The legend of the Wawel Dragon dates back to the beginnings of the Polish state and is inextricably linked to the history of Krakow. According to legends, a powerful dragon resided in a cave beneath Wawel Castle, which terrorized local residents by devouring cattle and young girls. The ruler of Krakow, Prince Krak, promised the hand of his daughter to the one who would defeat the beast. Many knights tried, but to no avail. Finally, a young shoemaker named Skuba came up with a clever idea. He stuffed a sheep skin with sulfur and left it in front of the dragon's cave. The hungry monster swallowed the bait, and when he felt a burning thirst, he began to drink water from the Vistula River. He drank for so long until he finally burst.

This legend, passed down from generation to generation, has become an integral part of Polish culture. It symbolizes the victory of cunning over strength, wisdom over brutality. It is also a metaphor for the founding of the city of Krakow and the beginnings of Polish statehood.

Today, the Wawel Dragon is not only an element of folklore, but also a living tourist attraction. At the foot of Wawel Castle, on the banks of the Vistula River, stands an imposing statue of a dragon that attracts thousands of tourists every year. It's a place where legend comes to life before the eyes of visitors.

To see the famous Wawel Dragon, you need to go to the Old Town of Cracow, specifically under the Wawel Hill. The exact address is: Old Town, Krakow, Poland. The dragon sculpture is located on the Vistula boulevard, at the foot of Wawel Hill, making it easily accessible to all visitors.

Getting to the Wawel Dragon is easy thanks to Krakow's excellent public transportation. The nearest streetcar stop is 'Wawel', which can be reached by lines 6, 8, 10, 13. For those who prefer to walk, the sculpture is about a 15-minute walk from the Main Square.

The Wawel Dragon sculpture, created by artist Bronislaw Chromy in 1969, is not just a static monument. It's a real attraction that comes to life every few minutes, breathing real fire! This spectacular effect makes the place extremely popular with both children and adults.

The dragon breathes fire every 3-5 minutes, and each 'explosion' lasts about 5 seconds. This is an ideal opportunity to take unforgettable photos. It is worth remembering that this effect is active all year round, regardless of the time of day or weather conditions.

Importantly, viewing the Wawel Dragon is completely free and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There is no need to buy tickets or wait in lines, making this attraction ideal for families with children or tourists with limited time.

For those who want to delve deeper into the legend, we also recommend visiting the Dragon's Den, a cave located beneath Wawel Castle, which according to legend was the home of the dragon. The entrance to the cave is located on Wawel Hill and is part of the castle tour. An entrance ticket to the Dragon's Cave costs about 7 zlotys for an adult and 5 zlotys for a child (as of 2023, we recommend checking current prices on the official Wawel Castle website).

For families with children there is a special 'Dragon Trail' route, which leads through the most interesting places associated with the legend. Along the route there are small dragon figurines that children can find, which turns the tour into a fascinating city game.

There are many other attractions worth seeing near the Wawel Dragon. These include:

1. the Wawel Royal Castle - an impressive royal residence with a rich history.
2. Wawel Cathedral - the coronation and burial place of Polish kings.
3. Market Square - one of the largest medieval squares in Europe.
4. Cloth Hall - historic market halls in the center of the Market Square.
5. St. Mary's Church - from whose tower the bugle call is sounded every hour.

All these places are a few minutes' walk from each other, which allows you to visit comfortably even with small children.

When planning a visit to the Wawel Dragon, it is worth remembering some practical tips:

1. the best time to visit: The Wawel Dragon is a year-round attraction, but it looks most beautiful in the evening, when the effect of breathing fire is most spectacular. During the summer season (May-September), the place can be quite crowded, especially on weekends. For a quieter visit, we recommend early morning or evening hours in the off-season.

2 Clothing and preparation: Since the sculpture is located in an open area, you should adjust your clothing according to the weather conditions. Comfortable shoes are a must, as the area encourages walking.

3 Safety: Although it is safe to breathe fire, parents should keep an eye on children to make sure they do not get too close to the sculpture.

4. Photography: The site offers great photo opportunities. It's a good idea to have your camera or smartphone ready to capture the moment the dragon breathes fire.

5. Sightseeing in the area: After seeing the Dragon, it's worth planning a tour of Wawel Hill. The whole thing can be walked around in about 2-3 hours.

6. Gastronomy: There are many cafes and restaurants in the area where you can relax and enjoy local specialties. We recommend trying a Cracovian pretzel, which, according to legend, also has a connection with the Wawel Dragon.

7 Accommodation: For tourists planning a longer stay, the area offers many lodging options - from luxury hotels to cozy hostels and apartments.

8. Accessibility: The site is handicapped-accessible, although some parts of Wawel Hill can be difficult to access by wheelchair.

9. Souvenirs: Many souvenirs related to the Wawel Dragon can be purchased nearby - from postcards to small figurines.

10. Mobile apps: It's worth downloading Krakow's tourist apps, which often include additional information and quizzes related to the Dragon legend.

The Wawel Dragon is not only a tourist attraction, but above all a symbol of Krakow and an important part of Polish culture. A visit here is not only an opportunity to take spectacular photos, but also to immerse yourself in a fascinating history and legend. Regardless of age, there is something for everyone, from the educational value of the legend for children, to the opportunity to admire the artistry for adults. The Wawel Dragon remains consistently one of the most magical and memorable places in Krakow, combining history, legend and modernity.