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Wawel Cathedral Tickets & Tours
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- Explore the Wawel Castle & Cathedral on a guided tour, steeped in history and brimming with artistic wonders.
- Wawel Castle is an architectural marvel that boasts a Main Court by the famed Italian Fiorentino, its eerie ceiling, adorned with countless faces, still captivates.
- Explore Zygmunt August's tapestries, Renaissance Italian art, and Europe’s largest tent collection at the Wawel Castle, a key art conservation hub.
- Visit the Wawel Cathedral, featuring the iconic Sigismund Tower, 18 chapels, and King Władysław II Jagiello's tomb, all built from brick and limestone.
- Learn how the Szczerbiec sword, was once used in Polish coronations, and more with your expert guide in your preferred language.
- Explore the Wawel Castle & Cathedral on a guided tour, steeped in history and brimming with artistic wonders.
- Wawel Castle is an architectural marvel that boasts a Main Court by the famed Italian Fiorentino, its eerie ceiling, adorned with countless faces, still captivates.
- Explore Zygmunt August's tapestries, Renaissance Italian art, and Europe’s largest tent collection at the Wawel Castle, a key art conservation hub.
- Visit the Wawel Cathedral, featuring the iconic Sigismund Tower, 18 chapels, and King Władysław II Jagiello's tomb, all built from brick and limestone.
- Learn how the Szczerbiec sword, was once used in Polish coronations, and more with your expert guide in your preferred language.
Inclusions
- 2-hour guided tour of Wawel Castle & Cathedral
- Entry to the Wawel Royal Castle
- Entry to 1 permanent exhibition in Wawel Castle (State Rooms, Royal Private Apartments, or Crown Treasury – subject to availability)
- Entry to the Wawel Cathedral
- Expert English/German/French/Spanish/Polish/Italian-speaking tour guide (as per option selected)
- Tip: Keep an eye out for the cathedral's organ. With over 3000 pipes, it's a sight to behold and even better to hear!
- Strict dress code: No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders must be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Combos
Combo (Save 10%): Wawel Castle & Cathedral Guided Tour + 1-Hour Night Cruise on Vistula River AG
from zł289.56
zł260.60
10% off
- With an expert tour guide, discover the rich history of Krakow at the Wawel Castle and Cathedral, showcasing the lives of royalties and their secrets.
- Marvel at the diverse collections of paintings, graphics, sculptures, fabrics, military items, porcelain, and furniture, offering a glimpse into Poland's cultural heritage.
- Embark on a captivating 1-hour evening cruise along the Vistula River and discover the enchanting beauty of Krakow from a truly unique waterfront perspective.
- Gain access to an informative audio guide available in multiple languages, including Polish, English, German, and Spanish.
- With an expert tour guide, discover the rich history of Krakow at the Wawel Castle and Cathedral, showcasing the lives of royalties and their secrets.
- Marvel at the diverse collections of paintings, graphics, sculptures, fabrics, military items, porcelain, and furniture, offering a glimpse into Poland's cultural heritage.
- Embark on a captivating 1-hour evening cruise along the Vistula River and discover the enchanting beauty of Krakow from a truly unique waterfront perspective.
- Gain access to an informative audio guide available in multiple languages, including Polish, English, German, and Spanish.
Inclusions
Wawel Castle and Cathedral Guided Tour
- Live tour guide
- Support in English, French, German, and Polish
- Access to Wawel Cathedral
- Access to Wawel Royal Castle
- Access to the State Rooms
1-Hour Night Cruise on Vistula River AG
- 1-hour Vistula river cruise at night
- Audio guide in English, Polish, German, and Spanish
Exclusions
1-Hour Night Cruise on Vistula River AG
- Live guide
- Onboard entertainment
Wawel Castle and Cathedral Guided Tour
- Tip: Check out Plac Targowy (Market Square), just a short walk from Wawel Castle, which offers a variety of stalls and vendors selling local products, including traditional food items, handicrafts, souvenirs, and more.
- The experience is not accessible for wheelchair users.
- This tour can accommodate a maximum of 15 people in 1 group.
1-Hour Night Cruise on Vistula River AG
- Tip: Visit Kazimierz District, the bohemian neighborhood that comes alive at night, with its trendy bars, restaurants, and eclectic atmosphere.
- Facilities: Wheelchair Accessibility, Pram/Stroller Accessibility.
- Pets, guide dogs, and baggage are allowed on board.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Combos
Combo: Schindler's Factory Skip-the-Line + Wawel Castle Guided Tour Tickets
from
zł156.76
Explore Schindler's Factory and Wawel Castle, located close by, with one skip-the-line ticket.
- Save big with this combo ticket to Schindler's Factory and Wawel Castle and discover the rich history of both sites with skip-the-line access.
- Visit Oskar Schindler's former enamel factory and learn about his feat of saving over 1,00 Jewish lives during WWII.
- Journey back to the days of WWII and see original artifacts from the time and hear stories of Kraków's residents.
- With an English-speaking guide, explore the royal private apartments, Italian-style yard, and legends of Polish Kings at Wawel Castle.
- Choose from the available ticket options to tour different parts of the Wawel Castle.
Explore Schindler's Factory and Wawel Castle, located close by, with one skip-the-line ticket.
- Save big with this combo ticket to Schindler's Factory and Wawel Castle and discover the rich history of both sites with skip-the-line access.
- Visit Oskar Schindler's former enamel factory and learn about his feat of saving over 1,00 Jewish lives during WWII.
- Journey back to the days of WWII and see original artifacts from the time and hear stories of Kraków's residents.
- With an English-speaking guide, explore the royal private apartments, Italian-style yard, and legends of Polish Kings at Wawel Castle.
- Choose from the available ticket options to tour different parts of the Wawel Castle.
Inclusions
Schindler's Factory
- Skip-the-line entry into Oskar Schindler's Factory
Wawel Castle
- Skip-the-line access
- English-speaking guide
Exclusions
Schindler's Factory
- Guided tour
Wawel Castle
- Entrance to the cathedral
Schindler's Factory
- Facilities: Wheelchair Accessibility, Pram/Stroller Accessibility.
- The experience is restricted for guests aged 13 and under.
- Note that the following are not allowed during this experience: large bags, tripod, filming, flash photography, smoking
Wawel Royal Castle
- Tip: The Wawel castle is quite extensive, with a rich history and many exhibits. Take your time exploring every section and be sure to ask your guide a lot of questions!
- The tour usually starts at 10am, but sometimes there are small changes due to the availability of the guide.
- The experience is not accessible for wheelchair users.
- Note that the following are not allowed during this experience: tripod, flash photography.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
- One of Poland’s most important hills, the Wawel Royal Hill, awaits you! It is Kraków's focal point of historical and cultural significance.
- Follow around an expert English or Polish-speaking tour guide through the tucks and turns of the hill for a fun tour through Polish history
- Learn the events that led to the Wawel Castle’s biggest fire, and how the castle changed hands last-minute.
- Delve into the history of Poland discovered on Kanonicza Street, as you walk past some iconic landmarks.
- Wander past Krakow’s most expensive hotel, Jan Dlugosz’s house, the monument dedicated to Tadeusz Kościuszko, and the grand Wawel Cathedral.
- Visit the burial grounds for President Lech Kaczynski and his spouse, past the Bernardyńska Gate, and towards the cave of the Wawel Dragon.
- One of Poland’s most important hills, the Wawel Royal Hill, awaits you! It is Kraków's focal point of historical and cultural significance.
- Follow around an expert English or Polish-speaking tour guide through the tucks and turns of the hill for a fun tour through Polish history
- Learn the events that led to the Wawel Castle’s biggest fire, and how the castle changed hands last-minute.
- Delve into the history of Poland discovered on Kanonicza Street, as you walk past some iconic landmarks.
- Wander past Krakow’s most expensive hotel, Jan Dlugosz’s house, the monument dedicated to Tadeusz Kościuszko, and the grand Wawel Cathedral.
- Visit the burial grounds for President Lech Kaczynski and his spouse, past the Bernardyńska Gate, and towards the cave of the Wawel Dragon.
Inclusions
- 1.5-hour guided tour through Wawel Royal Hill
- Expert English, Polish, Italian, German, Spanish, French/Russian-speaking tour guide (as per option selected)
- Audio-guided tour of Wawel Hill in English, Polish, German, Italian, Spanish, French & Russian (as per option selected)
Exclusions
- Entry to the attractions
- Tip: Try to stop and see the Sigismund Bell, located in the Wawel Cathedral and one of the largest and most famous bells in Poland.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Top things to do in Krakow
Wawel Cathedral in a nutshell
Highlights: Royal Sigismund Bell, intricate frescoes, the blend of architectural styles
Current use: An active site of worship, a museum, and a repository of historical artifacts.
Entrance: Its entrance is located on the western side, between two chapels, and a short distance from the complex’s Vasa Gate.
Unique facts:
- There are huge fossilized bones hanging just outside the cathedral’s doors, believed to be the bones of the mythical Wawel Dragon. In reality, they’ve been identified as whale and mammoth bones.
Your Wawel Cathedral tickets booking guide
Experience Type
Cathedral Access
Why go for it?
Recommended ticket
Guided tours
Included
Get a comprehensive tour of Wawel Cathedral. Explore its interiors, and learn about its history and lesser-known facts.
Combo deals
Included
Explore multiple Krakow highlights with one package deal. Go on a Vistula River cruise after your Wawel Cathedral visit, and see Royal Wawel Hill and other Krakow landmarks from the water.
Wawel Hill tours
Not included
Take a private guided tour of the Royal Wawel Hill and see the buildings within the Wawel Castle complex. Admire their exterior architecture and learn about their historical and cultural significance.
What’s inside Wawel Cathedral?
Sigismund Chapel
The 16th-century Sigismund Chapel in Wawel Cathedral is considered one of the most stunning examples of Italian Renaissance architecture outside of Italy. Its standout feature is a gilded dome, while its interiors feature intricate frescoes, marble statues, and intricately carved and painted ceilings. Inside, you can explore the tombs of King Sigismund I the Old, King Sigismund II, and Queen Anna Jagiellon, with exquisite sculptures by Bartolomeo Berecci.
Royal Sigismund Bell
Climb up the Sigismund Tower to see its five historic bells, particularly the Royal Sigismund Bell. Cast in 1520, it is Poland’s largest antique bell and a national symbol. Every key moment in Polish history, from battle victories to royal coronations and national days, has been marked by its deep sonorous gongs. Made of bronze, it weighs over 12 tonnes and needs 12 men to ring. From the top of the tower, you can also see panoramic views of Krakow.
Crypts
Descend into the crypts to see the resting place of not just ancient Polish kings but also the country’s heroes, leaders, revolutionaries, poets, and others who have shaped the course of its history. Here you’ll find the tombs of Władysław I the Elbow-high, the first king to be crowned at Wawel Cathedral, and his son King Casimir III the Great, who established Wawel Castle. The oldest structure here, St. Leonard’s Crypt, dates back to the 11th century.
Chapels of Wawel Cathedral
Apart from the Sigismund Chapel, the central building of Wawel Cathedral is ringed by 18 other chapels filled with religious art, lavish decor, and precious artifacts. Walk through the Vasa Chapel, designed in the Baroque style with rich black marble. The Holy Trinity Chapel is home to a huge stained glass window in vibrant colors. In the Holy Cross Chapel, you can see magnificent Russian murals painted in 1470 and the red marble sarcophagus of King Casimir IV.
Sarcophagus of St. Stanislaus
St. Stanislaus the Martyr, the patron saint of Poland, was the Bishop of Krakow in the 11th century before he was killed. He is one of the two saints to whom Wawel Cathedral is dedicated. Inside the cathedral, his ornate silver sarcophagus is prominently located beneath the main altar. The coffin, created in the 17th century, is adorned with 12 reliefs detailing scenes from his life, the miracles he performed, and the moment of his martyrdom.
St. Jadwiga’s tomb & the Black Crucifix
St. Jadwiga’s tomb and the Black Crucifix are two of the cathedral’s most prominent artifacts. In the 14th century, Jadwiga was Poland’s first female monarch and was crowned at the cathedral. During her reign, she regularly worshipped before the 13-foot-tall wooden Black Crucifix, which she had brought with her from Hungary. After her death, she was buried at the cathedral in a simple but striking white sarcophagus with her life-like effigy on top. Jadwiga was canonized as a saint in 1997.
John Paul II Cathedral Museum
Don’t miss a visit to the John Paul II Cathedral Museum, which was established in 1978 and houses the most precious historical artifacts from the cathedral’s treasury. Divided into four exhibits, here you’ll find medieval manuscripts, Polish royal regalia, gifts from Polish emperors to the church, and medieval artworks. One of the exhibits is dedicated to the belongings of John Paul II, including his papal vestments. It explores his connections to Wawel, where he served as Archbishop of Krakow. The museum is located to the right of the Vasa Gate, across from the cathedral’s entrance.
Architecture of Wawel Cathedral
With its towers, spires, and domes, Wawel Cathedral is one of the most striking structures on Wawel Hill. First constructed in the 11th century, it was destroyed and rebuilt twice. The monument you see today dates from the 14th century.
Both its interiors and exterior feature a mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture, reflecting the styles prevalent during its many reconstructions and renovations over the centuries. It also retains elements from the original Romanesque structure.
Inside the cathedral, the central nave is built in the Gothic style, with soaring pointed arches and ribbed vaults. The interiors also feature Baroque altars, while the chapels surrounding the cathedral are built in a variety of styles over the centuries. You’ll also find Neoclassical touches, such as its columns and pilasters.
Frequently asked questions about Wawel Cathedral tickets
Do I need to purchase a separate ticket to visit Wawel Cathedral?
Certain Wawel Castle tickets include entry to the cathedral. You can book these online in advance if you want to explore the cathedral.
Should I book Wawel Cathedral tickets in advance?
Yes, it’s best to book your tickets at least 3–4 days before your visit. The Wawel Castle complex is a famous landmark in Krakow, and tickets might run out, especially during the peak season.
How long does it take to explore the cathedral?
You’ll need about 45 minutes to an hour to explore the interiors, chapels, crypts, Sigismund Tower, and the Cathedral Museum.
Can I take photos and videos inside the cathedral?
Photography and video filming are not permitted inside Wawel Cathedral.
Is Wawel Cathedral accessible by wheelchair?
Wawel Cathedral is partially accessible for wheelchair users. Most of the main areas can be navigated by wheelchair. However, sections like the Sigismund Tower are not accessible.