Lost Wawel

Lonely Planet review

Wawel Royal Castle is now a museum containing five separate sections, each requiring a different ticket that is valid for a specific time. There's a limited daily quota of tickets for some parts, so arrive early if you want to see everything or phone ahead to reserve. You will need a ticket even on 'free' days.

The castle's Lost Wawel, which was being renovated during our last visit, is an exhibition that's accommodated in the old royal kitchen. Along with the remnants of the late 10th-century Rotunda of SS Felix and Adauctus, which is reputedly the first church in Poland, you can see various archaeological finds (including colourful old ceramic tiles from the castle's stoves), as well as models of the previous Wawel churches, the foundations of which can still be seen in the central courtyard. The entrance to the exhibition is from the outer courtyard to the right of the Tourist Service Office.