Wawel is not only a castle and a cathedral; it is layers of human stories laid one on top of another. Archaeology at Wawel has been carried out almost continuously since the 19th century, and intensive excavations in the 20th and 21st centuries have produced finds ranging from the Paleolithic to the modern era.
In recent years, work carried out as part of upgrades to the underground routes and the archaeological reserve has revealed structures and artefacts that not only fill gaps in Wawel’s chronicle but also change how we understand the beginnings of settlement and the hill’s defenses.
Systematic archaeological research on Wawel Hill began on a large scale in the early 20th century, with intensified work after World War II. Excavations uncovered Romanesque and pre-Romanesque remains, traces of fortifications and palace structures.
Today the work is led by the Archaeology and Reserves Department of the Royal Castle on Wawel. Excavations carried out during modernizations and when creating new visitor routes often reach stratified layers that for centuries were hidden beneath later buildings.
During the investigations preceding the expansion of the underground route opened as “Miedzymurze. Wawel Underground” (works 2023–2024) researchers uncovered, among other things, a 12‑metre section of remains of an early-medieval box rampart dated to the 11th century and remnants of a hearth that may date from the 10th century.
In the same research series archaeologists recovered numerous moveable finds: a bird-shaped clay ocarina, a collection of around 200 coins, several dozen fragments of clay pipes and metal dress ornaments and clothing fittings. These are everyday materials that speak about life on the hill.
In other excavations archaeologists also encountered unusual burials — in 2025 three child graves preliminarily dated to the 17th century were found under the outer courtyard of the Castle, together with a fragment of weaponry that requires further analysis.
Bird-shaped clay ocarina — such toy-instruments appear at medieval sites and suggest that families lived on Wawel; life here was not only about ceremonies and battles but also everyday rituals and play.
The coin hoard — a few hundred small coins and denarii help to date layers and indicate trade activity, contacts and the economic status of the hill’s inhabitants. Numismatic analysis also helps determine the chronological horizon of the discoveries.
Fragments of pipes, dress ornaments and clothing elements show fashion and customs; metal utilitarian items and small tools speak about professions and workshops operating within the hilltop settlement.
Remains of a box rampart dated to the 11th century and hearth layers point to earlier phases of defence and settlement than what is visible today on the surface. They remind us that Wawel developed in many stages over the centuries.
The exhibition titled “Miedzymurze. Wawel Underground” presents the results of many years of research and some of the newest discoveries. The display shows both architectural remains and moveable objects recovered during archaeological work.
The entrance to the underground route is located on the viewing terrace above the Dragon’s Den (Smocza Jama), on the Vistula-facing side. Visitors receive an audio guide included in the ticket price, which makes self-guided visits easier.
Indicative ticket prices at the exhibition opening included full-price and reduced-price tickets (for up-to-date prices and opening hours it’s best to check the Castle’s official website before your visit).
Research at Wawel combines traditional excavation with modern methods: geophysical prospection (e.g., ground-penetrating radar), photographic documentation, stratigraphic recording and specialist analyses (conservation, radiocarbon dating, material studies).
After excavation, finds are taken to conservation laboratories where they are cleaned, stabilized and prepared for display. Care of the collection and publication of results are key responsibilities of the Archaeology and Reserves Department of the Royal Castle on Wawel.
Book tickets in advance, especially for underground routes — this is a new and popular attraction and places can be limited. The audio guide included with the ticket allows you to explore the context of finds at your own pace.
If you want deeper insight into the discoveries, take guided tours offered by the Castle’s official guides — they have access to the latest research and can present Wawel archaeology with scientific accuracy and engaging storytelling.
Walk the route slowly and look for signs indicating chronological layers and reconstruction models — these help most quickly to imagine what Wawel looked like in different eras.
Wawel is a complex site: after visiting the archaeological underground, it’s worth seeing the cathedral with the famous Sigismund Chapel, the royal tombs and the Castle’s treasury and armory — each of these spaces tells a different part of the hill’s story.
Remember that some parts of the cathedral and crypts may have separate entrances and tickets — plan your time and check opening hours.
If you want a historic atmosphere and well-reviewed dining, consider Kraków classics: Restauracja Wierzynek (Main Market Square) is a place with a long tradition, ideal for a special meal; Pod Nosem (Kanonicza Street) is known for solid regional cuisine in an atmospheric interior.
For everyday lunch or coffee near the Market and Wawel, there are many cafés and bistros with good reviews and fresh food — check current ratings and reserve a table at weekends.
Thinking Wawel is only a few rooms and the cathedral — Wawel has many levels and exhibitions; allow at least 2–3 hours for a relaxed visit to the complex.
Not checking opening hours and tickets — especially the underground and special exhibitions can be time-limited; online booking is a simple solution.
Not using the audio guide or an official guide — archaeological contexts can be subtle; an expert’s commentary greatly enhances the visit.
Can you visit Wawel without a guide? Yes — many routes are available for self-guided visits, and the audio guide helps explain the exhibition; guided tours with official guides, however, provide additional scientific context.
Is the Miedzymurze exhibition accessible to people with limited mobility? Underground routes can be partially challenging; check the Castle’s website before your visit for detailed accessibility information.
Are all finds on display? Some artefacts are in conservation labs and storage; exhibitions show selected representative examples, but the collections are constantly being studied and exhibits may rotate.
Beneath Wawel’s surface lie layers from very different periods: traces from the Paleolithic through the Neolithic to defensive structures from the Piast era. The site is almost an "electrode" of the region’s history.
Not all valuable finds are large artefacts — small everyday objects (broken pipes, buttons, buckles) provide archaeologists with abundant information about customs, trade and cultural contacts.
If you enjoyed this guide, share it with friends or on social profiles — Wawel archaeology inspires both adults and children.
Want a guided tour focused on archaeology and lesser-known stories? I invite you to book a private tour with guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details and booking information are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
Wishing you great discoveries at Wawel — take your time, ask questions and look closely at every detail. History likes to be read with a careful eye.
