On Wawel Poland

The Royal Castle on Wawel is one of the most magnificent Renaissance royal residences in Europe. This place attracts tourists with its magic of one hundred years of history. Wawel was built in 1000 year when the bishopric was made in Krakow and from 1025, reigned there kings. Between 1504 - 1535 the Castle was reconstructed and its appearance was changed. Besides Gothic and Roman elements in the Castle's architecture most is Renaissance. There is a museum in the Castle that has thousands worth watching exhibits some of which dates from XV/XVI c. Many tourists who visit Wawel are attracted with unique royal chambers, crown vault and armament. In the West part of museum there is an Oriental Art Museum where are presented exhibits of Far and Near East. The Chrobrowska Cathedral was the first major construction project at Wawel Hill began after the signing of the "Peace of Bautzen," between the Holy Roman Emperor Henry II and Poland's Duke Boleslaw I the Brave. Little remains of the original cathedral, or the Church of St. George, Church of St. Michael, 24 pillar ducal mansion, granary, Rotunda of the Blessed Virgin Mary, all of which were wooden structures that accompanied the stone Cathedral. Opening hours: (Wawel Hill) daily Apr-Sep, 0600-2000; Oct-Mar 0600-1700; (attractions) Tues-Fri 0930-1530/1630