Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Not So Wordless Wednesday: Krakow #1



One of the main highlights of Krakow Poland, besides the Wawel Castle, is the Wawel Cathedral.  Two cathedrals once stood in its place, the first constructed in the 11th century and the second in the 12th century, both destroyed by fire.  The current one that stands was built in the 14th century, and is an almost overwhelming display of marble, gold and Renaissance architecture. 

Within its walls (no photography allowed) is the tomb of nearly every important figure in Polish history...kings, queens, war heroes, and even the Polish President that died in an airplane crash in 2010.  It is a humbling experience to walk past all these gilded tombs. 

You may climb the steps to the bell tower, where you can touch this 28,000 pound bell for good luck.  Nope, you can't ring it.  It takes 12 people to do that.   

7 comments:

rhapsodyinbooks said...

Wow, one has to wonder what good it is to have a bell that takes 12 people to ring. Like remember the end of Doomsday Book and how the only people would ring a bell whenever another person died? Not possible I suppose in Krakow!

bermudaonion said...

Walking by all of those tombs would give me chills. I'm uncomfortable in cemeteries.

Zibilee said...

Oh, I love the bell, but like Jill said, it would be a big deal to have to ring it! I hope that you got a chance to rub the bell for good luck! Great photos today!

Melissa (Avid Reader) said...

You're right, our photos today are neighbors!

Melody said...

I'd love to visit that cathedral!! Lovely shots!

caite said...

love that bell tower in the first one. they don't make them like that anymore!

Darlene said...

Wow, 12 people to ring one bell! This sounds like another amazing place to visit.