Visit Kraków

Wawel Hill is one of the most important monuments of Polish culture and history. It’s like a religious and patriotic heart of the country. During the decline of Xth century it was a centre of royal authority. It was the seat of kings for over 500 years. It’s an architectual complex located on the left bank of the Vistula River.

When we’ve finished strolling around The Market Square it’s time we moved a little further and walk along a drive which leads up the limestone hill. There is an open square just behind the gates and by the side of the Cathedral, a passageway to the Castle courtyard. History of this place is amazing. Around 10th century Boleslaw Chrobry built a beautiful cathedral in romanesque style, which was unfortunately destroyed by fire. Then in 1305 Wladyslaw Lokietek became a king and after him there was Kazimierz Wielki, for whose deeds we should be grateful.

He ordered to built the Gothic castle, new Cathedral and defence walls with towers. It was a kind of modern renaissance residence. Unfortunately, Cracow was unlucky and again some parts of the city  together with beautiful Wawel Hill were destroyed by the Swedes, Austrians and Russians.

When we want to visit this staggering place we’ll be positively surprised by its uniqueness and a lot of unusual buildings and monuments. Because of vivid and sometimes brutal historical events Wawel is a kind of hotch-potch with different elements from various epochs. It’s a place which lacks harmony, but it’s not a defect. It’s one of the factors contributing to the growing number of foreign visitors. This place located near Kazimierz and the Old Town is famous from its real jewels such as elegant cathedral chapels or the State Rooms.

There is also the old bell-tower and a thrilling Dragon’s Lair. The Dragon of Wawel Hill is one of the best known symbols of Cracow. Dragon’s Lair is a large cave in Wawel Hill on the river-side slope. During 16th and 18th centuries it was a kind of inn of fishermen. The legend says that it was the den of Krakus’ dragon. Now there is a fire-breathing statue of dragon which stands at the exit of the den.