Wawel Hill contains many objects of great artistic and historical value. Of course it is obligatory to step into the Cathedral with its magnificent architecture, royal tombs, bishops’ chapels, Romanesque crypts and powerful Sigismund Bell. Moreover, you are not supposed to miss the Royal Castle, which makes a great impression with its charming Renaissance courtyard. But among these mentioned above there is also a harsh, dark and cold place, made not by a man but by nature itself. Obviously it is the famous cave hollowed in the slope of Wawel’s limestone hill. Is it worth spending your precious time inside Dragon’s Den? Definitely!
Does the mythical dragon’s lair make an impression?
Of course! Wawel’s cave is a completely different place than other attractions of the hill. Tourist route is more than 80 m length! It starts with a spiral staircase leading from the top of the hill into deep and nast three chambers. Tourists can notice interesting geological formations and feel specific cool-moist microclimate. The cave is very important because of its history, that for centuries stimulates imagination of Krakow residents and visitors. It became an object of interest of Polish historiographers, starting from the chronicler Wincenty Kadłubek – probably every Pole know the legend of the Wawel Hill dragon that had to live there (more information you can find in one of our previous texts). Today we would like to focus on the question ‘who can cheer by visiting Dragon’s Den’?
We have no doubt that kids will have a great time. First of all, if you choose visiting Wawel Hill with children, do not forget to tell them legends of the dragon. From our guiding experience we know that even kids who spends whole days in front of computers are going to be delighted by the cave (dragons, after all, are an important part of computer games!) What is more, Dragon’s Den may be a good opportunity to attract them to the outside world. So do you like natural wonders and have a vivid imagination? And have you had an opportunity to visit the natural cave in the city centre? I assume that not, so this is the place for you! Also Wawel cavern may seem as a special work of nature (in it narrow corridors live rare shellfish!). But do you know that in past centuries existed here an inn and the brothel? (But do not share this information with children!)
Pracital information
Walking through the Dragon’s Den is possible only in spring-autumn season. It is open from April to October (in April, September and October from 10.00 to 17.00, in May and June to 18.00 and during holidays daily to 19.00). Tickets can be bought at the Gate of Coats of Arms or the Center of Promotion and Information. Ticket price is only 4 PLN (about 1 euro)! As I already mentioned above, the entrance is on the hill, in front of walls and fortifications (behind the Bernardyńska Gate). Sightseeing tour ends at the mouth of the cave with the metal figure of dragon, gasping with fire. Remeber to take a warm sweater and comfortable shoes!
Dragon’s Den guided tour
The cave is an important point on our Exploring Wawel Hill route. Our guides know perfectly legends and true stories of the hill and are willingly to present them to tourists, especially on Legends and traditions route. On your request we could also reconsider it in the schedule of our other tours whose program includes discovering Wawel Hill.
