Page 68 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Krakow

66  KR AK OW AREA B Y AREA

3 Wawel Cathedral

No other building is as strongly associated with the history of
Krakow, and the whole nation, as the cathedral. The third building
to occupy this site, the existing cathedral was built by Władysław
the Short to house the relics of St Stanisław, who was much
venerated by the Poles. The internal structure of the Gothic
cathedral is now obscure because of later additions. Today, the
interior displays a variety of styles but despite this eclecticism the
layout is straightfoward. The basilica consists of a nave with single
aisles, non-projecting transept and a choir with an ambulatory.
Many chapels, dating from different periods and some having
been remodelled many times, adjoin the aisles. Make sure to climb
the Zygmunt Tower to see the bell and take in views of the city.

Exterior of the Cathedral
Although dating from
different periods, all
the distinct parts of the
cathedral make a unique and
picturesque ensemble.

Clock Tower
The top of the tallest tower is
decorated with four statues
of the patron saints of
the Kingdom of Poland
and the cathedral:
Wacław, Adalbert,
Stanisław and
Kazimierz (Casimir).

Entrance
The bones of an “ancient
creature” hang above the KEY
entrance. According to legend
the end of the world will come 1 Bell tower
when they fall. The letter K
on the door is the initial of 2 Baroque spire from the first
Kazimierz the Great, during half of the 18th century
whose reign the cathedral 3 Załuski Chapel
was completed.