The Polish people revere Wawel Hill in Krakow Poland and it is a must visit site for the many tourists who flock to Cracow. It holds a special place in Polish history and culture. From the 11th century Poland's monarchs were crowned, lived and buried here and it has been the final resting place for Poland's national heroes since the nineteenth century.
This Jurassic limestone rock houses the Royal Castle and the national Cathedral and looks down over Cracow from its position on the banks of the Vistula River, which in the early days surrounded it. Evidence of settlement on the hill goes back as early as the seventh century and a medieval story is told about a terrifying dragon that lived in a cave beneath the hill, which was slain by the hero Krakus.
The Vislane tribe held the hill as a major fortress in the ninth century and the first recognised ruler of Poland Miesco I (c.965-992) ruled from the hill. In the mid eleventh century a stone building existed and was called the palladium, the remains of this building are located in the northern wing of the present-day Castle.
Since its early development and the establishment of a stone cathedral that was erected after the bishopric of Cracow was established in the year 1000 A.D. Wawel Hill has become, after a turbulent history, a national and religious symbol for Poland. Wawel Royal Castle complex today is filled with visitors each day to view the palace, the cathedral and the exhibitions. The exhibitions zakopane thermal baths tour display priceless art treasures, and historical artefacts and are popular attractions. It is advisable to arrive early, as there is a daily limit on the number of visitors permitted to the displays.
The Royal Chambers and State Rooms offer up historical interiors, period furniture, art treasures and a wonderful sixteenth century Flemish tapestry collection. There is also a Oriental art collection full of Turkish tents and banners, Turkish and Persian weapons and carpets and Chinese and Japanese ceramics.
The Crown Treasury and Armoury has on show Polish royal memorabilia, regalia, jewels and other precious royal items. It also displays arms from the fifteenth and sixteenth century.
The Wawel Cathedral is Poland's majestic national shrine and is full of significant religious art and treasures, which is scattered amongst the eighteen chapels it contains. Here are the Royal Tombs where most of the Polish kings and their family members are buried in the chapels and crypts. Also it is the final resting place of Poland's greatest national heroes, numerous bishops, four saints and two poets. The church's belfry houses the giant Sigismund Bell, which dates from fifteen twenty and is said to be the world's largest bell. The Pope John Paul the second Cathedral museum is another attraction and is full of church art and historic curios.
The Lost Wawel is an archaeological and architectural display of the early eleventh century church of St. Felix and Adauctus'. On show are objects excavated by archaeologists while digging on Wawel Hill. There are ornate stove tiles of the sixteenth and seventeenth century, as well as a multimedia presentation of the history of Wawel Hill.
The Dragon's Den is another visitor attraction and is a large natural cavern inside Wawel Hill. This is said to be the lair of a legendary fiery monster that was slain by the hero Krakus all those years ago. When you emerge from the depths of the dragons lair you can wander around the pleasant castle's gardens and back down into the town serenaded by traditional polish music.
