Page 74 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Krakow

72  KR AK OW AREA B Y AREA

5 Wawel Royal Castle

Little is known about the earliest Wawel residence. The Romanesque palatium
was probably built by Kazimierz the Restorer; later Władysław the Short started
to construct a new building but it was only completed by Kazimierz the Great.
The present Renaissance castle was constructed in the first half of the 16th
century. At the start of the 17th century the apartments in the north wing
were remodelled in the early Baroque style. After the royal court moved from
Krakow to Warsaw, the castle fell into ruin and further devastation was caused Senators’ Hall
by the occupying foreign powers. Early in the 20th century the castle was
given back to Krakow, and restoration was begun.
Senators’
Castle Guide Staircase
The Crown Treasury and Armoury are situated on the
ground floor together with a number of state rooms.
The remaining state rooms and other apartments are
on the first and second floors. After leaving the Senators’
Hall a visit to the “Orient in the Wawel Collections”
exhibition on the first and second floors in the west
wing is recommended.
Crown Treasury
and Armoury
This 11th-century chalice
belonged to the Abbots First floor
of Tyniec and is now in the
Treasury. Adjacent to the
Treasury is the Armoury with
its rich collection.

The Castle Courtyard
A mix of architectural styles can be found at the castle.
One of the highlights is the beautiful Renaissance-style
courtyard, built in the 16th century.

Key
Royal Apartments
Treasury
Armoury
“Orient in the Wawel Collections”
Exhibition Entrance to the
Non-exhibition area Access to the Crown Treasury
courtyard and Armoury