If you would like to see a short film about Warsaw, please click on of the pictures above.
Warsaw
Warsaw, a city with a population of nearly 2 million, is the country's largest university and research center. The city is also attractive in cultural and tourist terms. A number of well-known cultural events of international importance are held here. The extensive repertoire of scores of theatres, numerous concert halls and cinemas will satisfy even the most demanding visitors.
The numerous historic buildings, reminders of its glorious past and rapid changes from a drab city into a modern metropolis, make Warsaw even more beautiful by the day.
The Old Town
Warsaw Old Town was established in the XIII century. It impresses tourists with its quaint, cobbled streets and unique old architecture. The heart of the area is the Old Town Market Square with its unique traditional Polish restaurants, cafes and shops. Surrounding streets feature old architecture such as City Walls, The Barbican and St John's Cathedral. Old Town is ideal for walks and picnics - the whole area is mostly closed to traffic and provides spectacular scenery and unforgettable atmosphere.
The Royal Castle
The Royal Castle is a magnificent example of baroque style - it was built in the XIV century. In 1569 King Zygmunt III Waza moved his residence to the Royal Castle as Warsaw became the capital of Poland. Between 1598 and 1619 the king had the Royal Castle restyled into a polygon by Italian architects. In XVIII century King Augustus III turned the East wing into Baroue style, while King Stanisaw Poniatowstki added the Royal library. The Royal castle served as both a residence for the kings, as well as hosted Polish Parliament sessions. The castle is now a museum featuring housing furniture, famous paintings and other great works of art.
Łazienki Park
Łazienki Park is one of the most beautiful spots of Warsaw and one of the most favovrite places for walks for Varsovians and tourists. This romantic, landscaped park includes the Palace on the Water, together with various other palaces, pavillons, an amphitheater and two orangeries. The highlight of Łazienki Park is the Palace on the Water. It is one of the finest examples of Neo-Classical architecture in Poland. King Stanislaw August Poniatowski converted 17th Century Pavillon into a Palace. In World War II the Nazis wanted to blow up the Palace but because of lack of a time - they only set fire to it. Currently the Palace is fully restored.
Wilanów Palace
Originally a summer residence of the Polish King Jan III Sobieski, the Wilanów Palace is one of the most beautiful examples of Baroque architecture in Poland. The museum houses exhibits on Sobieski and his famous wife Marysieka, as well as on the later owners of the estate, the Lubomirski, Potocki and Braniecki families. The palace is surrounded by a meticulously landscaped park.
The Royal Route
The Royal Route extends from Castle Square to the end of Krakowskie Przedmiecie and Nowy wiat. The highlight of this district is in Nowy wiat and Krakowskie Przedmiecie Street. Along both streets one can admire the buildings that are predominantly Neo-Classical in style as well as many churches and palaces. Nowy Świat and Krakowskie Przedmiecie also feature many exclusive cafes, restaurants, store and fashionable boutiques. Some of the attractions that are worth seeing are: Warsaw University, Potocki Palace, Holy Cross Church, Adam Mickiewicz monument as well Nicholas Copernicus monument.
The Palace of Culture and Science
The Palace of Culture and Science is located in the heart of Warsaw. This 42-story building is one of the tallest in Warsaw. The Palace, a gift from the Soviet Union, was originally named after Josef Stalin. The Construction began in 1952 and it was not completed until 1955. The Palace symbolizes the Polish-Russian friendship. Until 1990 the Palace held the name of the Soviet dictator Josef Stalin. There is a visitor's terrace of on the 30th floor of the palace, which boasts spectacular views of the whole city. The Palace is a home to Poland's stock market. It also houses numerous institutions, such as cinemas, theaters, museums, offices, restaurants and cafes.
The Jewish Ghetto
The Jewish Ghetto is located between the following streets: Towarowa, Okopowa, Sowińskiego, Gen. Andersa, Swiętokrzyska and Jana Pawa II Ave. Before the outbreak of World War II the northwestern part of Warsaw was occupied by mostly Jewish population (about 400,000 people). The languages spoken in that area were Yiddish, Hebrew and Russian used by Jews who fled Russia. During the World War II the Ghetto was formed out of the Jewish district by Germans. No Jew could leave the ghetto without permission. During 1942 and 1943 almost all inhabitants of the ghetto were either killed or transported to Death Camps by German Nazis. There are many monuments and memorials in that district as well as the Jewish Historic Museum on Gen. Andersa Street, the Jewish National Theatre and Nozyk Synagogue on Grzybowska Street. Worth seeing is Pawiak Prison on Jana Pawla II Street, UmschlagPlatz on Dzika Street, Jewish Cemetary on Okopowa Street and Path of Rememberance on Lewartowskiego Street.
