Wawel Hill is a limestone hill by the bank of the Vistula river. The history of Wawel Hill dates back to the medieval legends of a dragon living in the cave on the hill and its slayer Krakus. Surrounded by waters and marshes, the hill became a natural protection haven for the settlers. It is natural that it became the centre of political power by the end of the 9th century. Since then, it had been the residence of people in power; a military hospital during the end of 19th century; an official residence of Head of State during the independence of Poland in 1918; and now a museum.
The Wawel Cathedral was thoroughly restored in the early 20th century, followed by the restoration of the royal castle. The restoration works took a few decades to complete.
The arcaded galleries with a large courtyard of the castle building were added when the Italian Renaissance entered Wawel in the 16th century.
The Wawel Royal Castle is the top attraction in Krakow. A visit to Krakow is mot complete without a stroll around the castle compound.
