Wawel Royal Castle

Once the home of the Polish monarchs and emblematic to Poland's independent identity, the Wawel Royal Castle is the most recognized landmarks in the country. Built at the command of King Casimir III the Great, this mammoth castle, among the largest in Poland, features a variety of European architectural styles. Impressive as it is, the castle is included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. It seems the entire castle complex took about 300 years to build as each was erected in phases. Though tours are not available separately, one can choose from the many exhibitions to visit the castle. They give a glimpse of how the castle looked like from the 16th to the 18th Centuries. These include exemplary Renaissance art pieces and Asian, and Middle-Eastern artwork. The timings differ seasonally and the admission prices also vary as per the exhibition. Operatic performances and chamber concerts are also held within its premises.