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Vote for the Between the Walls. Wawel Underground!
The exhibition at the Wawel Royal Castle has delighted thousands of visitors, and now it is in the running for the museum equivalent of an Oscar in the Sybilla 2025 Museum Event of the Year contest, the most important and prestigious museum competition in Poland.
You can vote here: https://forms.gle/1mpRHcoSeBCrrLM68
Voting closes at 10.00 pm on 23 May.
In the heart of Wawel – an underground journey through the ages
Not many people realise that right beneath the feet of the thousands of visitors touring the Wawel Hill lies a completely different world, one that until recently was off-limits to anyone who would want to visit. It was there, between the stone walls and limestone rocks, that the Between the Walls. Wawel Underground – exhibition was established. It is a journey through time and space that delights not only seasoned history buffs.
Since its opening, the exhibition has been attracting the attention of visitors and history enthusiasts alike. It is not just an ordinary exhibition, but an intricately designed journey that engages all the senses – a fascinating tale of ten centuries of defence, Wawel legends and the spirit of this extraordinary place. The exhibition is located on the western side of the hill, where archaeologists have been unearthing the secrets of Kraków’s past for decades.
The result of their work is a unique underground route which – just like Wawel itself – is unlike any other site in Poland. The name itself - Between the Walls. Wawel Underground - is a tribute to generations of researchers who have referred to this part of the hill by that very name for many years.
A rediscovered story
The exhibition has been set up between the former defensive walls, where archaeologists discovered traces of ramparts and buildings dating back as far as the 11th century. The tour takes the visitors on a journey through the successive eras of Wawel’s history – from the earthen and timber ramparts and the first gates to the stone walls, medieval weaponry and mysterious artefacts unearthed during surveys.
Light that evokes emotion
The major highlight of this space is its multimedia character. Projections, animations, lighting effects and a curated soundtrack bring the story to life right before visitors’ eyes. Fragments of walls and rocks form the backdrop for scenes depicting the history of Wawel Hill, all while the entire route comes alive with light, sound and imagery.
In the footsteps of legends and ancient seas
The most impressive elements include the walkway over the limestone cliff hanging above the legendary Dragon's Den. Visitors learn about the history of the ancient sea that covered this area millions of years ago, as well as the old legend of the dragon as recounted by Wincenty Kadłubek – a version that is far darker and more dramatic than the one known from fairy tales.
Between the Walls. Wawel Underground – a place with soul
Between the Walls. Wawel Underground is like a well-written book – full of stories, emotion and room for reflection. The passage between the two sections of the route showcases the most valuable archaeological finds unearthed during the surveys. These details serve as the most powerful reminder of just how extraordinary and enduring human heritage can be.
It is not just a museum attraction, but a unique experience that allows you to see Wawel from a completely new perspective.
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Don’t forget to vote: https://forms.gle/1mpRHcoSeBCrrLM68