Being in Wawel - the heart of royal Krakow, it is impossible not to visit the most important temple in Poland, whose impressive interior symbolises the continuity of the historical memory of generations. It is the resting place of Polish kings, national heroes, outstanding poets and the patron saint of Poland, St. Stanisław. For centuries it was the royal coronation church.
The memory of this place dates back to the year 1000, when the bishopric of Kraków was established and the first cathedral was built. Over the centuries, the cathedral changed its face, subsequent builders added their towers and shrines, and the inexorable time and the turmoil of history stood against them.
Today, visitors' attention is drawn to, among others, a silver coffin with the relics of Saint Stanislaus placed under a gilded dome; a black crucifix famous for its miracles, before which, according to tradition, Saint Queen Jadwiga prayed in the 14th century; numerous sarcophagi and graves of Polish rulers; beautifully decorated Sigismund, Vasa and Świętokrzyska chapels.
The crowning achievement of a visit to the cathedral may be climbing the Sigismund Tower, from which there is a great view of the surrounding area. On its top floor you can admire the most famous bell in Poland, named after King Sigismund (Zygmunt). With a diameter of 2.5 m, a height of 2 m and a weight of 11 tonnes, Zygmunt has been the largest bell in Poland since its inception, weighs almost 13 tonnes and requires 12 bell-ringers to swing it. In the past, its sound welcomed the royal children to the world and said goodbye to rulers departing on their last journey. Whoever climbs the tower and touches the heart of the bell will always return to Krakow.