Wawel Royal Castle

Wawel started becoming a centre of political power and by the 9th century, it was the principal fortified settlement of the Vistulan tribe. The first ancient ruler of Poland, Mieszko I (965-992) of the piast dynasty, chose Wawel hill as one of his residences, as did his successor.

During the reign of Duke Casimir, the Restorer, Wawel became an important political and administrative centre for the Polish state. All the other rulers who came to power stayed here as they continued the construction of different buildings, which later led to the magnificent Wawel Royal Castle. Wawel cathedral comprises of towers, chapels and crypts where kings, national heroes and poets are buried. The cathedral was first constructed in the 11th century but underwent several destructions and was rebuilt twice.

The cathedral Silver Bell Tower is the oldest surviving building of Wawel Royal Castle, dating back to the 12th century. The tower has numerous later additions and only the 12-meter-high rectangular base can be dated as belonging to the 11th century Hermanowska Cathedral. The bell tower spire was constructed in 1769. The tower embodies three bells; the largest was made in 1423, the next largest around 1217 and the smallest in 1669.