Wawel Castle, Old Town with St. Mary's Church Guided Tour

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Begin your journey at Wawel Castle and Cathedral, the heart of Poland’s royal legacy, then continue through Krakow’s Old Town to St. Mary’s Basilica and its stunning altar.

Highlights

  • Step inside Poland’s royal residence with a licensed local guide
  • Discover the Gothic Wawel Cathedral, site of royal coronations
  • Touch the mighty Sigismund Bell for good luck in the cathedral tower
  • Step into UNESCO-listed Krakow Old Town with an expert guide
  • Capture must-see landmarks in the heart of historic Krakow

Description

Discover the splendor of Poland’s royal heritage on a guided tour of the Wawel Castle and Cathedral, Krakow’s most iconic landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Perched high on Wawel Hill, this complex was the seat of Polish kings for centuries and remains a powerful symbol of national identity. Meet your guide and begin your journey into the world of monarchy, faith, and art. Step inside the Royal Castle, transformed in 1930 into one of Poland’s most important museums. Wander through grand chambers filled with Renaissance and Baroque interiors, paintings, sculptures, porcelain, and military artifacts. Marvel at treasures such as Flemish tapestries commissioned by King Sigismund II Augustus and Italian Renaissance masterpieces from the Lanckoroński collection. You will also see Wawel’s unique collection of Eastern art, including the largest set of Ottoman tents in Europe. The highlight of your visit is the Wawel Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece that has witnessed the coronations, weddings, and funerals of Polish monarchs. Enter chapels & altars, then climb the tower to see the mighty Sigismund Bell—tradition says touching it brings good luck. Finally, descend to the crypts where kings, queens, poets, and national heroes rest, as your guide shares stories of power, devotion, and legacy. Then as you stroll along the historic streets, you will pause by the Collegium Maius, the oldest building of the Jagiellonian University. Founded in 1364, this university educated generations of scholars, including the world-famous astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus. Standing in the quiet courtyard, your guide explains how this institution became a beacon of learning in Central Europe and still plays an important role in Kraków’s identity. A few steps further lies the vibrant Main Market Square, the largest medieval square in Europe. Here, history feels alive: horse-drawn carriages pass elegant townhouses, street performers echo age-old traditions, and the heart of the square is dominated by the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice). Once a bustling center of international trade, it connected Kraków to faraway markets, where merchants dealt in salt, textiles, furs, and amber. Today, your guide points out its Renaissance arcade and tells how the Cloth Hall remained a marketplace across centuries, embodying the city’s commercial spirit. The highlight of the tour is entry to St. Mary’s Basilica, whose two asymmetrical towers dominate the skyline. Inside awaits one of the great treasures of Gothic Europe: the breathtaking Veit Stoss altarpiece, carved in the 15th century. With its monumental figures and dramatic scenes, it captures biblical stories in astonishing detail & color. Your guide explains how it survived centuries of turmoil, from fires to war, and why it remains such a powerful symbol of Kraków’s devotion and artistry. The richly painted vaults, stained glass windows, and chapels add to the unforgettable experience of stepping into a living masterpiece of sacred art.

Includes

Licensed local guide Skip-the-line entrance ticket to one permanent exhibition at Wawel Castle State Rooms or Royal Private Apartments, or Crown Treasury — subject to availability) Ticket to the Wawel Cathedral Entrance ticket to St. Mary's Basilica

Important Information

  • We kindly ask you to arrive 10 minutes before the tour begins. Once the group has departed, latecomers will not be able to join and tickets cannot be refunded. All group tours are conducted in only one language, selected at the time of booking. In line with museum regulations, each tour is limited to a maximum of 29 participants. Please note that a dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. Shorts and sleeveless tops are not allowed; both men and women must cover their knees and shoulders. The Wawel Cathedral is an active place of religious worship, and during religious, state, or jubilee events, or visits of important guests, admission to the cathedral, royal tombs, and the bell tower may be suspended without prior notice. In such cases, entrance will be replaced with another site within the castle complex. Please also note that the order of sightseeing may be subject to change. The tour is not suitable for people with disabilities.

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund

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