Krakow: Wawel Cathedral Guided Tour

Towering over the Old Town in Krakow, the Wawel Castle was for centuries the seat of Polish rulers, the administrative, scientific and cultural capital of the country. As a witness to the most important events in the history of Poland, it is still the hallmark of the country on the Vistula River and the destination of tourists from around the world.

Even before entering the castle, the colorful sacral building attracts the attention of the entire magnificent castle complex. This is the famous Wawel Cathedral - one of the most important temples in the country. Throughout its more than 1,000-year history, the cathedral, rebuilt and changing, has been the site of the most important events of local and international importance. Coronations and royal weddings were held here, bishops raised prayers on important matters for the country, commanders laid banners and trophies after won battles, and after their death they themselves were buried in the walls of the temple.

Currently, several side chapels and crypts located in the Cathedral's basement are places of remembrance or burial of kings and people recognized as meritorious. A stop at them is an opportunity to learn about the unique story of life and the circumstances of death. And the sarcophagi, monuments and tombstones made by the masters are admired masterpieces reminding of the trends in art over the centuries.

The cathedral itself, based on the life and death of St. Stanislaus of Szczepanów, a bishop of Krakow who lived in the 11th century, and who, according to tradition, was murdered on the king's order, has always been a sacred place for believers. One of the pages of the cathedral's history was also written down by the later Pope John Paul II, who was ordained a priest here and returned to it many times in sermons and during pilgrimages.

Like almost every old building, the cathedral hides many curiosities and secrets. Answers to some of the questions: why are some graves empty? what is a single hand clock? how much does the heaviest bell weigh? where are the bones in front of the entrance from? what is the curse of the Jagiellons - you will certainly learn thanks to an experienced guide.

Enter the majestic cathedral on Wawel Hill, listen to a bit of history, admire the architecture and immerse yourself in the world of spirituality with a thousand-year tradition.

Meeting point: on the St. Mary Magdalene Square, at the Piotr Skarga Monument(click to go to Google Maps)
The guide with the "excursions.city" sign  
Duration: 1,5 hour