Sigismund's Bell
This is the most famous polish bell. Its name was given to commemorate its founder Zygmunt Stary. The peal of bell resound for the first time on 13th July 1521. Until now it is started manually by 8 to 12 of 35 bell-ringers. The sound of the Bell can be heard only during special ocasions- national holidays ans religious holidays and in special moments for Poland. What is amazing it reverberates 50 kilometers away. One of those special days was moment of ellection of Karol Wojtyla for pope and also moment of his death. The heart of the bell weighs 350 kilograms and it is hang on special camel belts, and it is almost 2 meter high. At the entrance to sanctuary you can notice hanging bones. It is said that they are dragon’s – ( Smok Wawelski ) bones, but the truth is a little bit different. This is shinbone of mammoth, rib of whale , skull of rhinoceros. They say that if the fall on the ground the end of the world takes place. This is why everyone looking upward to make sure that bones are still there.
If you want to have good luck you should touch the hammer of the bell..
Opeing hours : 9AM-3PM. Noon-3PM Sundays.

Wawel Castle:
The Wawel Castle used to be the residence of Polish monarchs from the 11th to the early 17th century. After Krakow lost its capital status to Warsaw, the Castle was occupied by foreign powers during various wars.The Castle offers a mixture of architectural styles and is home of a large arcaded inner courtyard. When you are wandering in Krakow you will have the chance to see the beautiful castle at the top of Wawel hill.
This place is the most often visited by tourists, beside Rynek Glowny ( Main Market Square ) with Kosciol Mariacki ( Mariacki Castle ). Castle is particular place denoted by historical events and royal dynasties of our country. Immensity of historical heritage has influence on Polish fate.
The Royal Castle was main capital of Poland since time of King Kazimierz Odnowiciel. However some researches show that in earlier, in first ages of forming statehood, it was chosen as seat of authorities.
The castle was renovated and given a new look. King Kazimierz Odnowiciel tried to extend the building in romanian style. The effects of this undertaking can be admired until nowadays. The time of biggest progres of Wawel’s architercture took place during kings Zygmunt Stary and Zygmunt August reign.
Opening hours: Closed Mondays; open Tuesday-Thursday and Saturday, 9:30am-3pm, Friday, 9:30am-4pm, Sunday, 10am-3pm. "The Lost Wawel" Route is closed Tuesdays, open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday, 9:30am-3pm, Friday, 9:30am-4pm, Sunday, 10am-3pm. The Dragon's Den is open daily, 10am-5pm, May-October.

Katedra Wawelska (Wawel Cathedral)
The first cathedral church in Wawel was built shortly after year 1000 . Wawel Cathedral has a special place in polish history and awareness of Poles. It has been a place of Saint Stanislav worship. He was canonized in 1253 .Stanislaw was bishop of Krakow and was murdered in 1079 by order of king Boleslaw Smialy. Soon after tragic death of bishop , numerous pilgrims were coming to his tomb. This saint is related with idea of united polish country, especialy during difficult times of annexion of teritories and communism. The Cathedral houses have many tombs of various Polish kings, queens, and heroes. Also inside there are accesses to the royal tombs and Sigismund's Bell. There is a complex of royal gothic tombs ( Wladyslaw Lokietek, Kazimierz Wielki, Wladyslaw Jagiello, Kazmierz Jagielonczyk) which arouse admiration to craftsmanship of artists.
The cathedral is special because of another reason. – cardinal Karol Wojtyla was host of this place.Later he became a pope in Rome . Pope John Paul II visited his former cathedral church seven times in years : 1979, 1983, 1987, 1991, 1997, 1999 2002.

Rynek Glowny (Main Market Square)

Main Market Square is one of three biggest market squares in Europe. Each side of it is 200 meter long. The shape of it hasn’t been changed since 1257 - during King Boleslaw Wstydliwy reign. The shape of square was fixed to help merchants to get to their places of work.

On Market Place there is St Wojciech Church, Town Hall Tower, Cloth Hall ( Sukiennice ), Statue of Adam Mickiewicz. Around the market there is Mariacki Church and historical tenement houses. Since the moment the market started its level has risen about more than 5 meters. It is easy to notice it in the neighborhood of Saint Wojciech Church and Mariacki Church. Under the market there are vast cellars , basements, among others famous Piwnica pod Baranami. There is also caffe Pod Ratuszem and theathre Maszkaron and archeological mini-museum in underground of Saint Wojciech Church. The 70 meters-tall built of stone and brick Town Hall Tower is the only remnant of beautiful Town Hall which was built in the 14th century. This building was reconstructed and remodelled many times according to obligatory style in architecture. On the Market Square you will find paths for pedestrians and bicyclists.

Jewish Museum - Old Synagogue
Museum located at Szeroka 24 street is almost 500 year-old. We don’t know when exactly it was built, but probably it was after year 1389. This is the oldest synagogue in Poland and is special place for Poles because of historic and patriotic reasons.During Second World War lot of precious things were stolen. There are only few relics of the past left. It shows both ceremonial objects, personal effects, and the period of Nazi oppression. This is place worth seeing.
You can find original antiques such as old portrays, paintings and stone money-box, objects related with Jewish customs, holidays. There is also exibition showing customs and everyday life’s of Krakow residents.