Wawel Castle is perhaps best known for its beautiful Renaissance Sigismund Chapel or its arcaded courtyards. Yet the walls of the castle and the cathedral conceal fragments of far earlier architecture, dating back to the earliest days of the Polish state. The new trail Gardens, Courtyards, St Gereon’s Church takes us to places which are usually closed to the public: the Batory Courtyard and the archaeology and architecture reserve. The enchanting corner is located between the western wing of the castle and the cathedral (the entrance lies just behind Berrecci’s Gate), and it is named after the tomb of King Stefan Batory on the other side of the cathedral wall. Once upon a time, a Renaissance skybridge over the courtyard took the king and his entourage to the cathedral. St Gereon’s Church comprised two places of worship: a chapel with a crypt was built of limestone in the 11th century following the designs of some of the finest buildings in Europe, while the 14th-century brick building is now the Chapel of Mary of Egypt. The walk explores Wawel’s history from its time as a mediaeval royal stronghold to the reconstruction work conducted between the First and Second World Wars. While you’re in the Batory Courtyard, take a look at the stunning views over Planty Garden Ring! (Dorota Dziunikowska. “Karnet” monthly)
Open from 1 August 2020.
