Being in Wawel, the heart of royal Krakow, it is impossible not to visit the cathedral, the most important temple in Poland, whose impressive interior symbolizes the continuity of the historical memory of generations. It is the resting place of Polish kings, national heroes, poets, and the patron saint of Poland, St. Stanisław.
For centuries it was the royal coronation church. The memory of this place dates back to the year 1000 when the bishopric of Krakow was established and the first temple was built. Over the centuries, the cathedral changed its face, subsequent builders added their towers and chapels, and the inexorable time and history crumbled them.
Today, visitors' attention is drawn to, among others, a silver coffin with the relics of Saint Stanislaus placed under a gilded dome; a black crucifix famous for its miracles, before which, according to tradition, Saint Queen Jadwiga prayed in the 14th century; numerous sarcophagi and graves of Polish rulers; beautifully decorated Sigismund, Vasa and Świętokrzyska chapels.
The crowning achievement of a visit to the cathedral may be climbing the Sigismund Tower, from which there is a wonderful view of the surrounding area. On its top floor, you can admire the most famous bell in Poland, named after King Sigismund. Zygmunt needs 12 bells to swing. In the past, its sound greeted royal children in the world and said goodbye to rulers setting out on their last journey. Legend says: whoever touches the heart of the bell will return to Krakow.
Entrance ticket
