Officially known as the Cathedral Basilica of St. Stanislaus and St. Wenceslaus, Wawel Cathedral is one of Poland’s most important religious and historical landmarks. Located on Wawel Hill within the Wawel Castle complex, it has been the coronation site of generations of Polish kings as well as the final resting place of royals, national heroes and saints for over 1,000 years. The original cathedral was built in the 11th century under King Bolesław I Chrobry, the very first king of Poland. After the initial building was destroyed in a fire, a Romanesque-style cathedral was erected in the 12th Century, , and then construction began on the Gothic cathedral we know today in the 14th Century. Notable features of the Cathedral include the Relics of St. Stanislaus, the patron Saint of Poland, the opulent Sigismund Chapel with its golden dome and beautiful Renaissance artwork and the massive Sigismund Bell which weighs in at almost 13 tonnes and requires 12 people to ring it.
Previously Poland’s capital, Krakow is one of Europe’s hubs for history and culture. On this full-day highlights tour, you will dig up that history as you explore the best of Krakow, including the Old Town and the Jewish Quarter.
On your private tour, you will:
Your full-day tour is the perfect way to see the city in a day, where you will learn about the country’s medieval history and Jewish history, see all of its highlights, and visit several historic sites, including Wawel Castle, the Old Synagogue, and Jagiellonian University. Your tour begins at one of Krakow's most renowned locations: Wawel Castle, the massive structure sits upon Wawel Hill, overlooking the Vistula River.
The castle served as the royal and political centre of Krakow for centuries, dating back to the eleventh century. Before becoming a museum in 1930, the castle was also a hospital, a military barracks, and a governmental residence.
After your tour of the castle, follow in the footsteps of the kings of Poland as you explore the famous Royal Route from Wawel Hill to the Old Town. Here at Market Square, you will see some of the finest examples of medieval architecture now filled full of shops, bars, and cafes.
Then your guide will take you into St Mary’s Basilica, where you’ll see one of the finest examples of Polish Gothic architecture and see the spectacularly ornate, multicolour altarpiece which dominates the front of the church. Next, enjoy a lunch break in the Market Square, at a local establishment recommended by your expert local guide.
After lunch, pass by the Jagiellonian University, one of the world’s oldest universities, which has been operating since the eleventh century. Then, your private guide will take you to the Jewish District, where you will walk through Schindler’s Passage and visit the Old Synagogue—now a museum, which is the oldest still standing in Poland, having been built in the 15th century. While there, your guide will share with you the Jewish experience after the German invasion of 1939, and what the synagogue now means to Jewish people in Poland.
Your tour ends at a traditional Jewish café, where your guide will give you recommendations about the best local bites before departing with you.
Previously Poland’s capital, Krakow was one of Europe’s hubs for history and culture. On this half-day highlights tour you will dig up that history as you explore the best of Krakow, including the Old Town.
On your private tour, you will:
Your half-day tour is the perfect introductory tour for anyone new to the city, where you will learn about the country’s medieval history and tour its’ spectacular highlights, including a visit to the world’s first UNESCO World Heritage site. Your tour begins at one of Krakow's most renowned locations: Wawel Castle, the massive structure sits upon Wawel Hill, overlooking the Vistula River. The castle served as the royal and political centre of Krakow for centuries, dating back to the eleventh century. Before becoming a museum in 1930, the castle was also a hospital, a military barracks, and a governmental residence.
After you tour the castle, follow in the footsteps of the kings of Poland as you explore the famous Royal Route from Wawel Hill to the Old Town. Here at the Market Square, you will see some of the finest examples of medieval architecture now filled full of shops, bars, and cafes. Then your guide will take you into St Mary’s Basilica, where you’ll see one of the finest examples of Polish Gothic architecture and see the spectacularly ornate, multicolour altarpiece which dominates the front of the church. Lastly, you will walk by one of the world’s oldest universities, Jagiellonian University, and visit the idyllic park, Planty Park, which encircles all of Old Town.
Krakow is one of Europe’s hubs for history and culture. On this private half-day tour, you will dig up that history as you explore Krakow's old town, including the Wawel Castle.
On your private tour, you will:
Your half-day tour is the perfect introductory tour for anyone new to the city, where you will learn about the country’s medieval history and tour its’ spectacular highlights, including a visit to the world’s first UNESCO World Heritage site.
Your tour begins at one of Krakow's most renowned locations: Wawel Castle, the massive structure sits upon Wawel Hill, overlooking the Vistula River. The castle served as the royal and political centre of Krakow for centuries, dating back to the eleventh century. Before becoming a museum in 1930, the castle was also a hospital, a military barracks, and a governmental residence.
Afterwards, your guide will take you into Old Town Krakow, where some of the finest examples of medieval architecture remain today.
Visit the city’s main square, full of shops, bars, and cafes. Your next stop will be St Mary’s Basilica, where you’ll see one of the finest examples of Polish Gothic architecture and see the spectacularly ornate, multicolour altarpiece which dominates the front of the church.
After visiting the idyllic Planty Park, your guide will drive you back to your hotel in the Old Town.
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