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Krakow is a city that is in the top 5 on the list of those who plan to visit the oldest cities in Europe and the first on the list of those who want to feel the atmosphere of the books about the Witcher. Bright with its red roofs, fun with its entertainment, and fragrant with its unforgettable cuisine, this city keeps people coming back again and again.
However, man does not live by bread and circus alone. During one of your visits, pay attention to the spiritual side of Krakow – the side that can absorb your attention and leave indescribable impressions for years to come. In this article, we will take a look into the world of Krakow architecture and its spiritual secrets.
Towers, Knife, and Brothers’ Rivalry
The St. Mary’s Basilica is the place you cannot miss visiting Krakow. Two towers, one taller than the other, immediately catch the eye of tourists and make them ask, “Wait, why are these towers different in height?”
Legend says that two brothers were building these towers. They were jealous of each other and competed for glory; these towers became the last reason to prove their superiority. One brother decided he couldn’t stand the idea of his brother’s tower being taller. Obviously, in those days, he couldn’t turn to an online psychic or someone else who would help him figure out his feelings. Driven by jealousy, he killed his brother using a knife and, wracked with guilt, jumped off his own tower.
This story carries a symbolic meaning about human ambition, ego, and jealousy. One tower reaches up, trying to touch the heavens. Another one is stuck closer to the ground, weighed down by human sins. The towers’ varying heights stand for the flawed and dual character of the human being.
You can see a symbol related to this story in the Krakow Cloth Hall, Sukiennice. On the axis of the building hangs a knife — a replica of the knife with which one brother killed another. It reminds people of the terrible price the brothers paid for their rivalry.
Place of Power in Krakow
The Wawel Cathedral is located within the Wawel Royal Castle complex. This historical place is supercharged with mystical energy. Deep in the cathedral, there’s the Chapel of the Holy Cross with many Byzantine frescoes. People who created these frescoes believed that God was hiding in the numbers and shapes. Circles and squares, which you’ll see, represent the divine order of the universe.
The most interesting part of this place is the Wawel Chakra. People say Wawel is a powerful energy center, right up there with the Pyramids and Stonehenge. Call it energy, call it magic, call it whatever you want—but it’s there. Just visit this place once to feel it.
City of the Dragon
A symbol of the fire-breathing Krakow’s legend is located near Wawel Castle. It’s a statue of Smok Wawelski, Krakow’s infamous dragon.
According to legend, this dragon used to live in a cave under Wawel Hill, causing chaos and eating sheep and, occasionally, people. The people of Krakow were terrified, and after countless failed attempts to get rid of the beast, a young cobbler named Skuba stepped up. He outsmarted the dragon, stuffing a sheep full of sulfur and feeding it to Smok. The dragon got so thirsty from the sulfur that he drank half the Vistula River and exploded. The problem was solved, and the statue of Smok became the city’s most famous tourist attraction.
However, it’s not just a place to take pictures. In many cultures, dragons are a universal emblem of chaos and ruin. Smok Wawelski stands for the wild powers of nature and the ever-present dangers to human existence that lie just beneath the surface. He serves as a reminder of the chaos that people are constantly attempting to escape. The story about Skuba defeating the dragon is not just a tale for kids. It is a metaphor for humanity’s never-ending battle with our inner demons and fears.
There is one more interesting fact about Krakow’s dragon. The dragon’s cave, known as the Dragon’s Den, is an actual cave beneath Wawel Hill. Wawel, as we mentioned earlier, is said to be perched above a chakra, a significant energy point in the universe, and the Dragon’s Den is seen as a type of spiritual gateway. Local legends suggest that this cave may serve as a portal to the underworld.
Conclusion
What do all of these symbols mean? You will find the answer for yourself when you visit these places.
Some people see dragons, caves, and ancient towers as architectural monuments and nothing more. Some — feel the incredible energy that seeps through the ground and embraces the entire city. Who will you be?