Krakow, Poland Day 5- Wawel Castle, Rynku Underground, flying home

It's not surprise that we spent the last day in Krakow exploring the Castle.  I (Tina) loves castles.  I think it's because I am fascinated with that period of time in history.  I love how all the castles are so different and magnificent in their own way.  I think my favorite part of Europe is all the Majestic Castles.

Wawel Royal Castle
(Picture from our handout.)  The Castle was built from 1333-1370.
For centuries this castle was the residence of the King of Poland and other official
officers.  It is also a symbol of polish statehood.  The castle is now one of the country's premier art museums.
We got to explore the State Rooms and the Crown treasury.
We started with the Crown Treasury and Armory.  Let me tell you this was the largest Armory we have every seen they had dozens of different swords, crossbows, cannons, knives, guns, and all manor of weapons.  It was amazing.  We just were in awe of the amount of polish weapons.  Several of the rooms of different armor took you through the different eras of polish combat and the weapons they used.  It was fascinating and we just could't get enough of all the weapons.  Alas, we couldn't' take pictures.  But My friends it was amazing!  So much history and so very cool to see. 

This is the view of the castle from the street.

As we were entering Wawel Hill

I love how these kids just keep exploring day after day with me.
I often wonder how they will vacation when they are running the show?
It will be interesting if they try and see as much as they an in one day or will be
happy with seeing a few things and relaxing?  Can't wait to find out.  Me, I want to explore as much as I can
because chances are I will not be coming back.  So I want to eat it all up while I am there.  

Bastianclan at Wawel Castle Armory.  We were the first in line.
Another thing I do....  I want to be there early to beat the crowds.  Most of the time it works.

Just some pictures around the castle.

They were doing some renovation on the castle. 

Beautiful Door

My crazy kids killing time before the Castle opens. 

Jeremy loved this bridge we passed it several times as we explored Krakow.

The last place we explored in Krakow was Rynek Underground
This museum is directly under the "Main Square.  How cool is that?  We got to go underground again.
The museum takes you on a journey traveling back in time to the Middle Ages of Krakow.  It's beautifully done.  Using technology from today to enhance the exhibits.  We knew we were on an adventure when we entered the museum through a Hologram.  The Museum was very interactive.  They did a great job of having english translations on the artifacts and sections of the museum.   It was fun to see how Krakow evolved over time.  The museum did an amazing job reconstructing mediaeval artifacts. The museum covers archeology including real wall and foundation discovered during a major excavation about a decade ago.  They even found skeletons it's pretty amazing.   We do not have a lot of pictures because alas, you couldn't take pictures.  So here are a few from our guide.  

This is the map of the museum.  I wouldn't say it was very big.  We were able to see everything in about 90 minutes.
We did play a little and missed a couple of the movie clips.  It was just perfect.  We only  needed to kill a little time and this Museum was well worth the stop.  

Our time in Krakow has come to an end.  We really did have a wonderful Spring Break and have just
enjoyed this Country so much.  We loved the memories we made here.  Thanks Krakow for such a wonderful week