Wawel Cathedral Tickets & Tours

4.5(6,889)

Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.

Royal Wawel Castle
























































From happy customers

Loved by 35 million+
Marta Maria Renata Manucci
LU

Marta

Luxembourg
Apr 2025
4/5
review-image
review-image
review-image

+1 more

Our guide was very knowledgeable. She explained everything to us in excellent French. She even answered our questions.
Eric de Groot

Eric

Aug 2024
4/5
A nice tour of the Wawel castle. Nice and not too long explanation. Unfortunately at the wall and post work so you can't get there.
lutz theisen
DE

Lutz

Germany
Sep 2023
4/5
The tour with audioguide was very good /voice was pleasant ,clearly structured,understandable narrated.price was good.the narrated informative and interesting. Only the issuing point was difficult to find
Stephen Welsh
GB

Stephen

United Kingdom
Nov 2023
4/5
Easy to book. Meeting place was local to us and whole tour was very informative and well timed. Lunch was included in a nearby restaurant. All seemed good value
Fiona Nolan

Fiona

Dec 2022
5/5
Really enjoyed the whole experience of Wavel Castle,Cathedral,and Rynex Underground Museum,plus we had a delicious lunch also,we were lucky enough to have the tour guide to ourselves for the Rynex Museum which we got a very interesting and insightful history,with a few surprises in store,thank you so much for this very memorable experience.
Denisa Berdar
CZ

Denisa

Czech Republic
Sep 2024
5/5
The castle itself was very beautiful and rich of history. Our guide was great and answered all our questions we've had of him plus he was very helpful with directions. We also liked the inclusion of headphones, as this way it was guaranteed that we will hear everything he has to say. Overall great expirience and we hope to exlplore the rest of the castle sometime later.
Mariella Borg
MT

Mariella

Malta
Jul 2024
4/5
The experience was good, guide was knowledgable. I believe we needed more time to absorb all the information and appreciate the exhibited artifacts in the rooms we've visited. I think we had very little time.

Top things to do in Krakow

Wawel Cathedral | Poland’s spiritual heart

Wawel Cathedral is Poland’s most significant historic and religious site, located within the Wawel Castle complex on Krakow’s Royal Wawel Hill. Often referred to as Poland’s equivalent of the UK’s Westminster Abbey, Wawel Cathedral has been the coronation site of Polish kings and the resting place of its heroes. Within its grand interiors, you’ll find the beautifully decorated Sigismund Chapel, the tomb of St. Stanislaus, its patron saint, and the Sigismund Tower, home to the massive Royal Sigismund Bell.

How to access Wawel Cathedral?

Wawel Cathedral is situated on Royal Wawel Hill, within the Wawel Castle complex. You can access it through the entrance on its western side, located between the Holy Trinity Chapel and Holy Cross Chapel. Entry to the cathedral is included in some Wawel Castle tickets.

Wawel Cathedral in a nutshell

Wawel Cathedral

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.

Know before booking Wawel Cathedral tickets

  • Access to the Wawel Cathedral is not included in all Wawel Castle tickets. You must purchase a ticket that allows entry to explore it. Opt for a guided tour of the Wawel castle and cathedral for a perfect experience.
  • If you’re looking to explore the cathedral from the outside, opt for a guided tour of the Wawel Royal Hill. You can choose between a private guided tour or explore at your own pace with an audio guide.

What’s inside Wawel Cathedral?

Sigismund Chapel in 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 in Wawel Castle

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  in Wawel Castle

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

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 in Wawel Cathedral

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.

The Black Crucifix in Wawel Cathedral

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 in Wawel Cathedral

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

Wawel Cathedral in Krakow

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.

Visitor tips

  • Try to time your visit to Wawel Cathedral for either close to the 9am opening time on a weekday or after 2pm. Wawel Royal Hill and the castle complex are among Krakow’s top attractions, and crowds tend to increase around mid-day.
  • The cathedral is a place of worship, so remember to wear appropriate clothing. Both men and women must cover their knees and shoulders or risk being refused entry.

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.

Tickets Krakow
Scan code
Download the Headout app

Get Help 24/7

We Accept
VISA
MASTERCARD
AMEX
PAYPAL
MAESTROCARD
APPLEPAY
GPAY
DISCOVER
DINERS
IDEAL
FPX
Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.