Wawel Cathedral

The fourteenth-century Wawel Cathedral (Katedra Wawelska), also known as Kraków Cathedral, is one of the most sacred temples in Poland. It represents an important testimony of the nation’s history.

Wawel Cathedral, located on Wawel Hill, has been standing for nearly 1,000 years and since its foundation, is the country’s national sanctuary. Moreover, all Polish monarchs have been crowned in this temple.

Inside the Cathedral

The Cathedral has numerous things to see. As you walk through the main entrance, you'll be handed a map with all the site’s highlights. These are the most important:

Sigismund Chapel: The Cathedral is flanked by various chapels, the most surprising of which is Sigismund Chapel, a Renaissance-style shrine beautifully decorated with stuccos and paintings and crowned with a striking dome.
Sarcophagus of St. Stanislaus: The mausoleum of St. Stanislaus, patron saint of Poland, stands in the middle of the nave.
Crypt: The Polish monarch and national heroes are buried in Wawel Cathedral. Visitors can see the real sarcophaguses that were buried here throughout the centuries.
Royal Sigismund Bell: One of the highlights of the Cathedral is Sigismund Tower, the edifice’s fifteenth-century bell-tower. It houses the impressive Royal Sigismund Bell (Zygmunt Bell), a 12-ton bell built in 1520. To this day, it still tolls on special occasions.

Part of the history of Kraków

The Gothic-style Wawel Cathedral is one of the most important sacred buildings in Poland and one of the oldest standing in Kraków. It is one of the best attractions in the city.