Why a Booktrail?
There’s a real fire breathing dragon living in plain sight in Krakow
The Dragon of Krakow
What you need to know before your trail
Poland is famed for its tales of dragons and mermaids. There’s a lot of folklore and history wrapped up in them so they make for a fine way to explore not only the city but its past. Have you heard of the fire breathing dragon who lives on the banks of the Vistula River? Or what about the mermaid who was rescued from it and who now stands guard to protect the city which adopted her?
There are some fine tales to be had in this city and a brilliant way for a booktrail into the past.
Travel Guide
Krakow
The Krakow Dragon /Wawel Dragon – is a famous dragon in Polish folklore. His lair was in a cave at the foot of Wawel Hill on the bank of the Vistula River. The Dragon which breathes real fire – it’s quite something to see and kids love it!
The dragon myth
The Wawel Dragon lived in the days before the city even became the city it is today. Many years ago, bones of pleistocene creatures were found hanging on a chain, which were then carried to the cathedral and thought to be the remains of the dragon. They were hung up at the door and legend has it, that if the bones fall, the world will come to an end.
The cathedral features a statue of the Wawel dragon and a plaque commemorating his defeat by Krakus, a Polish prince who, according to the plaque, founded the city and built his palace over the slain dragon’s lair.
Streetview Maps
A) Krakow - The Dragon
D) Krakow - Cathedral
Booktrail Boarding Pass: The Dragon of Krakow
Author/Guide: Richard Monte Destination: Poland, Krakow
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