Poland: Krakow – Wawel Castle
Krakow was the capital of the Polish kingdom for long six centuries until mid 1700s. The Wawel Hill housed the Royal Castle and Cathedral, set on top of a prominent Wawel Hill over the Vistula river 228 meters below. Some of the castle walls and two towers date back to 970AD. It is fortified with a round of walls and towers, while the hill and river add another layer of protection. In the 20th century, the Polish president chose this castle as the residence until WWII, when Germany made Krakow the capital of the Polish territory. The cathedral inside the castle is where John Paul II used to “work” while he was still a cardinal. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
