Wawel Hill

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Sandomierska Tower

Sandomierska Tower, Wawel Hill from river

Wawel Hill in Krakow, the mecca of every Pole and a must for foreign tourists, is a microcosm of Polish history and culture. From the 11th century on Poland's monarchs took up their residence here in the Royal Castle. And they were both crowned and buried here, in the Wawel Cathedral where later on Polish national heroes have also been laid to rest since the 19th century. The place not only overflows with priceless art treasures, architectural beauties, relics of the past and curiosities. It is also full of glory, magic, history and fable.

Photo 614, May 2007

Wawel Hill, from river

Part of Sandomierska Tower on the left

Wawel (Polish Wzgorze wawelskie) is the name of a limestone outcrop situated on the left bank of the Vistula in Krakow, Poland, at an altitude of 228 metres above sea level. This is a symbolic place of great significance for Polish people. The Royal Castle and the Cathedral are situated on the Hill. Polish Royalty and many distinguished Poles are interred in the Cathedral and royal coronations took place there.

Photo 615, May 2007

Thieves Tower

Part of Wawel Hill, from river. Thieves Tower on the right

Photo 618, May 2007

Wawel Hill, Thieves Tower

The Thieves' Tower — Baszta Zlodziejska (so-called because it was "where malefactors are sent") stands across the open space created by the Austrians for a parade ground; it is one of three Gothic towers on Wawel Hill built by Kazimierz Wielki in the 14th century (the other two, the Danish Tower and the Zygmunt Tower are actually incorporated into the Castle).

Photo 744, May 2007

Statue of Tadeusz Kosciuszko

Statue of Tadeusz Kosciuszko, Wawel Hill

Andrzej Tadeusz Bonawentura Kosciuszko (1746-1817) was a Polish and Lithuanian national hero, general and a leader of the 1794 uprising (which bears his name) against the Russian Empire. He fought in the American Revolutionary War as a colonel in the Continental Army and aide to General Washington. In recognition of his dedicated and faithful service, he was brevetted by the Continental Congress to the rank of Brigadier General in 1783, and became a naturalized citizen of the United States that same year.

Photo 725, May 2007

Statue of Tadeusz Kosciuszko, Wawel Hill

Photo 776, May 2007

Statue of Tadeusz Kosciuszko, Wawel Hill, Cathedral tower in background

Photo 777, May 2007

Herbowa Gate

Wawel Hill, entrance ramp to 'Herbowa' Gate

Wawel (Polish Wzgorze wawelskie) is the name of a limestone outcrop situated on the left bank of the Vistula in Krakow, at an altitude of 228 metres above sea level. This is a symbolic place of great significance for Polish people. The Royal Castle and the Cathedral are situated on the Hill. Polish Royalty and many distinguished Poles are interred in the Cathedral and royal coronations took place there.

Photo 723, May 2007