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Wawel - the Seat of Kings 

One glance is enough to find that the Wawel Castle is among Europe's most beautiful royal residences – and one of Krakow's biggest attractions. Situated on a limestone hill (called the Wawel hill – hence the name) on the bend of the Vistula river, it is a sight that must have roused awe in the kings' visitors, and has been an object of national pride for many generations of Poles. Wawel's chambers witnessed the births and deaths of kings, and its significance to the country's heritage earned it the name of the “Polish Camelot”.

The History of the Wawel Castle

Since the erection of a Romanesque palladium in the 11^th century, the residences on the Wawel hill were constantly growing and becoming more important to the state. The castle was expanded in the 14^th century by the two Polish kings Wladislas the Short and his son Casimir the Great. Unfortunately, the Gothic building was severely damaged in a fire in 1499. It was rebuilt in the 15^th century in a renaissance style it bears until present day. This work was done mostly by Italian artists, such as Francesco the Florentine, Bartholomeo Berrecci or Niccolo Castiglione. The Wawel Castle underwent minor changes in the following centuries, and was again heavily damaged in a fire in 1702, never to regain its full splendour.

Wawel - from Austrian Army Barracks to Nazi Headquarters

After Poland lost its independence, the Wawel Castle served as a military quarters for the army of the Austrian Empire, and, needless to say, the soldiers had little respect for the historic heritage. After years of endeavours, the Galician authorities of the city managed to force the Austrians to find another place for their troops, and in 1911 a fifty-year restoration of the Wawel Castle began. In the meantime, when Poland was occupied by the Germans during World War II, Wawel served as the headquarters of the notorious Nazi governor Hans Frank.

A Tour of the Wawel Castle

A walking tour of Wawel Castle may take some time, but the sights are certainly worth it. The main exhibition features the State Rooms, including the suite of the Governor of Cracow and the guest apartments. The highlights are the original renaissance and baroque furnishings, including the most valuable tapestries commissioned by Sigismund Augustus.

If you want to take a peek inside the kings' private life, visit the Wawel's Royal Chambers (or Royal Private Apartments), including the classicist Column Hall and the Hen's Foot – two little rooms of unknown purpose – some say the rulers sat there alone to contemplate essential issues, but who could guess?

Other Things Worth Seeing at the Wawel Castle in Krakow

Other interesting exhibitions in the Wawel Castle include Oriental Art or the Crown Treasury and Armory. A definite must-see is the Lost Wawel, a presentation of archaeological discoveries and original fragments of the Castle's architecture from as early as the 9^th century, when the first rotunda was built, until modern times. And, of course, you should take a peek inside the Wawel Dragon's Den – dare you face the monster?

When you're on the hill, why not visit another national symbol, the Wawel Cathedral?