Krakus Mound

Prince Krakus, or Krak, often referred to as King Krak, was the legendary founder of Kraków. When he died, his subjects, grateful for his kindness and the rule of justice, built him a grave in the form of a mound (also known as a tumulus or kurghan). This much the legend.

In reality, the mystery chases the tail of a mystery here. The undisputed facts include the height of the mound (16 m/53 feet) and its situation on the right bank of the Vistula, on the Krzemionki Plateau. We are, however, not certain when, thanks to whom, and why the mound was erected.

It might have been built in the 7th century. This is suggested by a bronze Avar clasp from the period found by archaeologists inside the mound. The Avars were a nomadic people, who arrived in Central Europe from Eastern Asia in the 6th century. Yet some scientists connect the origin of the mound to Celts, and date it to the 1st century AD. An argument to support this claim is the situation of the Krak and Wanda Mounds in relation to each other, which defined the position of the sun at the moment of changing of Celtic seasons.

In pre-Christian times, the mound was most probably the site of Slavic rites celebrated in the spring which were held to the memory of departed forefathers. The glorious dead were venerated here, and wakes were organised in their honour. The tradition of holding such feasts on and around the mound survived into Christian times. The fair and indulgence known as Rękawka is held here on the Tuesday following Easter. Linguists connect its origins with the Czech rakew, meaning "a coffin" or the Serbian raka - "a grave". Whichever etymology may be true, such an etymology confirms that the mound was a place for venerating dead ancestors, or simply a grave. As the sound suggests a link with the Polish word for "sleeve", tradition explains the name Rękawka by associating it with the subjects of Prince Krak carrying soil in their hands and broad sleeves. The fair and indulgence are still organised even to this day, but the site has changed: it has shifted from the foot of the mound to the neighbouring Lasoty Hill. Although we still know nothing for certain, the mythical founder of Kraków cautiously guards his secrets.