As a grand finale, pay a visit to Smok Wawelski, the Wawel Dragon. At the base of the hill, near the river, you’ll find a crowd of onlookers around a fearsome metal sculpture of a dragon perched on a rock. Every few minutes, with a whoosh, flames shoot out of its mouth to delighted gasps. It’s a bit of playful modern engineering, yet it celebrates one of Kraków’s oldest legends. According to lore, this dragon terrorized ancient Kraków – devouring livestock and maidens – until a clever local cobbler named Skuba tricked it. He offered the dragon a sheep’s carcass filled with sulfur and tar. The greedy dragon gobbled it up and soon became unbearably thirsty. It ran to the Vistula River right here and drank and drank… until it drank so much water that it burst! Thus the town was saved. King Krakus or Krak supposedly built his castle atop the dragon’s lair thereafter, and that’s how Kraków got its name. Of course, historically we know the cave was likely a shelter for prehistoric people and later perhaps a smithy. Fires and bones found inside could explain “dragon” sightings. But why spoil a good story? Kids love this spot – you’ll see them counting down impatiently for the next fire blast. Sometimes they even sing a little rhyme about Smok. If you wait until the crowd chants three-two-one, you might catch the exact fiery moment for a photo. Don’t be startled by the heat; you can feel it from several yards away when the flame erupts! The statue stands by the entrance of the real Dragon’s Den cave, which you can enter during some summer months. It’s a short walk through damp limestone chambers which is good for youngsters who can then claim they walked through the dragon’s home. There’s also a lovely walking path along the Vistula here; you might end your tour with a riverside stroll or even a Vistula boat ride in summer. I have not included a walk in the Jewish Quarter in my tour but that warrants a tour of its own. This concludes our tour and I hope you’ve enjoyed this journey as much as I have enjoyed guiding you. Dziękuję or thank you for walking with me through Kraków’s past and present. As we say goodbye, take with you the echoes of the hejnał trumpet, the sight of the golden chapel dome, and perhaps a bit of dragon fire in your heart – the magic of Kraków tends to linger long after you depart. Safe travels and come back soon!