages that extend 276 meters. The vertical rise inside reaches 15 meters, with visitors able to walk through about 120 meters of the system.
The chronicler Wincenty Kadłubek first mentioned the cave in the 13th century in his records of local legends. This written source documented tales that likely circulated orally long before that time.
The name refers to a creature from local lore that once lived along the riverbank and demanded tribute until a clever shoemaker defeated it using prepared mutton. Visitors today see a metal sculpture at the exit that recalls this tale and breathes fire at regular intervals.
Access is through a brick tower from which 135 spiral steps descend from the castle grounds. The temperature inside remains cool, so bringing a light jacket is advisable.
The sculptor Bronisław Chromy created a metal dragon figure in 1972 that was placed at the cave exit. This sculpture releases real flames every few minutes during the day and draws onlookers.
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