Poland is a country with a rich history. Lovers of antiquity have something to see. To view the architectural monuments, it is enough to visit the historical centers of the country's ancient cities. For example, Gdansk, Krakow or Torun, which have preserved historical buildings with a thousand-year history.
Many excursion routes include the castles - Marienburg, Wawel and Wilanow Palace. Museums: Auschwitz-Birkenau, European Solidarity Center, Museum of the Second World War will tell about the sad pages of Polish history. Separately, it is worth mentioning religious buildings. These are large architectural complexes - Kalwaria-Zebrzydowska. And some architectural masterpieces - the Yasnaya Gora Monastery or the Vang Church.
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What to see and where to go in Poland?
The most interesting and beautiful places for visiting, photos and short description.
1. Marienburg Castle
In 1274 the castle was founded by the Teutonic knights. It was rebuilt and expanded several times in the XIV century. From the 15th to the 18th century it was the seat of Polish kings. The invasion of the Swedes, and then the Second World War, left the castle in ruins. By now, the reconstruction initiated by the Polish authorities has been fully completed. Tourists can admire the castle as a magnificent example of Gothic brick art.
2. Warsaw Old Town
Historical district founded in the XII century. It is a popular tourist destination. After the Second World War, most of the buildings of the Old City were rebuilt from photographs and preserved drawings, for which they were included in the UNESCO list. The oldest surviving buildings are the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist and the Warsaw Barbican. The center of the old town is the Market Square. Now it houses many cafes, shops and souvenir shops.
3. Wieliczka Salt Mine
The development of the rock salt deposit in Wieliczka took seven centuries. During this time, 7 levels of underground corridors with a total length of 200 km appeared in it. The depth of the deposit is almost 200 meters. UNESCO has taken this unique industrial site under its protection. Excursion routes include a visit to the chamber of Kazemir the Great, the underground chapel of St. Anthony and Danilovich's shaft of the 17th century.
4. Wawel (Krakow)
An architectural complex located on a hill in. Includes cathedral St. Stanislav and Vaclav and the Royal Castle. For Poland, these structures are the same symbol as the Kremlin for Russia. A massive castle in the Gothic style, a cathedral with high 20-meter towers, several small chapels and churches - they create a unique architectural ensemble that is visited by hundreds of tourists every day.
5. Kazimierz (Krakow)
Monument to the history of Poland, included in the area of \u200b\u200bthe Old Town of Krakow. Historically, it is the place of residence of Jews. The famous film "Schindler's List" about the Holocaust was filmed here. There are 7 synagogues in the Jewish quarter, which managed to survive during the Second World War; they have now been restored. Travelers note the coziness and special atmosphere in Kazimierz, different from the Old Town.
6. Market Square and Cloth Hall (Krakow)
The central trading place of Krakow is the Market Square, founded in 1257. Palaces, churches and old buildings are located on a 200 meter long square. In the center of the square there is the Cloth Hall - an architectural monument. Wooden benches are located under the neo-Gothic arches, the walls are decorated with decorative stucco. Next to the Cloth Hall is the Church of St. Wojciech, who is almost 1000 years old.
7. St. Mary's Church (Krakow)
The construction of the cathedral was completed in 1397. The three-nave basilica was built in the Gothic style. One tower of the church is crowned with a pointed spire, the other - with a helmet. The tallest tower is 82 meters. The interior inside the church is decorated with stained glass windows, as well as works of sculpture and painting. The main decoration is the altar, 13 meters high. It is carved from linden and combines elements of the Renaissance and Gothic.
8. Historical center of Gdansk
One of the oldest cities in Poland - it was founded in the X century. The city is an architectural complex of buildings built in the XIII-XVIII centuries. In many museums - archaeological, painting, marine. A large number of historical monuments are concentrated in the Old Town. At the entrance to the historic center there is the Golden Gate, behind which are the most beautiful buildings in the city.
9. Church of St. Mary (Gdansk)
The construction of the church, 105 meters high, lasted from the middle of the XIV century to the beginning of the XVI century. The bell tower is equipped with observation deck with views of the historic city center. Inside there are magnificent works of art from the Middle Ages - a stone Pieta, an astronomical clock, an altar built at the beginning of the 16th century. Local residents consider it a miracle that the church was practically not damaged in a fire in 1945.
10. Old town Zamosc
In the 16th century, Zamosc was built by Italian craftsmen as a fortified city, but in the 19th century, instead of the fortress walls, picturesque gardens were arranged. The historic city center with Renaissance buildings is a UNESCO site. Beautiful buildings skillfully built into a single architectural urban ensemble. Among the architectural monuments, the building of the City Hall, the Zamoyski Palace, and the Cathedral are distinguished.
11. Old Torun
The oldest part of the city of Torun is included in the UNESCO cultural heritage list. The construction of the city began in the 13th century. The city walls have been partially preserved to this day, separating the historical part of the city from later buildings. The castle of the Teutonic Order, the Church of St. Mary and the House of Copernicus are considered masterpieces of brick Gothic. The center of the old district is the Old Market with the Torun Town Hall.
12. Town Hall and Market Square of Wroclaw
The Market Square, founded in the XII century, is the main attraction. In different eras, it was built up with buildings of different architectural styles. In the center of the square there is a whole block of mansions with elements of Gothic and Art Nouveau in design. The most interesting object is the city hall. It was built for almost 300 years - in the XIII to XVI centuries. Now the town hall is a museum object.
13. Wroclaw dwarfs
Unusual bronze figurines of gnomes are the symbol of Wroclaw. It all started with the installation of a monument in the form of a gnome by the city authorities in 2001, and since 2006, many private organizations began to install their gnomes. Currently, there are about 400 statuettes in different parts of the city. Each gnome has its own character and story. The quest to find all the dwarves of Wroclaw is popular among the guests of the city.
14. Hall of the Centenary and Wroclaw Fountain
The grandiose building, built in 1913, is used for concerts and sporting events. One of the world's first reinforced concrete structures, and at the same time it is a great example of early modernism. Included in the list of objects protected by UNESCO. A multimedia musical fountain is installed next to the hall. Its lighting consists of 800 lighting points. In winter, a skating rink works at the site of the fountain.
15. Palace of Culture and Science (Warsaw)
The most high building in the country. The height of the 42-storey skyscraper is 240 meters. The construction was carried out with the money of the Soviet Union by Soviet builders. The Moscow "Stalinist skyscrapers" were taken as a model. As a result, the palace building combines the styles of Stalinist neo-empire and Polish historicism. The premises of the building are occupied by museums and exhibitions, as well as offices of private organizations, shops, a swimming pool, theaters, conference rooms.
16. Manufaktura (Lodz)
A large shopping and entertainment center in the city of Lodz. It was built in a modernized building of a large 19th century manufactory. The area of \u200b\u200bthe mall is 26 hectares. It houses more than 300 stores of major global and national brands. The complex also includes a hotel, a skate park, a bowling club, a rollerdrome, a climbing wall and a cinema with 15 rooms. Notable is the fountain 300 meters long, installed at the mall.
17. Wilanow Palace
The palace was built at the beginning of the 17th century for King Jan Sobieski as a country residence. An architectural monument in the Polish Baroque style. It combines the principles of European art and the traditions of Polish building architecture. The facade is decorated with sculptures and intricate décor. In 1805, a museum was opened in the palace, which still exists. The chic and picturesque Wilanow Park is laid out around the palace.
18. Warsaw Uprising Museum
The museum occupies 4 floors of the former tram depot building. Its exhibits are dedicated to the Warsaw Uprising of 1944. In total, 750 exhibits and about 1000 photographs are displayed at the museum's exhibitions. Near the museum, on the 156-meter-long Memorial Wall, the names of 10,000 dead insurgents are engraved. The movie “City of Ruins” is shown in the cinema hall, which shows the horror of the destruction and devastation of Warsaw during the uprising.
19. Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau (Auschwitz)
There were three large Nazi concentration camps in Auschwitz. During the Second World War, more than a million people died in them, mostly Jews by origin. In 1947, the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum was opened here, dedicated to the terrible events of the war. More than a million people visit it every year. On the territory of the museum in 1967, a monument was opened in honor of the victims of Nazism.
20. Oskar Schindler's Factory (Krakow)
The activities of this factory are shown in the film "Schindler's List". The founder of the factory ransomed prisoners from concentration camps to work in production, so he helped thousands of people avoid death. The exposition "Krakow during the Occupation 1939-1948" attracts a large number of visitors. It was opened in 2010 and tells about the history of the factory, the fate of the Jews of Krakow and the life of the population during the occupation.
21. European Solidarity Center (Gdansk)
Multimedia Museum and Library Complex in Gdansk. Opened in 2014 and is dedicated to the creation and work of the opposition movement "Solidarity". The building is made in the form of a ship, its area is 25,000 m². 6 halls of the museum tell about the emergence of the popular movement, the history of Poland, the change of the political regime and the fall of communism. Visitors can use the audio guide, including in Russian.
22. Museum of the Second World War (Gdansk)
Located on a peninsula in the city of Gdansk. The museum was opened in 2017. The building is an example of Polish modern architecture. The main exhibition is located in the underground part. Its funds amount to 50,000 exhibits. The concept of the museum is interesting - to show the horrors of war not only from the point of view of politics, but through the eyes of an ordinary person. The installations of the museum are shocking and impressive.
23. Wooden churches in the south of Lesser Poland
In the south of the country there is a complex of valuable architectural wooden churches. They are created in different styles - Baroque, Renaissance, Gothic. The earliest objects were built in the XIV century. One of the first buildings is considered to be a church in Khachuv in 1388. Part of the complex is under the protection of UNESCO. For visiting the southern Lesser Poland churches, a special tourist route, it is popular with travelers.
24. Churches of the world
Large religious wooden buildings of the 17th century, included in the UNESCO list. Of the three built churches, two have survived to date. They are located in the towns of Swidnica and Javor. The church in Swidnica can accommodate 6,000 parishioners. Its ceilings are decorated with paintings of scenes from the Bible. The church in Javor, with an area of \u200b\u200b1090 m², can accommodate 7,500 parishioners. Architectural solutions the facades of the churches are extremely original.
25. Kalwaria-Zebrzydowska
A religious architectural and park complex in the center of Poland on the slopes of the mountains. During the construction of the park, the natural features of the area were taken into account. The structures of the park symbolize the procession of the cross and the passion of Christ. They have a complex architecture. The chapel of the Cathedral of Our Lady is made in the shape of a heart, the house of Pontius Pilate is in the shape of a Greek cross, and the house of Kaifa is in the shape of a simple ellipse.
26. Church of Vang in Karpacz
Located at the foot of the Snezka Mountain in a beautiful dense forest. The church was built in the style of traditional Scandinavian architecture. The building was built in Norway in the XII century, and in the XIX century it was moved to Karpacz by order of the King of Prussia Wilhelm IV. The church was built from Norwegian pine without the use of nails, but at the same time it is an incredibly solid building. The facades of the outer walls are decorated with ornaments.
27. Monastery Yasna Gora (Czestochowa)
Catholic monastery in the city of Czestochowa. Belongs to the monks of the Pauline Order. They erected a monastery on a 293 meter high hill in the 14th century. The height of the bell tower of the monastery in the Baroque style is 106 meters. At the corners of the quadrangular monastery there are powerful arrow-shaped bastions. The main attraction is the Czestochowa Icon of the Mother of God, which is considered miraculous among believers.
28. Ksenzh Castle
It is located near the town of Walbrzych and is the third largest in Poland. The castle is part of the Piast Castles tourist route. Founded in the XIII century. It got its modern look under the possession of the Hochberg dynasty. IN war time all valuables were taken out of the castle by the Nazis. But even now there is something to see there. In a beautiful garden - an exhibition of flowers and shrubs, in the halls of the castle - an exhibition of porcelain and ceramics.
29. Zakopane
There are several ski resorts here. The city is called the "winter capital of the country" because of the thousands of tourists who visit Zakopane at this time of year. It is located at the foot of the Tatra Mountains. Clean air, beautiful views of snow-capped peaks, dense coniferous forest and developed infrastructure make it ideal for relaxation. Such entertainments as tens of kilometers of ski slopes, skating rinks, thermal pools are presented.
30. Masurian Lakes
Group of lakes with total area 310 km². Consists of 2000 reservoirs different sizes glacial origin. On the shores of the lakes, there are picturesque forest reserves. This place is popular with travelers not only for its natural beauty. The infrastructure for tourists is well developed here. It is possible to order a boat trip, a tour of historical sites, or just walk along the paths on the banks.
31. Tatra National Park
Large park in southern Poland. It is located in the landscapes of the Tart Mountains belonging to the Carpathians. Occupies an area of \u200b\u200b22,000 hectares. 70% of the park's area is occupied by forests, the rest of the territory - rocks with 750 caves, lakes and waterfalls. The forest in the park is predominantly coniferous. The highest mountain, Lynx, is popular with climbers. I like the park and hikers. Trails of varying difficulty have been laid for them with a total length of 270 km.
32. Belovezhskaya Pushcha
Large relict lowland forest. Included in the UNESCO heritage list. Located on the territory of two neighboring states - Poland and Belarus. The ancient forest is home to many animals, but the most valuable is the bison. Tourism is developed in the reserve on the Polish side. The main tourist center is the village of Bialowieza, it is here that tourists gather before excursion routes.
33. Wroclaw Zoo
The 33 hectare zoo was founded in 1865. At the same time, buildings were built in it of architectural value - the Monkey House or the Butterfly House. The zoo is home to over 10,000 animals. An aviary of 1.2 hectares has been built for brown bears. The pride of the zoo is Afrikarium - a large oceanarium with different ecosystems of the continent. Interesting sections are the Terrarium and the Madagascar Zone.
34. Lazienki Park (Warsaw)
An old palace and park complex with cultural and historical monuments. Founded in the 17th century by order of Hetman Lubomirsky. It houses the Palace on the Water - a secluded pavilion with a Chinese-style bath. Another attraction of the park is the Roman Theater. This is an amphitheater built by the water, decorated with statues of ancient poets. Undoubtedly, it is worth seeing the Old and New Greenhouses, the Myshlevitsky Palace, the White House.
35. Sopot beach and pier
The seaside resort Sopot is famous for its sandy beach. Long, wide and safe. The necessary infrastructure has been equipped - changing cabins, sports grounds, cafes and bars. The length of the beach line is 4 km. There is also a historical landmark - a 55-meter-long wooden pier. Concerts are often held on its land side, the “sea” part is ideal for walking.
1. In terms of area, Poland ranks 69th in the world and 9th in Europe.
2. The word "Poland" comes from the name of the polanie tribe, which means "people living in the open field."
3. About 35% of 60 million Poles live abroad. Large Polish-speaking communities live in the USA, Canada, UK, Germany, Australia, Brazil and Argentina.
4. Poland boasts 17 Nobel Prize winners (more than Japan, China, India or Australia), including four Peace Prizes and five in Literature. The Polish-born Maria Curie (Maria Sklodowska) was the first and only Nobel laureate in two different sciences and the first female professor at the Sorbonne.
5. Polish astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus was the first to suggest that the Earth is not the center of the universe.
6. Poland is ethnically homogeneous; only small national minorities live in the country: Ukrainians, Belarusians, Slovaks, Lithuanians and Germans.
7. Among the Slavic languages, Polish is the second in the number of native speakers, after Russian.
8. Poland is the world's largest exporter of amber. Since ancient times, the country has been famous for its amber, which has been transported along the Amber Route from Baltic Sea to the Adriatic coast. Gdansk, a city in northern Poland, is a great place for amber shopping.
9. Before World War II, Poland was the European center of Jewry; 3.3 million Jews lived in the country. 450 thousand Poles saved Jews from death during the Holocaust. The State of Israel awarded 6135 Poles the title of Righteous among the Nations, this is the largest number among all nationalities.
10. Nazi-occupied Poland was the only territory where officially any kind of assistance to Jews was punishable by death. Up to 50 thousand Poles were executed by the Nazis for saving Jews.
11. Polish "pirogy" (analogue of Ukrainian dumplings. - Ed.)Is the most famous Polish dish outside Poland.
12. In Poland, beer is often served with raspberry or blackcurrant juice (piwo z sokiem), which should be drunk through a straw. In cold weather, it is customary to drink hot beer with cloves and cinnamon, sweetened with honey (piwo grzane).
13. Poland is included in the "vodka belt of Europe." The history of vodka production in the country is more than 500 years old. The first Polish vodka appeared in the 11th century. It was called gorzalks and was used as a medicine.
14. Pope John Paul II (Karol Wojtyla) was the only Pope-Pole. His time on the papal throne was the second longest in history. He is credited with helping to hasten the end of communism in Poland and throughout Central and Eastern Europe. His ancestral home in Wadowice, near Krakow, is now a place of pilgrimage.
15. Catholicism is so popular in Poland that a television channel dedicated to the Pope is broadcasting in the country.
16. Poles more often than representatives of other nationalities won the title of "World's Strongest Man". Pole Mariusz Pudzyanovsky is a five-time winner of this competition.
17. Poland is home to one of the best-preserved Neolithic flint mines (3500-1200 BC) in the world. It is one of the most valuable archaeological sites in Europe.
18. One of the oldest salt mines in the world - the Wieliczka Salt Mine (Kopalnia Soli Wieliczka) - was built in the 13th century. It consists of corridors and galleries on seven underground levels at a depth of 57 m to 198 m with a total length of more than 200 km. It is also called the "Underground Salt Cathedral" due to the three chapels and the whole cathedral, which were carved by miners in the salt mountain. Since 1978, the salt mine has been included in the list of objects World heritage UNESCO.
19. Poles are well educated: 90% of young people have at least secondary education. 50% of Poles have an academic degree.
20. Piwnica Świdnicka restaurant in Wroclaw is the oldest in Europe. It has been in operation since 1275.
21. In Poland, it is still customary to kiss a woman's hand when meeting.
22. One of the most popular songs in Poland is Żeby Polska była Polską, which was written in 1976 and became the anthem of the protesters against the communist regime. Speaking in 1982, Ronald Reagan titled his speech Let Poland Be Poland, and Queen Elizabeth II quoted the song at the Polish Parliament.
23. There is a street in Warsaw named after Winnie the Pooh - Kubusia Puchatka Street. The street has a length of 149 m.
24. Many Poles consider their name day to be more important than their birthday.
25. One of the Christmas traditions in Poland is watching the movie "Home Alone".
Poland - amazing country with a rich history and unique natural beauty. The Polish government is very careful about its cultural heritage, and therefore all historical monuments here are timely restored and are under state protection.
The sights of Poland are so diverse that sometimes it becomes incomprehensible how all this splendor could fit in such a small territory. We present to you 15 of the best Polish attractions with photos and descriptions that you must see when visiting this distinctive country.
The Morskoye Oko National Park is located in a picturesque mountainous area near the lake of the same name. The territory of the reserve is well-groomed and landscaped. There are cafes, toilets, paved paths and other infrastructure facilities that make the rest more comfortable and convenient for tourists.
Despite the livability, the Poles managed to preserve the pristine nature here. Mountain streams, picturesque meadows, pristine coastline and a variety of fauna create the impression of a journey through the land touched by a person... Fishermen love to relax here, in secluded bays rich in fish, families with small children and cheerful youth companies. If you go deep into the reserve, you can find interesting places that you will not find anywhere else.
The Bieszczady Mountains are recognized as a national treasure and the most picturesque sight in Poland. The national reserve is part of the Carpathian Mountains and is represented by unique natural resources, untouched by human hands. You can relax in the reserve at any time of the year. In winter they equip ski slopesand in summer walking trails.
Arriving on an excursion to Bieszczady, you will surely meet strange people who seem to have emerged from ancient times. This is a kind of community. Its members voluntarily went to live in the mountains and refused all the benefits of civilization. Zakopers, as they call themselves, are very good-natured and sociable. They live by handicrafts and hunting. Natural attractions will be of interest to tourists who prefer active rest.
Is a unique city. Only he was able to avoid total destruction during the Second World War. Thanks to this, here you can see real medieval buildings that have survived to this day in their original form. The guides advise to start the tour from the Old Town.
Krakow is over 10 centuries old and has been the capital of the country for most of its history. Here you can visit the Wawel Hill, the Market Square, the Basilica of the Virgin Mary, Kazimierz, numerous museums, monuments and parks. According to official figures, there are 125 ancient churches in Krakow, 60 of which are located in the old part.
The Krakow Water Park is recognized as the most interesting in all of Eastern Europe. There are 8 roller coasters installed here, the total length of which is more than 720 m. If you like to tickle your nerves and test your strength of mind, go to the Black Pipe. The height of this slide is over 18 m, and its length is over 200 m.
All conditions have been created here for family holidays. Children are entertained by animators, there are children's and adult pools. If you want to relax, you can get a hydromassage session, visit the sauna or take a dip in the geyser. For lovers active rest there are fitness clubs, gyms and even beauty salons.
Krakow is also considered to be a significant historical city. The most interesting places in the country are located here. Among the most striking and impressive is the Wawel Castle, which stretches on the banks of the Vistula River. This residence was built in the 11th century and served as the home of monarchs until the 16th century.
The historical complex includes not only the central house, but also the cathedral, where the royals were crowned. Today the palace houses a museum of tapestry art. Here is a unique collection of exhibits, which has no analogues in the world. The excursion includes visits to the castle, cathedral, mysterious cave and museum complex.
When traveling in Poland, be sure to check out. Here, not far from the center, is the Temple of the Fatima Mother of God. The temple was built in gratitude to the Mother of God of Fatima in 1992 after the happy salvation of Pope John II in 1981.
This church was named Fatima in honor of the appearance of the face of Our Lady to three girls in the small village of Fatima in Portugal. Then the Mother of God told the girls about three incidents that will invariably affect the history of mankind. Two of these prophecies have already happened. The temple is famous for its rich decoration, beautiful stained glass windows and a magnificent unique altar.
7. Majestic Warsaw
Warsaw is a unique city, there is something for everyone to see. He is the personification of the Poles' love for their homeland and their heritage. During the Second World War, most of the unique buildings were simply wiped off the face of the Earth, but the proud people of this small country painstakingly restored all the historical sights of Poland in the smallest detail.
Majestic Warsaw - this is what the Poles call this city, as tourists also call it. It is not individual objects that are of historical value, but whole neighborhoods, walks along which will give a lot of impressions and different emotions. Start your journey from the old part, and you can see all the most interesting and memorable in the capital.
Choosing for yourself good tour to Poland, each traveler to one degree or another is guided by the most beautiful cities... Of course, if possible, he wants to visit all popular centers in one trip and see their sights to the maximum.
In order for you to find such a tour as easy as possible, let's look at the most interesting centers in this country from the point of view of a tourist, so that you know where to get tickets.
Cities of Poland - excerpts for each
All tourists who managed to visit this amazing country, naming the most impressive cities, agree on the following:
- Warsaw - the capital of Poland, a city that combines ancient examples of architecture, as well as modern high-rise buildings. Despite the fact that now it is Warsaw that plays the role of the main administrative center, it manages to maintain its flavor. There are a lot of attractions in this city, which is why it often becomes the first place that visitors are advised to visit. It is no coincidence that it is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
- Krakow - the second center in terms of administrative burden, but not in importance. This is an old town, there are a lot of interesting objects, from the Market Square to small churches. Unlike Warsaw, this former capital of Poland was practically not damaged during the war, so the city managed to preserve its original architecture in full.
- Torun - another wonderful Polish city that managed to survive the Second world war... All architecture and unusual Polish flavor have also been preserved here. Now it is rightfully considered the center of Europe, of course, cultural. If you choose exactly what to focus on here, you should still pay attention to the old part. Although new cozy areas here are quite capable of charming a tourist.
- Katowice - this city is quite young, it is about two centuries old. However, today it is one of the coziest places in Poland. There is quite interesting original architecture here, there are original sights. It is worth choosing it mainly for those tourists who are already tired of the splendor of Warsaw and Krakow.
- Gniely. This city is the first capital of Poland. The most interesting thing that has survived here is the Market Square (in almost all cities of this country it is a special attraction), as well as several churches.
- Bydgoszcz Is a completely unusual city for Poland. Most of all, it resembles Venice. The main attraction here is the Bydgoszcz Canal.
- Wroclaw - Another one old City, in which the famous old cathedrals are concentrated. Included in the UNESCO heritage list.
- Poznan - historical Center. A small but very cozy town, which is a must-visit for everyone who wants to know Poland and its history thoroughly.
- Wieliczka - the city where the best Polish balls are held to this day. It is recommended to go here only during the season, and only by invitation, otherwise there will be a risk of missing all the fun.
- Lublin - one more largest place in Poland, where there are a lot of historical museums, there are cultural centers and several interesting sites for tourists. And although this city no longer plays the role in the life of the state that it had several centuries ago, it is imperative to stay in it.
There are several other small but curious cities in this country. These are Zakopane, Malbork and some others. But, unfortunately, they are not of such special interest for tourists as the above-mentioned ones.
The main attractions of the cities
Almost each of the cities represented has a number of special attractions, without which its understanding would not be complete.
The most interesting of its kind may be Krakow. It is here that the Wawel Castle, Kazimierz, and the Bishops' Palace are located. Planty is a special area of \u200b\u200bthis city. This is a kind of park ring around the old center.
In total, Krakow accounts for a quarter of the country's museum art. Therefore, those who go to this city can definitely say that they will find what to see here. It is imperative to visit the Czartoryski Museum here, without which the tour of the city would probably be incomplete. Those who like to spend time with more modern fun should definitely visit the local water park. He deserves the highest praise.
For those wishing to appreciate the state pomp of Poland the best place will become Warsaw. Here to see Royal Square, visit several palaces at once: Wilanow, made in the Baroque style, the Royal Palace, as well as museums: the Museum of the Polish Army, National Museum Warsaw, Chopin Museum and many others. Those wishing to appreciate the whole flavor of the city cannot do without the so-called Old Town, Rynok Square, as well as Krakowskie Przedmiecie.
In Lublin, if you choose this city for yourself, you should focus on the Crown Tribunal, the Krakow Gate, the Church of the Dominican Order. The most extreme tourists can also be invited to visit Majdanek. But those who do not want to remember the horrors of war should go down to the city underground. In Poland, this is one of the most popular such sites.
How to visit all cities in a few days
The easiest way to visit all cities in a few days is to choose a ready-made tour from those offered by agencies.
Today there are many of them. They can include both the two main cities - Warsaw and Krakow, and several smaller ones in addition. Most often these are tours Warsaw-Krakow-Wroclaw, Warsaw-Krakow-Torun and others, depending on the main topic of the excursion.
Such excursions are designed in such a way that a person stays in one place for no more than a day or two. Overnight stays on such tours are mainly in hotels, which are booked by the same company that organizes the trip.
The only drawback of such excursions: they usually have a standard set of monuments, by default mandatory for every visitor.
They are very good for those who are visiting Poland for the first time. But if a person visits the country for the second or third time, you can either look for more exotic tours (thematic excursions, for example, dedicated to churches or castles of the country), or make a program yourself, which will correspond to the standard tour in duration, but will be different according to the list of places. So you can easily calculate the time and make an author's tour for yourself.
One way or another, you can choose for yourself the optimal program that meets all your tourist expectations. And who knows, maybe one of the cities will amaze you so much that you will certainly want to get to know it better, but already within the framework of a completely different tour.
Poland is an amazing country with a rich history and priceless cultural heritage. Old Polish sights such as city quarters, powerful defensive structures, original monuments of architecture and art make it incredibly attractive for tourists. And the famous medieval castles for which Poland is famous give it a unique romantic charm. We invite you to get acquainted with the most interesting sights of Poland, which we will talk about in our article.
1. Warsaw Palace Square
The Warsaw Palace Square opens our list of attractions in Poland. Since ancient times, this place has been public and cultural center Polish capital, it is from here that, according to tradition, acquaintance with the Old Town begins. The main symbol of the square is the monument to King Sigismund, erected in the 17th century. The monument is a massive granite column on which stands a bronze sculpture of the Polish king and the Grand Duke of Lithuania Sigismund III, holding a saber in one hand and a cross in the other. The whole east side Palace Square is occupied by the Royal Castle, which for a long time served as the official residence of Polish monarchs. Today, Palace Square, as before, is the main attraction of the city and a must-see in Poland.
2. Royal Castle in Warsaw
One of the most visited sights in Poland is the Royal Castle, built by King Sigismund III at the beginning of the 17th century. For a long time, the castle served as the residence of kings and the seat of the Diet. According to the old tradition, from the main tower of the castle, the 60-meter Tower of Sigismund, a trumpet signal is heard every day at 11:15. Nowadays, a museum is located in the building of the Royal Castle. The Great Hall, the Marble Room, the Palace Chapel, the Royal Bedchamber, the Knights' Hall and the Throne Hall are very popular among its visitors. In the galleries of the museum, you will see a rich collection of paintings, which include paintings by Rembrandt and Canaletto, and in the spacious halls of the castle, official receptions and state meetings are held.
3. Warsaw Market Square
The Market Square, considered the main place of Warsaw from the 13th to the 18th century, is located in the very heart of the Old Town. At one time, large fairs were held on the Market Square, thanks to which the attraction got its name. A special charm to this place is given by colorful stone houses with colorful facades, cozy cafes with summer tables on the street and a variety of souvenir shops. Here you can also buy paintings by local artists and listen to pleasant music performed by street musicians. In the center of the square there is a monument to the legendary Warsaw mermaid who guards the city with her shield and sword. And, of course, one cannot ignore the Historical Museum of Warsaw, the exposition of which will help to get to know the rich history of the Polish capital.
4. Wilanow Palace
The magnificent Wilanow Palace, located on the outskirts of Warsaw, is rightfully one of the most luxurious palace and park attractions in Poland. It was built at the end of the 17th century for Jan Sobieski, an outstanding commander and king of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Wilanowski royal Palace made in the Italian Baroque style and surrounded by a huge park, which includes English, Italian, Chinese gardens and a wonderful greenhouse. The best Polish craftsmen worked on the interior decoration, and valuable works of art decorating the palace were brought here from different countries Europe. The picturesque frescoes, exquisite sculptures, rare portraits and antique furniture evoke real admiration among visitors. Art exhibitions, musical concerts and performances of the Royal Theater are traditionally held in the halls of Wilanow Palace.
5. Wawel Royal Castle in Krakow
It is no coincidence that the ancient city of Krakow is called the historical heart of Poland - from the 11th to the 16th century, Krakow was the capital of the Polish state. Since the 11th century, the official residence of the Polish rulers was the Royal Castle on the Wawel Hill on the banks of the Vistula River. In addition to the royal chambers, the architectural ensemble of the castle includes the Cathedral of Saints Stanislav and Wenceslas, where the coronation ceremonies of Polish monarchs took place. Special attention should be paid to the rotunda of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Sigismund's chapel, a mysterious cave called the Dragon's Lair, as well as a sculptural image of the legendary Wawel dragon, spewing out a real flame every 5 minutes. The Wawel Castle houses a rich collection of paintings and tapestries, and one of the halls hosts monthly concerts of early music. The Royal Castle in Krakow is a true treasure trove of Polish history and culture. Any tourist will be interested in visiting this attraction in Poland.
6. Market Square in Krakow
The Market Square is not only a visiting card of Krakow, but also one of the largest medieval squares in Europe. Since the 13th century, the Market Square has been the main trading place in the entire Polish state, and today it is a real cultural and tourist centre Poland. Among the main attractions of the Market Square are the old Church of St. Wojciech, the majestic St. Mary's Church and the Sukiennice trading house in the very center of the square. On the ground floor of the Sukiennice trading house there are numerous showcases with national Polish souvenirs, and on the second floor there is a museum of Polish painting. No less interesting for tourists is the St. Mary's Church, from the tower of which the sound of a trumpet can be heard every hour, as a tribute to the ancient tradition, when a trumpeter notified residents about a fire or the onset of enemies. And, of course, on the Market Square you will meet street artists and musicians, sellers of souvenirs and fresh flowers, horse-drawn carriages, creating an atmosphere of urban romance.
7. Auschwitz
The Auschwitz Museum Complex serves as a reminder of one of the darkest chapters in human history: during the Second World War, there were three Nazi concentration camps, also called "death factories". From 1941 to 1945, more than a million prisoners of war - Jews, Roma, Russians and Poles - were tortured in the crematoria and gas chambers of Auschwitz. Before their death, the prisoners in the camp were tortured with hunger, exhausting labor and used to conduct medical experiments. In the museum, you can inspect the premises in which the prisoners were kept, see a collection of their personal belongings, learn more about the history of the concentration camp and honor the memory of the deceased prisoners of Auschwitz.
8. Malbork
The magnificent medieval Malbork Castle, located in northern Poland, is known as the largest Gothic architectural complex in the world. Since the 13th century, the castle served as the residence of the Grand Master of the Teutonic Order. In the 15th century, Malbork turned into a powerful defensive structure of the knights-crusaders, and then became one of the residences of the Polish kings. The huge castle complex housed halls for receiving guests, monastic cells, premises for officials, stables, workshops, bakeries and other buildings. Nowadays, a museum dedicated to the history of Malbork Castle is open for tourists. The concerts of ancient music and knight's feasts, which are traditionally organized in the state halls of the castle, make a great impression. Every year in the middle of summer, a grandiose historical reconstruction called "The Siege of Malbork" takes place near the castle walls. This is one of the must-see places in Poland.
9. Artus Yard
Artus' courtyard in the center of Gdańsk is a complex of old stone buildings used for social events. The history of the Court dates back to the early Middle Ages and is associated with the legend of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. Since the XIV century, the Artus Court served as a center for public and cultural life Poland: within its walls, representatives of the authorities and noble citizens met, meetings of merchant unions were held here and grandiose celebrations were held. The main building of the Artus Court contains the most interesting objects of antiquity and art: armor of knights, models of sailing ships, exquisite jewelry and rare paintings. Particularly noteworthy are the oldest pewter bar in Poland from the 16th century, and a huge five-tier stove with a height of more than 10 meters, decorated with painted tiles. Artus's courtyard is rightfully considered one of the main attractions of Poland; a visit to it will not leave indifferent even the most sophisticated travelers.
10. Zhurav
Perhaps the most original architectural landmark of Gdansk is Zhurav - an old port crane, with the help of which masts were lifted onto ships, unloaded and loaded merchant ships back in the Middle Ages. The crane mechanism was driven by workers moving huge wheels to which a rope was attached. In addition, Zhurav served as a city gate, as well as a defensive structure: brick towers on the sides of the crane were equipped with combat weapons. A copper crane is installed on the roof of the structure - a symbol of vigilance. Inside Zhurav there is an exhibition dedicated to the history of the legendary crane and the life of port workers. The crane Zhurav is the most recognizable symbol of Gdańsk, his image is invariably adorned with magnets and postcards with city views.
11. Ksienzh Castle
The magnificent Ksi Castle, located 80 km from Wroclaw, is the real pride of Poland and one of the largest castles in Europe. Ksi Castle was built at the end of the 13th century as a princely fortress. For many centuries, the castle belonged to the Polish, Czech, Hungarian rulers, and each of the owners tried to rebuild it to their liking. This explains the extraordinary variety of styles that can be discerned in the architecture of the building: the combination of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque makes the appearance of the castle truly unique and inimitable. The imposing size of the building makes a strong impression: inside visitors await about 400 rooms and halls, decorated with special luxury. In summer, designer flower exhibitions are organized in the halls of Ksi Castle, and festive balls are held in the Maximilian Ballroom just before the New Year.
12. Historical Museum of Warsaw
The Historical Museum of Warsaw has a rich collection of exhibits showing the development of the history and culture of the Polish capital from its foundation to the present day. The museum is located in the center of the Old Town, on the Market Square, and occupies eight buildings with facades of different colors, standing close to each other. The collection of the museum includes paintings, graphics, sculptures, coins and valuable archaeological finds... Most of the exhibition is devoted to the history of the city during the Second World War. The history of Warsaw is reflected in documentaries that can be viewed in the cinema hall located in the museum.
13. Museum of the Polish Army
The Polish Army Museum belongs to the most interesting museums Poland. Its rich exposition is entirely devoted to the history of the Polish army. The oldest exhibits of the museum - helmets, swords and armor - belong to the Middle Ages and belong to the first rulers of the Polish state. Special attention should be paid to the trophies of Prince Jagiello from the time of the Battle of Grunwald, the banners of the Polish legions of the era of the partition of Poland, Napoleon's hat and saddle and personal belongings of the famous military and political figure of Poland - Tadeusz Kosciuszko. The art department has an excellent collection of battle paintings, drawings and posters. But the most impressive exposition of the museum is the exhibition military equipment under open air: cannons, tanks, aircraft and other examples of heavy artillery are displayed here.
14. Kurnice castle
In the list of the most visited sights of Poland, Kurnicki Castle occupies an important place, located half an hour's drive from the city of Poznan. Kurnice Castle was built in the 15th century and belonged to the family of Polish tycoons Gurk. Unlike most old Polish castles, the Kurnicki Castle is not a harsh knight's fortress, but a romantic suburban residence in the neo-Gothic style. The interiors of the castle have been perfectly preserved since the 19th century: the Moorish Hall with a collection of knightly armor and decorative porcelain, the Hunting Corner, the Great Salon and the Dining Room with a portrait of the White Lady, whose ghost, according to legend, still lives in the castle, is of great interest to visitors. Particularly noteworthy is the Kurnitsa Library, which contains many old printed books, maps and manuscripts. In addition, the Kurnice Castle is surrounded by a picturesque park - one of the largest dendrological parks in Poland, which gives the castle even more charm.
15. Wroclaw Cathedral
The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Wroclaw completes our list of the most interesting sights in Poland. The majestic building of the cathedral with two high towers perfectly complements the city's architectural ensemble. The Wroclaw Catholic Cathedral is considered the oldest Gothic church in Poland: its history began in the distant XIII century. At the beginning of the 20th century, an organ was installed in the cathedral, which is still the largest organ in Poland. The cathedral was badly damaged during the Second World War, but after reconstruction it regained its original appearance. The main shrine of the cathedral is the statue of the Virgin Mary and Child, which miraculously survived the bombing and fire in the forties. The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist is rightfully one of the most recognizable symbols of Wroclaw; it will be interesting for every tourist to visit.
