A trip down History Lane – 1920
Is the Wawel Royal Castle on the list of your tourist destinations for 2020-2021? Have you ever visited Wawel Castle? If you have been at least once in Krakow, you – for sure – had this on top of your TO SEE List. 100 years ago this monument underwent a general renovation under the supervision of prof. Adolf Szyszko-Bohusz. Importantly, the goal of the excellent restorer was not only to protect the castle but also to make it available to visitors to the greatest extent possible.
New Wawel Sights on display as of July 1920
The embankments were opened to tourists and a new descent to Dragon’s Cave (Dragon’s Den) was arranged and electric lighting was installed in it. Visitors were also allowed into the rotunda of St. Feliks and Adaukta, probably from the turn of the 10th and 11th centuries.
In an interview given to Rzeczpospolita, published on July 10, 1920, prof. Szyszko-Bohusz made plans for the future. His team was in the process of designing an electric heating installation inside the castle. The future designation of individual rooms was also planned. Today, this plan may surprise some – Wawel was to become primarily a temporary residence of the Chief of State! The 2nd floor was to be occupied by representative rooms, and on the ground floor and the first floor by prof. Szyszko-Bohusz intended to organize a museum. Thank God that plan did not fell through!
Work on Wawel was possible due to Government subsidies
It is worth mentioning that work at Wawel was possible thanks to government subsidies. Like today, 100 years ago they were the main source of financing for the conservation of monuments. Professor Szyszko-Bohusz did not hide, however, that he was counting on the generosity of Poles – private donors. He announced that their names would be immortalized on the walls of Wawel. He fulfilled his promise. Today, going to Wawel along the road to Herbowa Gate, we pass a wall with built-in bricks with the names of the donors. Be sure to devote a moment to them during a holiday trip to Krakow!
Yours sincerly,
The Twisted Red LadyBug – Bringing You Krakow’s History
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