Wawel Hill, on the edge of Krakow, is home to an ominous limestone cave with a curious past. As you move through the Dragon’s Den’s eerily lit walkways you’ll be met by spooky shadows formed by the jagged stones. Since the 16th century this cave has spurred legends and rumours as to its original purpose.
While the cave formed more than 25 million years ago, it wasn’t discovered until just a few centuries ago. Since then the cave has been used as a stockroom, a brothel and a residence. The cave takes its name from the legend of the Wawel Dragon that is said to have once lived there. The tale, recounted for centuries to the children of Krakow, says that a humble cobbler killed the vicious dragon after tricking it into devouring a sheep stuffed with sulfur. As a reward the cobbler was allowed to marry the king’s daughter.
While the cave stretches more than 250 metres (820 feet) within the hill, only 80 metres (262 feet) are accessible to the public. Climb down the 135 steps that wind within the Thieves’ Tower to reach the depths of the cave. The tower is actually a well and was constructed in the 1830s to reach the first of the three chambers within the Dragon’s Den.
Continue into the largest of the chambers and you’ll find a domed ceiling constructed during the period the cave functioned as a storehouse. The low, flickering lights create an eerie atmosphere within the cavernous room. Finish your exploration in the final chamber, where there are rock projections and historic chimneys.
Back above ground be sure to snap a photo with the bronze, fire-breathing dragon that greets visitors to the cave. Every few minutes you’ll hear the crowds cheer as a fireball flies from its mouth.
The Dragon’s Den is located on Wawel Hill and can be reached on foot from the Old Town. There is parking available for a fee outside the castle. The complex is open between April and November and an admission fee applies.
