Wawel Cathedral
Wawel Cathedral
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
12:30 PM - 5:00 PM
About
National shrine known for its superb religious art including the giant bell of Zygmunt of 1520, one of the world's largest, and the burial place of many Polish kings and their families, national heroes and numerous bishops.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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Address
Neighborhood: Stare Miasto
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See what travelers are saying
- PeteFredericksburg, Virginia1,200 contributionsThe most important Krakow attractionI was very fortunate to have a very good tour guide for this tour and I got the feeling he could have entertained us for probably 5 hours just in the Cathedral. The Cathedral ended up being the place where Casmir The Great and King Jagiello were discussed. And, our tour guide shared an interesting story about Bishop Stanislaus in 1079. He was killed by the then current 1079, King Boleslaw II. There was all the significant history of Poland right in this Cathedral. This Cathedral was the most important attraction in Krakow! No photos were permitted.Visited November 2023Traveled with friendsWritten November 10, 2023
- Margaret M197 contributionsFantastic settingImpressive cathedral with grand architecture. The route round is well defined and takes you into the crypts where you can see the tombs of important figures from the past and near past. My criticism is that one of my friends has a very bad hip and didn’t feel able to go down into the crypt, but that is the exit route (not marked as such) and the staff wouldn’t allow her to exit via a door from the body if the church.Visited November 2023Traveled with friendsWritten November 29, 2023
- Keith HAtherton, United Kingdom131 contributionsCathedral visitA short stroll from the square, very reasonably priced entrance to the cathedral, Jon Paul ll museum and arch diocese museum. Go up to the Bell Tower and see the bells amazing, great view across the rooftop. Lots more to see if you want to do the castle at extra cost.Visited January 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten January 23, 2024
- muttibeyIzmir, Türkiye3,832 contributionsVery GoodThree months later 06.02.2024 I had the chance to visit the inside of the castle. Quite impressive. Make sure that you give 23 zlt and enter and go to the top to the bell. You won’t regret. There are lots of amazing things to observe inside the cathedral.Visited February 2024Traveled soloWritten February 6, 2024
- nmaidwell123Middlesbrough, United Kingdom483 contributionsStunning cathedralAbsolutely stunning cathedral steaped in history. We had a tour guide who was excellent and the cathedral is amazing. The architecture and relics are so beautiful and well preserved, Well worth a visit and we got to climb to the top of the cathedral and touch the bell to make a wish and look at the view,Visited May 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten May 16, 2024
- ANGELO VMilan, Italy4,824 contributionsWawel CathedralThe current Gothic cathedral is the third edifice on this site; the first was built and destroyed in the 11th century; the second one, constructed in the 12th century, was destroyed by a fire in 1305. The construction of the existing church began in the 14th century. It served as the coronation site of Polish monarchs. There is a mandatory convoluted visit route that makes you miss an overall idea of the church. Several side chapels are encountered along the route, the best of which are two frescoed Gothic chapels at the end, before going to the crypts. Several royal tombs are present, both in the church and in the crypts. In addition, the crypts have several tombs of statemen and famous Polish personalities. The climb to the Sigismund bell consists of over 130 steps on a narrow steep stair, and apart from the 500 years old bell, you have a very good view over the city from the top of the tower. Entrance ticket to the Wawel Cathedral entitles also to visit the Cathedral crypts, the Sigismund tower and bell, and the Wawel Cathedral Museum.Visited July 2024Traveled soloWritten July 12, 2024
- LeonhknyHong Kong, China22,375 contributionsMajor tourist drawThe tall, encompassing cathedral inside Wawel Castle is quite a sight. It is also one of the most recognizable landmarks of the Polish city. One of the towers is currently renovation. Ticket is required and the queue pretty long.Visited August 2024Traveled with familyWritten August 22, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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DoulaBeverley
Grendon Underwood, UK282 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Visited here on a wet Monday in February as the castle was closed.
We hired audio guides which were useful.
You’re not allowed to take any photos inside which is a shame.
The bell tower was a lot of steps but worth it once up there.,
The audio guide rambles on a bit.
Out ticket also allowed us into the museum which was very small and unimpressive.
We hired audio guides which were useful.
You’re not allowed to take any photos inside which is a shame.
The bell tower was a lot of steps but worth it once up there.,
The audio guide rambles on a bit.
Out ticket also allowed us into the museum which was very small and unimpressive.
Written February 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ida Heiseldal
Fredrikstad, Norway71 contributions
May 2022
It was obviously my intention to visit the Wawel Hill area on my trip to Krakow, but I didn't necessarily intend for it to be the first thing on my bucket list. But I just so happened to stumble upon it on my first walk around Krakow, before even being able to check into my hotel. It was fairly early in the morning, the weather was lovely, and there weren't so many people around either, which suited me fine, as I was quite tired after having been awake since 1AM.
The premises are absolutely stunning, and the views include a small garden, two artillery towers, the castle itself, the Wawel Cathedral, a general museum and a restaurant, to name a few. I didn't take the time to explore all of it, but I went into the cathedral, which has also been formed more like a museum, the Sandomierska tower and went for brunch at the little trattoria there, which will get its own review.
All the activities are either free or affordable, and I found it a lovely place to just walk around and admire the view as well.
The cathedral was absolutely mesmerizing. Built in the later half of the 14th century, it stands tall above the already beautiful city of Krakow. You can also go pay a small fee to go inside and visit the Royal Crypts, which were well worth the time and money for me. The whole cathedral is absolutely packed with Polish history. I didn't spend as much time at the Wawel Hills as I probably should, so I will definitely come back for a more thorough visit next time. Hopefully, a little more rested.
The premises are absolutely stunning, and the views include a small garden, two artillery towers, the castle itself, the Wawel Cathedral, a general museum and a restaurant, to name a few. I didn't take the time to explore all of it, but I went into the cathedral, which has also been formed more like a museum, the Sandomierska tower and went for brunch at the little trattoria there, which will get its own review.
All the activities are either free or affordable, and I found it a lovely place to just walk around and admire the view as well.
The cathedral was absolutely mesmerizing. Built in the later half of the 14th century, it stands tall above the already beautiful city of Krakow. You can also go pay a small fee to go inside and visit the Royal Crypts, which were well worth the time and money for me. The whole cathedral is absolutely packed with Polish history. I didn't spend as much time at the Wawel Hills as I probably should, so I will definitely come back for a more thorough visit next time. Hopefully, a little more rested.
Written May 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
EPHtravels
Aylesbury, UK1,113 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
We paid for the entrance and audio guide £10 for 2 people) which was worth having. It works automatically as you walk round telling you which direction to go.
It's not a big cathedral but crammed with chapels, vaults and so much to see. The highlight for me was the Bell Tower. Not an overly difficult climb in my opinion and I'm not a super fit person but small spaces in parts and tiny doorways. Well worth doing if you are able.
Can't take photos inside the cathedral sadly, but can in and up the Bell Tower.
It's not a big cathedral but crammed with chapels, vaults and so much to see. The highlight for me was the Bell Tower. Not an overly difficult climb in my opinion and I'm not a super fit person but small spaces in parts and tiny doorways. Well worth doing if you are able.
Can't take photos inside the cathedral sadly, but can in and up the Bell Tower.
Written February 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RPThorne
Sedgwick, Australia275 contributions
Aug 2022 • Solo
The cathedral is well worth a visit, with its mix of amazing architectural and artistic features. Signs on major exhibits are in Polish and English, although an audio guide headset was available if desired. Some people took tour guides.
Unlike other venues at Wawel Castle, the tickets are untimed, so you can purchase a ticket just near the entrance and go in at your leisure.
Photography was not allowed and most people were respectful and kept voices low.
It is a functioning church and so opening hours were limited on Sunday.
The tour route was clearly signed and takes you downstairs to the tombs of past kings and bishops. I spent minimum time in that section.
As a senior, I bought the concession ticket for 15 PLN - so not expensive at all. Less than one hour is needed.
Unlike other venues at Wawel Castle, the tickets are untimed, so you can purchase a ticket just near the entrance and go in at your leisure.
Photography was not allowed and most people were respectful and kept voices low.
It is a functioning church and so opening hours were limited on Sunday.
The tour route was clearly signed and takes you downstairs to the tombs of past kings and bishops. I spent minimum time in that section.
As a senior, I bought the concession ticket for 15 PLN - so not expensive at all. Less than one hour is needed.
Written August 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
andrewwilkes2018
Greater London, UK43 contributions
Feb 2020
Don’t like the interior at all. A beautiful Gothic construction is hidden by memorials, shrines and altars and it feels like a museum rather than anything else. Nevertheless, a must visit up the hill without a doubt and you may find it more to your taste than I did.
Written February 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dirk T
Wuppertal, Germany26 contributions
Aug 2023
The cathedral is a highlight of a visit to Krakow. For photography enthusiasts, however, it is a very dubious legal trap! Nowhere in the ticket office or at the ticket counter is there a notice indicating the ban on photography in the cathedral, as is good commercial practice. Only after a good faith contract for the opportunity to take photographs has been concluded by purchasing a ticket does the church administration unilaterally revoke this contract. The disappointed tourist only learns of this breach of contract when entering the cathedral. Even the very tiny print on the pensioner's ticket is only legible after purchase. The normal ticket has no print at all. Does a church-run and therefore value-oriented company treat guests and customers properly? Or are the administrators simply too spoiled by the rush of guests and customer orientation has not yet reached the church administration?
Written August 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MarcusHurley
Calne, UK10,818 contributions
Sep 2021
This was a huge fourteenth century building that seemed to be the equivalent to Westminster Abbey - tomb of royalty and VIPs and a seat of power in its own right. Unfortunately we couldn’t take photos inside but some of the side chapels were amazing, particularly the one painted in the fourteenth century that almost seemed like a 19th century Arts and Crafts offering. There was lots of religious stuff and we pretty much skimmed through the Treasury.
The Royal Tombs were quite amazing, very well maintained/restored and a variety of styles including stone, metal and possibly painted wood but all ornate. There was also a memorial to Katyn, where the Soviets massacred 25,000 Polish officers and intellectuals in 1940. Again, no photos though. The final visit was to the cathedral bells. These were up a series of incredibly steep and narrow steps and there were quite a few of them on various levels of the staircases. They were all massive and quite ridiculous weights too! Despite being largely closed we’d spent over 5 hours in the castle complex so that was pretty good going.
The Royal Tombs were quite amazing, very well maintained/restored and a variety of styles including stone, metal and possibly painted wood but all ornate. There was also a memorial to Katyn, where the Soviets massacred 25,000 Polish officers and intellectuals in 1940. Again, no photos though. The final visit was to the cathedral bells. These were up a series of incredibly steep and narrow steps and there were quite a few of them on various levels of the staircases. They were all massive and quite ridiculous weights too! Despite being largely closed we’d spent over 5 hours in the castle complex so that was pretty good going.
Written September 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PetrusM1975
Warsaw, Poland392 contributions
Jun 2021
The Wawel Cathedral is very important place for polish people full of history and beatifull art. It is Heart of Nation with the Altar on wich polish kings were crowned, reliquiary of St Stanislas - Protector of Poland and tombs of kings and national heroes. In Cracow it is must see. Sighstseeing with profesional guide is very adivisable specialy for people who dind know a lot about polish history. Worth to climb the bell tower for nice panorama of Cracow Old Town
Written June 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Drumby5
Glasgow, UK24 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
This is a wonderful cathedral to visit.
As part of the ticket price you can visit the Sigismund bell in the tower.
There is no information so let me alert you - there are several levels of stairs to climb in very close and dark surroundings.
For anyone who doesn’t like heights or is claustrophobic, I suggest you avoid as you cannot go backwards as there is a long queue behind you with no space to maneovre.
As part of the ticket price you can visit the Sigismund bell in the tower.
There is no information so let me alert you - there are several levels of stairs to climb in very close and dark surroundings.
For anyone who doesn’t like heights or is claustrophobic, I suggest you avoid as you cannot go backwards as there is a long queue behind you with no space to maneovre.
Written February 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Urius
Vilnius, Lithuania772 contributions
Oct 2020
It's up on the hill, so expect to hike up a little bit. Historical stone streets lead up to the Cathedral. The vista and views from up top are fair when you can get to them, but nothing quite so panoramic to go our of your way to see. Good views of the river can be seen though. The Cathedral complex is a mish mash of different architectural styles and motifs which don't seem to go together all that well despite their age and impressive individual appearance.
Written December 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are visiting at the end of April. I can see tickets for the castle but not for the cathedral. Can you buy tickets for the cathedral in advance and where from please? Dx
Written April 2, 2024
Hello, I have a morning to kill before my flight. What is the duration to visit the Wawel Cathedral and its museum as well?
Apart from that, I heard that the duration to visit the Wawel Castle is around 3hours. Is that correct? Thanks :-)
Written September 8, 2018
You can always go down to the river behind it to see the fire breathing dragon on the shore. First time I went there for my photos of it breathing fire there were some teenagers came down to do the same. When the dragon did breathe its fire I've never seen anyone get as big a shock as these kids did! It added to the fun of our holiday!
Written May 17, 2019
I have a morning to kill before my flight. Is 3-4hrs enough time?
Written July 26, 2017
Yes plenty sorry been on another holiday!
Written August 14, 2017
per vedere solo la cattedrale bisogna pagare un biglietto?
Written July 11, 2017
ciao puoi vedere la cattedrale gratuitamente ma in versione Light...il costo delle catacombe e tutta la cattedrale costa davvero pochissimo.
Written July 11, 2017
There are a lot of steps yes depending on which parts you visit. The castle is split into different attractions. The tower and the dragons den both have lots of steps and are quite tight. The cathedral, cathedral museum and the Staterooms which are the other parts we visited also have steps but not as many. I have to say my calfs ached the following day from all the steps.
Written May 31, 2017
Is it possible to buy tickets in advance ex. for a next day visit?
Written October 9, 2016
I don.t remember but I didn't buy my tickets in advance. No queue anyway
Written October 9, 2016
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