Underneath Krakow’s splendid Wawel Castle is the Dragon’s Den, a limestone cave with a mythic history. Jagged formations line the softly lit passageways to create haunting shadows on the walls. This cave was formed over 25 million years ago and since its discovery in the 16th century has inspired many legends.
The Dragon's Den has been used as a storehouse, a brothel and as a residence. But perhaps its most well-known reputation is in the story of the Wawel Dragon, a terrifying creature that is said to have lived here. Legend has it that a mean cobbler tricked the dragon into eating lamb filled with sulfur, killing the beast. As a reward, the cobbler was given the king’s daughter’s hand in marriage.
Although the cave is more than 250 metres (820 feet) in length, due to safety regulations the public is only able to access 80 metres (262 feet). To get there, descend down 135 steps of the brick well, known as the Thieves’ Tower, and into the cave. The well was built in the 1830s and leads into the first of the three compartments that comprise the Dragon’s Den.
Walk through the rocky corridor and into the largest of the compartments. The dim light and shadows on the walls created by the roughly shaped limestone formations makes for an eerie atmosphere. In this room the domed brick ceiling was built when the cave was used as a storage place. In the third chamber are old brick chimneys, karstic fissures and rock projections.
Back above ground is a large bronze statue of a dragon. Be sure not to stand too close as the beast lets out a giant breath of fire every few minutes!
The Dragon’s Den is open daily between April and November. Buy your admission ticket from a machine at the entrance to the cave. The cave is located in the grounds of Wawel Castle, south of central Krakow, and is an easy walk from the Old Town.
