Trip Planner:   Europe  /  Poland  /  Southern Poland  /  Lesser Poland Province  /  Krakow  /  Wawel Cathedral

Wawel Cathedral, Krakow

4.6
#6 of 35 in Historic Sites in Krakow
Religious Site Historic Site
Once the site of royal coronations, Wawel Cathedral represents one of Poland's most significant religious and architectural sites. Two previous buildings burned down here before the church was erected more than nine centuries ago. The present-day cathedral, a Gothic structure, features several chapels built in different architectural styles. As you enter, notice the chain hanging to the left of the main iron door. Made of prehistoric animal bones, this chain is known for having magical powers that ensure the continued presence of the cathedral. To learn more about the large collection of sarcophaguses and altarpieces, take a guided tour. To visit Wawel Cathedral and other attractions in Krakow, use our Krakow trip itinerary planner.
Create an itinerary including Wawel Cathedral
map
Related Tours to Book
Krakow in One Day Sightseeing Tour BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $47
Krakow Evening Food Walking Tour BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $88
Krakow Old Town, Jewish Quarter Walking Tour and Optional Wawel Castle Visit BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $27
Krakow and Auschwitz 1 Day Tour from Warsaw BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $138
Krakow City Package: Wawel Castle Guided Tour with Vistula River Cruise BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $48
Private Tour: Krakow Walking Tour of Old Town, Kazimierz and Wawel Hill BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $42
Krakow Small Group Vistula River Cruise with Audio-guide BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $12
Krakow Sightseeing Tour by Minibus BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $48
Krakow Small-Group Walking Tour: Old Town, Kazimierz and Wawel Hill BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $41
Krakow City Sightseeing Private Tour BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $70
Krakow and Wieliczka 1-Day Tour from Lodz BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $151
Krakow and Auschwitz 1 Day Tour from Lodz BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $129
Private Krakow Sightseeing Tour BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $18
Private Tour: Krakow Catholic Churches and Monuments BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $42
Full-Day Private Walking Tour of Krakow from Wroclaw BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $109
View more tours
Reviews
TripAdvisor Traveler Rating
4,083 reviews
Google
4.7
TripAdvisor
  • August 19, 2017
    The cathedral is beautiful. Surroundings of cathedral is amazing. Lots of people are around there. It was our second visit but we will definitely come back.  more »
  • August 19, 2017
    Badly organized disappointed by the Interior no french guide stupid hourly disorganized ticket closes at 17:00 and shops at 16:00
    View original
  • August 19, 2017
    Nothing to do with the French cathedrals. bright place and small issue to better understand the visit less than one hour
    View original
View more on TripAdvisor »
Google
  • Beautiful Cathedral. Very interesting how Poland was before the german invasion. Must visit in u are in Krakow
  • Brilliant loved it but you need time to go round you won't do it in an hour
  • Very nice view and rich history. Shame that almost every entrance requires ticket, which wasn't a case few years ago
  • Beautiful architecture whilst also gives a clear picture of the Polish monarchy's history. Some areas like the bell tower require a paid ticket. The plaques around the church are very informative but would suggest taking an audio tour.
  • Cathedral is gorgeous! Architecture is amazing. Definitely visit the bell tower! However it is very busy(at least it was today)
View more on Google »

Plan your trip to Krakow

  • Get a personalized plan

    A complete day-by-day itinerary
    based on your preferences

  • Customize it

    Refine your plan. We'll find the
    best routes and schedules

  • Book it

    Choose from the best hotels
    and activities. Up to 50% off

  • Manage it

    Everything in one place.
    Everyone on the same page.

Best things to do in Krakow

Popular
©
Wawel Royal Castle
Krakow
Visit for: 3​h
©
Main Market Square
Krakow
Visit for: 1​h 30​min
©
The Cloth Hall
Krakow
Visit for: 1​h
Side Trips
©
Memorial and Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau
Oswiecim
Visit for: 4​h
©
Wieliczka Salt Mine
Wieliczka
Visit for: 3​h
©
Pieniński Park Narodowy
Szczawnica
Visit for: 8​h
Museums
©
Oskar Schindler's Factory
Krakow
Visit for: 1​h 30​min
©
Galicia Jewish Museum
Krakow
Visit for: 1​h 30​min
©
Jagiellonian University
Krakow
Visit for: 1​h 30​min
Historic Sites
©
Historic Old Town
Krakow
Visit for: 4​h
©
Planty Park
Krakow
Visit for: 2​h 30​min
©
Church of St. Joseph
Krakow
Visit for: 1​h
Hidden Gems
©
Franciscan Church (Kosciol Franciszkanow)
Krakow
Visit for: 1​h
©
The Barbican (Barbakan)
Krakow
Visit for: 1​h 30​min
©
Polish Aviation Museum
Krakow
Visit for: 2​h 30​min
Nearby
Krakow Free Walking Tour
Krakow
Visit for: 2​h 30​min
©
St. Mary's Basilica
Krakow
Visit for: 1​h
©
Jewish District (Kazimierz)
Krakow
Visit for: 2​h 30​min
Don't Miss a Thing. See & Do More.

Where to stay in Krakow

©
Krakow ranks among one of Europe's increasingly popular tourist destinations, which is reflected in the rising costs of comfortable lodgings. The best hotels are concentrated in and around the historical old town, where five-star luxury comes at a very steep price. Old town hotels place you just steps from fine shops and restaurants, as well as the city's main museums and galleries. However, if your trip involves a tight budget, avoid the central district and check out mid-range hotels and economical hostels in one of the outlying neighborhoods.
Live like a local, find unique places to stay
Millions of travel reviews on TripAdvisor

Plans in Krakow by other users

14 days in Poland BY A USER FROM SAUDI ARABIA October, culture, outdoors, relaxing, historic sites, museums, shopping, popular PREFERENCES: October, culture, outdoors, relaxing, historic sites, museums, shopping ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 31 days in Eastern Europe & Central Europe BY A USER FROM MEXICO July, culture, relaxing, beaches, historic sites, museums, popular PREFERENCES: July, culture, relaxing, beaches, historic sites, museums ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 16 days in Eastern Europe BY A USER FROM TURKEY November, popular PREFERENCES: November ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 7 days in Poland BY A USER FROM CANADA February, culture, historic sites, museums, popular & hidden gems PREFERENCES: February, culture, historic sites, museums ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular & hidden gems PACE: Medium 11 days in Poland BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES July, culture, relaxing, beaches, historic sites, museums, wildlife, popular & hidden gems PREFERENCES: July, culture, relaxing, beaches, historic sites, museums, wildlife ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular & hidden gems PACE: Medium 8 days in Europe BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES July, outdoors, historic sites, popular PREFERENCES: July, outdoors, historic sites ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 5 days in Poland BY A USER FROM OMAN October, popular PREFERENCES: October ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 20 days in Colorado, Poland & Maine BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES October, popular PREFERENCES: October ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 3 days in Poland BY A USER FROM GERMANY September, popular PREFERENCES: September ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 3 days in Krakow BY A USER FROM POLAND September, culture, romantic, museums, shopping, hidden gems PREFERENCES: September, culture, romantic, museums, shopping ATTRACTION STYLE: Hidden gems PACE: Medium 5 days in Krakow BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES October, culture, historic sites, popular PREFERENCES: October, culture, historic sites ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 10 days in Europe BY A USER FROM NORWAY November, culture, historic sites, museums, fast-paced, popular PREFERENCES: November, culture, historic sites, museums ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Fast-paced
View more plans