One of the most beautiful areas of Krakow is Wawel Castle. The castle dates to the 10th century, although it was redone in the 1500's. The castle is perched on a hill overlooking the Vistula, and it contains several towers, a few museums, cannons, an arcaded courtyard, and a beautiful cathedral. Entrance is possible to the Crown Treasury and Armory and the Oriental Art Collection, the Dragon's Den, and the Cathedral.
The Dragon's Den leads you to a cave underneath the castle, where the dragon is said to live, and once you exit the "Den", you are on a bank of the Vistula, with a statue of the dragon - that periodically breathes fire - nearby.
Entrance to the stunning Wawel Cathedral costs only 6 zlotys (less than $2), but is not possible during mass. An entrance ticket allows you to see the Cathedral and its chapels, various tombs, and Zygmunt's Bell in the belfry. The Wawel Cathedral is where Pope John Paul II, who is from Krakow, was archbishop before moving on to Rome.
Eric at Wawel Gate
Eric with Zygmunt's Bell
Jen with the Dragon of Wawel Castle
