Since Wawel hill has been occupied by those who held power (roughly since around 1000 AD), the site has been the scene of construction, decline and reconstruction. The result is a complex that for an outsider is rather confusing to understand. The help of guides is on offer ( at a price), but to absorb their stories and appreciate what they are showing is hardly possible, if you do not have at least some knowledge of Polish history. So come prepared after some study.
Also helpful is to make up your mind about what you prefer to see beforehand. In my case I focussed on architecture especially from the late 1500s period (Poland's Golden Age). E.g. the Renaissance style inner courtyard is outstanding. It feels almost as if you are in Italy. For me another highlight are the Coxie tapestries (Flemish) from the Jagiellonian period. I skipped almost all that was built and collected after 1600 when Krakow ceased to be the capital of Poland.








