I know that Warsaw is not very popular among tourists, because visually it does not look as remarkable as other European capitals. However, we must remember that it was completely destroyed during the war, and was subsequently restored. In general, there is something to see, but the choice is not very large, 1-2 days will be enough.
What to see in Warsaw
Palace Square (Castle Square)
The entrance is free.
Palace Square at Christmas
Royal Lazienki Park
Entrance fee: An entrance ticket to the Lazienki Museums for an adult visitor costs from 5 to 10 zlotys. The cost of one-day passes to visit all museums in the summer costs 25 zlotys (in winter - 20 zlotys). On Thursdays - free.
Market Square
It was founded at the end of the 14th century and throughout its history had an unchanged form: fairs, folk festivals, and holidays were always held here. Most of the ancient buildings were destroyed during the Second World War and reconstructed in recent decades. The square houses one of the most famous attractions - the sculpture of the Warsaw Siren, a symbol of the city. Also located here is the House of Culture, the Museum of Literature and the Historical Museum.
The entrance is free.
Museum-Palace in Wilanova
At the end of the 17th century, this castle was built for King John III Sobieski. The palace has a long and interesting history: it has changed many aristocratic owners, each of whom made their own changes to the architecture and structures of the palace. Elizaveta Siniavska, August the Strong, Jan Zygmunt Deibel, Isabella Lubomirska, the Princes Potocki - this is an incomplete list of celebrities who lived in the Wilanów Palace. Now there is a museum with an exhibition of portraits of Polish monarchs from the 16th to the 19th centuries. The palace is surrounded, as usual, by a beautiful garden on two levels, with a lake and a cascading stream.
Entrance fee: PLN 20 per adult.
Warsaw Historical Museum
Located on the Market Square in the Old Town. It is located in eleven houses and has three ancient courtyards. The museum's exhibitions are mainly devoted to the history of Warsaw. It was opened in 1939. Exhibits in 60 rooms tell the history of the city and its citizens from the founding of Warsaw to the present day.
Entrance fee: about 9 zlotys per adult.
Palace of Culture and Science
It was built in 1952-1955 according to the idea of Joseph Vissarionovich Stalin himself as a gift from the Soviet people to the Polish. It is the tallest building in Warsaw: 237 meters and 42 floors. There are also many institutions there: libraries, theaters, post offices, museums, company offices and even the Polish Academy of Sciences. Huge halls for conferences, concerts, performances and exhibitions, and, of course, an observation deck from where you can admire the view of the city. In 2000, on New Year's Eve, the second largest clock in Europe was opened at the top of the building. Today it is the tallest tower clock in the world. .
Entrance fee: from 18 zlotys per adult.
Krakowskie Przedmieście
Krakowskie Przedmieście is one of the most famous tourist routes in Warsaw. It will take more than one hour to see all the sights of this place. The avenue starts from Castle Square and leads south, connecting the modern center of Warsaw and the Old Town. Walking around Krakow Przedmieście, you can see the Kazimierz Palace (Warsaw University, famous all over the world), the Academy of Fine Arts, the Church of St. Anna, several monuments and two luxury hotels. The movement of passenger cars along the avenue is prohibited - you can only travel here by taxi and passenger buses.
The entrance is free.
National Museum
One of the oldest museums in Warsaw, yet equipped in the most modern style. Founded in 1862. Its halls house more than 800 thousand exhibits in 17 different collections. A number of unique galleries will be of interest to connoisseurs of art and history: Faras Gallery, Gallery of Medieval Art and many others. The largest painting in Poland, “The Battle of Grunwald” by Jan Matejko, is also kept here. History and venerable antiquity coexist here with ultra-modern lighting and exhibition technology. The museum building is an architectural masterpiece in the Art Nouveau style. The museum is located on the banks of the Vistula, next to the Na Książniec park.
Entrance fee: from 15 zlotys per adult.
Copernicus Science Center
The center was opened in 2010 with the support of the President of the City of Warsaw. This institution combines the functions of an exhibition center, an educational institution, a research institute and a testing ground for discoveries and experiments. The idea of combining education, popularization of science and an operating scientific center in one project really arouses interest and respect - this is confirmed by the endless flow of tourists. It is worth saying that there is no clear route or visiting program: the person decides for himself what he wants to see and what to try. This will be helped by modern multimedia equipment, electronic signs and generally ubiquitous high-tech. Planetariums, numerous exhibitions on natural sciences and the natural world, a physics laboratory, a robot workshop, themed workshops, as well as the support of a number of scientific projects have made this place one of the most impressive attractions in Warsaw.
Entrance fee: from 27 zlotys per adult.
Multimedia Fountain Park
A multimedia fountain is a complex of hydraulic, musical and lighting devices combined under the control of a single system. The park is simultaneously a work of art, an architectural complex and a tool for creating a light and sound show. The design is based on two huge fountains, the so-called water organ. 367 nozzles simultaneously emit 30 thousand liters of water. The jets are illuminated by three hundred multi-colored reflectors. All this is complemented by an amazingly beautiful laser show. The multimedia fountains at Podzamcze are located near the Vistula and the Old Town of Warsaw.
A short guide to the sights of the city for those who are passing through here or What to see in Warsaw in 1 day. Where to stay overnight and have lunch.
How to get to Warsaw
- within the city limits and public transport travels here for only 1€. Bus stop near the airport exit. Those who don’t want to deal with transport and are willing to pay 30 € can order a transfer on a Russian-language website.
- is located far outside of Warsaw. You can leave here by shuttle buses for 9-33PLN, by train for 19PLN or by ordering for 50-60€.
- How to get to Warsaw from other cities is well described in the instructions, and.
Where to stay in Warsaw
During my trips to this city, I tested more than 10 housing options that I described in the article. Therefore, below is a short list with the main advantages.
Hotels:
- A budget hotel costs 20€, but often works for 9€. The location is near the Warszawa Zachodnia train station, making it easy to get to both Warsaw airports.
- A more expensive hotel for 30-40 € is located closer to the center and the Palace of Culture is only 10 minutes on foot. The rooms are more comfortable than those of Ibis. On non-popular days prices drop to 20€.
Hostels:
When there are no rooms at Ibis Budget, hostels become my choice. The most convenient nanny is considered to be located in the city center and costs 6-9 €. As an alternative, also tested with a price starting from 7 €. Located 10-15 minutes walk from the center.
What to see in Warsaw
My route involves walking around Warsaw, but for those who want to see much more than is accessible on foot, you should look towards the tourist bus for 15 €. The bus travels around all the sights in 60 minutes.
If you have more time than 1 day or you don’t want to read tedious guidebooks, then it’s worth taking a look at Russian-speaking guides.
Arrival in Warsaw was by lunchtime on a PlusBus bus from Bialystok, purchased for 0.5 €. The journey took about 3 hours, time passed quickly, because... The bus had WiFi and outlets for charging phones.
The bus stops in the center of Warsaw at the Palace of Culture, built during the USSR. Many will recognize a similar building in Moscow.
Just taking a photo at the palace will not be enough. I advise you to walk around it. You will see a lot of interesting things, because... The building is multifunctional. Below you can see photographs of the Puppet Theater and several fountains near the palace. If you wish, you can go up to the observation deck in the palace itself and look at Warsaw from a great height.
Another beautiful fountain with a small park will greet you on the approach to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The park itself is called the Saxon Garden.
People from the USSR will not be surprised by the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, but this monument is special. It is dedicated to all the soldiers who have ever fought for Poland, in all the wars that history knows. The black tablets list the wars in which the Poles took part in defending this land.
If you walk around a little, you can catch the changing of the guard. It looks very beautiful, no worse, for example, than the same changing of the guard in Prague, to which crowds of tourists flock, but there is practically no one here.
Old city
From the creepy monument we headed to the Old Town. All tourists who come to the city come here first. Below are a couple of photos from the Old Town (Barbican, The Little Mermaid and).
Having finished exploring the Old Town, we descended to the center of Warsaw along. This is a historical pedestrian street. On the way we came across this original car.
The University is located on the same street. You can go inside and walk around the cozy courtyards of the university.
A city with a centuries-old culture, amazing history, extraordinary flavor and enchanting atmosphere - Warsaw, like many other European cities, is multifaceted. The city boasts a rich excursion program, places for youth recreation and entertainment, as well as unique historical and architectural monuments. City of legends and amazing stories. A whole week is not enough for an inquisitive tourist to see all the sights of Warsaw. Let's try to describe just a few of them that deserve special attention.
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Royal Lazienki
The Royal Route, which turns into Ujadzowski Alley, leads the traveler to Royal Lazienki. This is a palace and park ensemble on a vast territory, decorated in the Baroque style. It was built in the 17th century for Hetman Stanislav Irakli Lubomirsky. Peacocks walk along the well-groomed lawns that surround the palace buildings. A palace surrounded by lakes is called a palace on the water. It was later acquired by King Stanisław August Poniatowski, who made it his summer residence.
Stare Miasto
This area of the capital, founded at the turn of the 13th-14th centuries, is still the center of the cultural and political life of the state. Almost everything that was created in it over the past centuries was destroyed by military actions in 1944. There are no completely ancient buildings left here, but the Poles lovingly restored many attractions from the ruins.
Wilanów Palace
Royal residence built at the end of the 17th century. for the family of Jan Sobieski, the best preserved and famous landmark in Warsaw. The majestic architectural enfilade is surrounded by a picturesque garden; the palace itself is bordered by the green velvet lawn on which ceremonial events take place. In the depths of the monumental building, on the initiative of Stanislaw Potocki, the first Polish museum was opened in 1805. Valuable museum exhibits, looted by the occupiers, were fully returned, and the museum's exhibitions were restored. Now Wilanów Palace is actively visited by tourists as an interesting historical object and an ancient masterpiece of architecture.
Address: st. Stanislava Kostka Potocki, 10/16.
Open: winter season – 27.01 – 27.04, 29.09 – 19.12: Monday, Wednesday-Sat – 09.30 – 16.00, closed. - Tuesday.
Summer season: 28.04-28. 09 – Monday from 09.30 to 20.00, Tue., Thurs., Friday - 09.30 – 16.00; Wednesday – Sat: 09.30 – 18.00; entry is prohibited 1 hour before closing.
Ticket price – 20 zlotys, Sunday. – free
Krakowskie Przedmieście
This wide promenade with a self-explanatory name can be called Warsaw's Broadway, on which only public transport and taxis are allowed. It originates at Castle Square and stretches towards Krakow. Here you won’t be able to be an indifferent contemplator: the irresistible-looking palaces, churches and magnificent monuments will make you wonder and admire, and freeze with amazement and delight at their beauty.
The Church of the Visitors (Church of the Guardianship of St. Joseph), named after the Catholic women's order, makes a stunning impression. The beautiful, soft cream-colored building in the Rococo style was rebuilt on the site of a wooden church that burned down (1656) in the first half of the 18th century. The best architects and sculptors of Poland participated in the creation of a true masterpiece of architecture.
No less beautiful are the buildings of the University of Warsaw, the Academy of Fine Arts, and the Bristol and European hotels. You cannot pass by the majestic monuments to J. Poniatowski, A. Mickiewicz, and Copernicus.
Address: Krakowskie Przedmieście Ave.
Historical Museum
The relatively young museum (1936) is located in a row of ancient buildings (N 28-42) with medieval facades with an abundance of characteristic narrow windows, arched entrances, numerous turrets and domes on the roofs. The museum's exhibitions illustrate the history of the city's development over seven centuries through antiques, through the belongings of famous citizens, relics and rarities of all times.
Three of the 8 buildings are dedicated to the Middle Ages, represented by valuable archaeological finds, paintings, sculptures, icons and other exhibits. 5 buildings house exhibitions detailing the history of Warsaw from the 17th to the 21st centuries. They clearly demonstrate all the wars of this time that befell the Warsaw people; liberation struggle for independence, religion, culture and art.
The museum is divided into departments, each of which is essentially a mini-museum: named after Lesniewska, Palmyra Memorial, Warsaw Printing, Field Ordinariate, etc. It has its own cinema, where documentaries are shown in many European languages. Large-scale exhibitions create a complete picture of the history of the Polish capital.
Address: Market (Zamkovaya) sq.
Open for visits: Tue, Thu – 11.00 – 18.00; Friday, Wednesday – 10.00 – 15.30; Sat-Sun. 10.00 – 16.30. Closed on Monday.
Entrance price: adults. – 2 euros, children. – 1 euro. Sunday – free
Frederic Chopin Museum
It is located in the same beautiful, bright baroque building as the music of the great composer, the talented son of the Earth. The Poles set aside the magnificent castle of the Ostrozhsky princes for his museum when the question arose about housing the collection of Chopin relics collected by employees of the institute of the same name. Relatives and friends of the maestro gave away many manuscripts of immortal works, letters, autographed postcards, and books.
Now in the museum there is a piano, the keys of which were touched by the hands of a musical genius; many personal belongings, household and leisure items. The real relics are Chopin's death masks and a unique cast of the composer's hand. In addition to traditional exhibitions, it has multimedia ones equipped with tactile screens, the right to use which is given by an electronic ticket. Holders of such tickets can listen to any work and commentary on it in many languages.
15 exhibition rooms introduce those present in detail to the life of the master of classical music, his environment, and the atmosphere of the era in which he worked. Entering the black Hall of Death, everyone experiences a feeling of bright sadness and grateful love for the great Chopin.
Address: st. Okolnik, 1
Open: every day except Monday from 11.00 to 20.00.
Entrance price – 22 zlotys, free. – children under 7 years old.
This huge repository of exhibits can hardly be called a “museum” in one word - it is a complex of museums gathered under one roof of a building in the Art Nouveau style. It is located in the busiest place of the Polish capital - next to the Poniatowski Bridge and the de Gaulle ring square. The National Museum grew out of the Museum of Fine Arts, founded in 1862.
For him, such a number of exhibits of various art movements and peoples from antiquity to modern times were collected that they decided to give the museum the status of National. Its exhibitions include over 800 thousand objects of painting, sculpture, jewelry and applied art, photography, numismatics, wood carvings, bones, and fabrics.
Priceless rarities of the museum are paintings by Polish artists A. Gierynsky “Vase of Oranges” and A. Bilinskaya “Negress”, who returned here from Germany after the war. There is state-of-the-art lighting with LED lamps, allowing you to imagine each picture in the smallest detail. Museum visitors can relax in the charming Lorentz courtyard among fountains on benches and deck chairs.
Address: Jerusalem Alleys, 3.
Open: Tue – Sun: from 10.00 to 18.00, Thu – from 10.00 to 21.00, closed. – Monday
Ticket price (in zlotys): 15, reduced – 10, seven (2 adults and 6 children under 18 years old) – 40, children (from 7 to 16) – 1.
Old Town Market Square
Like any other ancient city, Warsaw has its own market square, which was once the center of the beautiful Polish capital. It is surrounded by ancient houses with quaint facades. It is always crowded here: artists paint portraits of passers-by and sell their paintings, young musicians play instruments, coachmen wait for riders, and tourists look around in search of a bright shot.
A guide to the Polish capital can tell an amazing story about the patroness of Warsaw - the Siren, whose face is depicted on the coat of arms of the ancient city. Once upon a time she was a young and beautiful girl who sang songs to the fishermen. She sailed from the Baltic Sea and stayed to live in a small village, which later turned into a majestic city. But one day a greedy merchant put her in a cage and forced her to sing. Local residents, having learned about the trouble, freed the girl, and since then she has been protecting the city from misfortunes.
There are many cafes and restaurants, brand stores and souvenir shops on the Old Town Market Square. When going here, you should take with you enough money so as not to leave anyone without a memorable souvenir.
Castle Square
Castle Square is one of the most beautiful places in all of Europe. The eastern part of the historical center is located at the Royal Castle. There was once a wooden fortress here, on the site of which a palace was later built. It is from this place that you should begin your acquaintance with the Old Town. There is another unique attraction on Castle Square - the Noble Gate with a clock tower.
Not far from them is the oldest temple in the city - St. John's Cathedral. The turning point for the square was the war years. After a grandiose restoration in 1971, the historical center became again popular not only among local residents, but also among tourists. It is worth saying that the heart of the Polish capital has occupied an honorable place on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1980.
Belvedere Palace
A grandiose building in the Baroque style is located almost in the very center of the Polish capital, on Belvedere Alley. The Belvedere Palace stands on a hill with a picturesque view of the artificial lake. The building was built back in 1822. Its project was carried out by the architect Jakub Kubitsky. The majestic structure has a rich history. The first palace on the same site appeared back in 1662.
The building was specially built for the wife of Lithuanian Chancellor Christopher Sigismund Pats. A few years later, the palace came into the possession of Stanislav Poniatowski, who located a faience factory in the building. Then Onufry Kitsky owned the castle; a few years later the building became the property of his daughter Teresia. At one time, the Russian prince Konstantin Pavlovich lived here. Throughout its history, Belvedere has been the property of many great people. And currently the castle is the residence of the Polish president.
Monument to Frederic Chopin
Poland has given the world a lot. In addition to unique cultural and historical attractions, this country has given the world many iconic personalities and celebrities who have made an invaluable contribution to the World Heritage. One of these is Frederic Chopin. Despite the fact that his father was French, and the greatest Polish composer is buried in the Père Lachaise cemetery in Paris), his heart, in the truest sense of the word, forever belongs to Warsaw. The fact is that after death it was transported and buried in a column of the Church of the Holy Cross.
The monument to Frederic Chopin is one of the most recognizable. In Lazienki Park, this is the main attraction that gathers crowds of tourists from different parts of the world. The monument to the great composer was erected back in 1926, but during the Second World War nothing remained of it. The copy was restored only in 1958. In summer you can hear classical music here. This tradition has been observed for 60 years.
Monument to Nicolaus Copernicus
The sculpture, erected in honor of the greatest scientist of all time, was created by the Danish master Bertel Thorvaldsen. In 1822, the monument was cast in bronze and installed in its rightful place in 1830. The sculpture was erected at the expense of the Catholic priest Stanislav Staszyca. The astronomer holds an armillary sphere in his left hand and a compass in his right. On the monument there are inscriptions in Latin: “Grateful homeland to Nicolaus Copernicus”, “Compatriots to Nicolaus Copernicus”.
During World War II, the German occupiers replaced them with “Nicholas Copernicus for the German nation.” In February 1942, Polish soldiers tore down these inscriptions. A little later, the bronze sculpture was stolen by fascist troops for the purpose of further melting down. However, Polish soldiers were able to save the monument and returned it to their homeland. The opening of the restored monument took place in 1949. There are copies of the monument to Nicolaus Copernicus in Chicago and Montreal.
Monument to the Ghetto Heroes
The Second World War swept through many countries of the post-Soviet space. It did not bypass Poland either. In the capital of the state there are many monuments that are an echo of the war and each time remind city residents and tourists of that terrible time that claimed millions of lives.
One of them is the Monument to the Heroes of the Ghetto. In 1940, literally immediately after Germany began its occupation of Poland, several areas of Warsaw were declared a special zone in which Jews lived.
In October of the same year, the Warsaw ghetto was created, where more than 500 thousand Jews were driven. So the concentration camp became the largest in Europe. In 1942, people from the Warsaw ghetto began to be taken to the Treblinka death camp. A year later, after an armed uprising, the Nazis literally razed this area to the ground. Now on the square between Levartovsky, Anelevich, Karmelitskaya and Zamenhof streets there is a Monument to the Heroes of the Ghetto.
The 11-meter-tall sculpture was unveiled in 1948. The location was not chosen by chance, because it was on this spot that the first armed clash took place during the 1943 uprising.
Monument to the young rebel
A small figurine of a child among the ruins compresses the heart and reminds of that terrible time when women and children were forced to pick up machine guns and fight for their Motherland. The Monument to the Young Rebel is located on Podvale Street in the Old Town, the walls of which were almost completely destroyed during the Second World War. Today, the medieval citadel has been restored, but its fragments that survived the bombing have become part of the compositions for several memorial complexes.
Thus, the ruins of one of the towers became the backdrop for the Warsaw Monument to the Young Insurgent. Jerzy Jarnuszkiewicz became the author of the sculptural composition. The monument was inspired by the teenagers and children who fought German soldiers during the Warsaw Uprising of 1943, when the Old Town was almost completely razed to the ground.
This tiny sculpture had a real-life prototype - the son of a nurse who helped the rebels. Like many other children, the boy acted as a messenger. The young warrior died, like most other participants in the military resistance. Today it is one of the popular attractions of Warsaw, which testifies to the terrible grief that touched every Soviet family.
Palace "Under the plaque"
It was built in 1720 - 1730 near the Royal Palace. Construction work was carried out according to the design of the famous architect Jakub Fontana. The palace received such a creative name thanks to its copper roof, which was built in the first half of the 18th century. Initially, on the territory of the palace “Under the plaque” there was an ordinary house, which belonged to the court blacksmith who served Jan Casimir. Then the house was owned by Jerzy Lubomirski and Stanislaw Poniatowski.
After the Second World War, the appearance of the building underwent some changes. However, in general, the main building has retained its original appearance. Warsaw's cultural heritage became part of the Royal Palace after 1989. In 2008, a large-scale reconstruction of the palace “Under the plaque” was carried out. Now it is a museum, which displays a variety of art objects, as well as various ancient exhibits.
Multimedia Fountain Park
The Vistula embankment is a favorite place for tourists. But not only because it is very beautiful here. During the warm season, the multimedia Fountain Park operates on the embankment. The tourist attraction opened in May 2011. The park is located near the Old Town of Warsaw, on the Vistula embankment.
The spectacle that opens before tourists will not leave anyone indifferent: 367 nozzles emit more than 30 thousand liters per minute, as well as incredibly beautiful lighting.
To create fountains, designers use a little more than 300 LED-type reflectors. Tourists should linger near the fountains, because at certain times, bizarre animations appear from the water and lighting that will not leave any viewer indifferent. This whole spectacle is accompanied by music of various genres. Steam runs from May to September, every Friday or Saturday. The rest of the time, the fountains operate without music or light accompaniment.
Zoo
When going on a trip to the Polish capital, you can’t help but look at the Warsaw Zoo. It’s worth saying right away that this is not an ordinary place, with a rich and unique history. It is always crowded here - not only foreign tourists, but also local residents love to visit the Warsaw Zoo. The area of the park is huge. Lions live here. rhinoceroses, elephants, lynxes. camels, bears, etc. Squirrels run freely around the zoo, so tourists can freely treat small rodents with nuts.
If you go to the zoo with a child, pick up a cart at the entrance where you can put your child who is tired from the walk. Believe me, you won't regret this decision. The zoo is not always open at the same time. If the weather is stable, tickets are sold from 9:00 to 16:00, although the attraction is open until 17:00. The fact is that 60 minutes is not enough to get around at least most of the zoo. Keep in mind that a child under 12 years old will not be allowed in without an adult.
Lazienki Park
If you have free time and have explored many of the sights of Warsaw, take a look at Lazienki Park. You can immediately prepare your camera, because literally from the first steps tourists are greeted by unusual monuments and vibrant landscapes. To the left of the main entrance to the park there is a monument to Marshal Pilsudski, to the right is the Belvedere Palace. A few meters later, a truly rare exhibit appears - a retro car.
After looking at the ancient vehicle to your heart's content, you can walk to the monument to Frederic Chopin. Immediately behind it is the entrance to the Royal Theater and the ancient greenhouse. Paid entrance. The main attraction of the park is the Palace on the Water. Freely walking peacocks give it special pathos. Next to the palace is the Roman Theater.
The highlight of Lazienki Park is the Chinese Garden, which is located a little away from the tourist trails. It’s not difficult to find - you need to stand with your back to the White House and head deep into the park along the path.
House of Keret
The narrowest house in the world or Keret's house. This building fits between two houses. Its width at its narrowest point is only 91 cm. The Kerete House was not originally created to accommodate a large family. The building was designed for one unpretentious person. There is not enough space here to place an impressive size kitchen or bedroom set. There are no free squares here for a spacious bath and living room.
The Keret House was conceived as an art project. But he liked the Israeli writer and director Edgar Keret, who often comes to Warsaw on work matters. The area of the house is only 46 square meters. m., which are distributed between two floors. Cooking, parties with friends - all this is unlikely in the house, since there is only enough space for one person.
Lazienki Palace
It was once the residence of the Polish king Stanisław August Poniatowski. At that time, the “Palace of Water” was located far from the Polish capital. Today, the park with an area of 74 hectares is located near the historical center of Warsaw. The exquisite 17th-century bathhouse was rebuilt by Italian architect Dominic Merlini.
Other objects surrounding the Lazienki Palace include the White House, greenhouses, paths and canals, which together form a magnificent composition, a harmonious mixture of classical baroque architecture and landscape design. This park is very popular among local residents.
The palace itself surprises with its interior decoration. Solomon's Hall, a ballroom, and an art gallery with about 2,500 works of art on display.
Warsaw Citadel
The 19th-century Russian fortress or Warsaw Citadel is a unique landmark of the Polish capital, which was built by order of Nicholas I immediately after the Polish uprising of 1830. The gate overlooking the river was called the “Gate of Death”, since it was in this place that death sentences were carried out.
Today it is a museum that contains an impressive part of the history of the Polish state. Foreign tourists are strongly recommended to visit “Block No. 10,” where the cells of political prisoners have been preserved. There is also a wagon in which exiles were transported. At one time, German occupiers settled here and prevented the rebels from uniting with another part of the Polish army.
In 1963, a military history museum was opened on the territory of the Warsaw Citadel, preserving unique exhibitions reflecting the difficult history of the Polish state.
Church of St. John the Baptist
This is the oldest Catholic church in Warsaw. The Church of St. John the Baptist saw history in the literal sense of the word: a dispute took place here between the Polish king and the crusading knights, Stanislav Leszczynski and Stanislav August Poniatowski were crowned, a Sejm deputy took the oath, etc.
Famous personalities who made an invaluable contribution to the development of Polish culture and the state itself are buried inside the cathedral. In the church there are magnificent tombs of Ignacy Jan Paderewski, Henryk Sinkevich and the first president of Poland - Gabriel Narutowicz.
A striking landmark of the cathedral itself is a huge wooden crucifix, brought back from Nuremberg at the beginning of the 16th century. You can talk about the church endlessly, but it’s better to cross the threshold and personally touch the shrine. By the way, every summer the cathedral hosts an organ concert.
Church of the Holy Cross
One of the oldest Catholic churches in the Polish state is located in Krakow Przedmieście. This is one of the most interesting religious monuments in Europe. The fact is that the Church of the Holy Cross originally belonged to the Lazarists, an ancient Catholic order. Famous architects and architects took part in the construction of the church.
For example, the project was developed by Josef Shimon Belloto. And now the walls of the church protect the ashes and peace of the great men of Poland who made history, defended independence and proclaimed the Polish state. At the entrance to the shrine stands a statue of Jesus, bowed under the weight of the cross.
The temple was seriously damaged during the Second World War. The Germans almost took away the statue too, but got rid of it along the way. The Nazis mercilessly destroyed magnificent altars and priceless paintings. Now completely restored and restored. Construction work was completed only in 2004. The church is the greatest value of the Polish state.
Church of St. Casimir
The majestic building of the Catholic church was erected back in 1688. Built by order of Jan Sebeski, the Church of St. Casimir proudly towers over the historical center of the city. Tilman Gamerski is an architect who built a Catholic church in honor of the victory over Vienna. The Catholic church was built in the style of an early form of classicism, which is based on strict adherence to symmetry.
During wartime, the church served as a hospital. The monks did not immediately allow civilians to place wounded rebels within the walls of the temple. But in August 1944 they finally did it. For which they paid with the bombing. As a result, the building was completely destroyed. Restoration of the temple began only in 1948. It took 4 years to build a new church. Within the walls of the Catholic church lie the ashes of Jan Sobieski’s daughter, Maria Carolina.
Church of St. Anne
This delightful 15th-century building is located in the Old Town of Warsaw, at the intersection of Krakowskie Przedmieście, Palace and Castle Square streets. The observation deck offers a breathtaking view of the heart of Warsaw. The history of the castle began in the 15th century, when a new Catholic church was built on the site of a burnt monastery for the Franciscans. This happened thanks to Princess Anna Radzivil.
It was rebuilt several times and architectural styles were changed. But one thing remained unchanged - the tombstone of the princess is still located in the building of the Catholic Church of St. Anne. During the Second World War, the church partially survived. Now tourists and local residents come to church services with great pleasure and enjoy the magnificent view from the observation deck. It is worth warning that in bad weather the observation deck may be closed.
St. Mary's Church
One of the greatest attractions in Poland is St. Mary's Church. Its history began in the first half of the 13th century. The architecture of the city is amazing: it harmoniously combines futuristic buildings with historical buildings. Initially, a small wooden temple was built on the site of the church. A little later it turned into a stone church. And in the 14th century, the grandiose construction of a new temple began, which had the classical features of the Gothic style.
Today there are no analogues to St. Mary's Church. The altar alone is a priceless work of art - a 13-meter panel, which consists of figures of saints carved from linden. The details are worked out so precisely and filigree that it seems as if these are living monks. Today the church is a sacred place. Thousands of Catholic tourists from different parts of the world strive to touch the holy place and personally turn to God.
Ujazdow Castle
It was originally the castle of King Augustus II. A little later, the building was abandoned and in its place, Sigismund III Vasa built an estate for the future king. Then the palace was owned by Stanislav August Poniatowski. At this time, the castle housed great works of art within its walls. During the Second World War, the historical building was seriously damaged, and its ruins were completely demolished in 195.
It was only in 175 that historians, together with the architect Piotr Beganski, succeeded in completely restoring the Ujazdowski Castle. Now within its walls there is a center for Contemporary Art, which hosts various exhibitions, concerts and educational seminars. The director of the center is Italian Fabio Cavalucci. Near the palace there are places for recreation, cafes and restaurants, as well as a dance floor. The castle cannot be reached by car, as the place has acquired an ecological character.
Warsaw Uprising Museum
The Warsaw Uprising Museum is dedicated to the tragic events of 1943, when city residents attempted to liberate the Polish capital from the German occupiers. For 63 whole days, Polish rebels fought for the freedom and lives of their compatriots. As a result, they were defeated. During this time, more than 200 thousand people died. Immediately after the bloody events, the city was almost completely destroyed.
Museum exhibitions are located on 4 floors. There are about 750 exhibits in total - items that reflect the events of 1943. The museum will be interesting for both adults and children. The crown jewel of the exhibition is a 3D film about Warsaw. The film was based on 600 photographs taken during the war years. In this short time (about 5 minutes) you can feel something that no book, no detailed description, no documentary film can convey.
Despite the fact that a large number of tourists and local residents strive to get to the museum, be sure to take the time to visit this attraction.
Copernicus Science Center
A huge building rises on the banks of the Vistula. The Copernicus Center is an interactive Science Museum that every tourist should visit. There are exhibitions here that will be of interest not only to children, but also to adults. The museum was opened in 2010. The Copernicus Center has several permanent compositions. There are own laboratories in which scientific experiments are carried out, a high-voltage theater, a robot theater and an interactive exhibition.
To create unusual exhibitions, scientists from around the world created exhibits that give the museum special value. The “Bzzz” exhibition has been created for the youngest excursionists; in the “Regeneration” gallery you can get acquainted with the secrets of the creation of the world. In addition, the Copernicus Center has a planetarium where colorful and exciting films dedicated to science are shown. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday.
At the end of the 16th century, Warsaw became the capital of Poland. During World War II, the central part of Warsaw was reduced to ruins by the Nazi occupiers. Over the next half century, local residents, sparing no effort and expense, rebuilt their city again. And, I must say, they succeeded brilliantly. Given the extensive destruction the city suffered and the amount of work that was done to restore it, Warsaw was included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Today, the Polish capital is a rather cozy city with many cafes and restaurants, picturesque landscapes and a rapidly developing infrastructure. There are also quite a few interesting attractions in Warsaw, which you can read later in the article.
1. Stare Miasto in Warsaw
Historically, the oldest landmark in Warsaw is the Stare Miasto. But during the Second World War this area was destroyed. A lot of time and effort went into restoring this part of the city. Today Stare Miasto has been completely rebuilt and restored. The extent to which the originality of this place is accurately conveyed - its buildings, architecture and its inherent atmosphere - shows the quality of the work done. Streets typical of the Middle Ages wind between cozy houses with tiled roofs - this area looks the same as it did many centuries ago, making it very popular among tourists.
2. Market Square
In the very center of Warsaw is its main ideological attraction - Market Square. There are always a lot of people here, idly walking or rushing about their business, but life does not stop boiling in the square for a second. The main feature of this place is its preserved medieval atmosphere, which especially attracts tourists. Nowadays, there are still retail shops on the Market Square, local artists sell their works, and droshky drivers deliver their passengers to their destinations. Just like several centuries ago, the spirit of everyday life in the Polish capital is seething in this corner. When you come to Warsaw, you definitely need to visit here.
3. Warsaw Palace Square
The main place from which most excursions around Warsaw begin is Palace Square. Here tourists will see many interesting sights of the late Middle Ages. In the central part of the square there is a monument to Sigismund III, erected by his son in the mid-17th century. On different sides of the square there are medieval castles, cathedrals and museums founded at them. It will take a few hours to explore the historical sites of this tourist hotspot, but they won't be wasted. This is a must visit place in Warsaw!
The Royal Castle is an attractive tourist attraction that is a must-see in Warsaw. These days it is the most popular museum in the city, located on the eastern side of Palace Square. Unfortunately, the original building did not survive to this day due to the destructive power of World War II. But the townspeople restored the former structure with enviable precision. Within the walls of the castle you can see an exhibition dedicated to Polish culture, and various exhibitions, concert performances and symposiums are often held. Even the interior of the castle is worth the time spent exploring it: the picturesquely decorated walls and rich decoration make you admire the castle.
5. Wilanów Palace
The most important attraction of the Polish capital is the Wilanów Palace, located in the southeast of Warsaw. The building was built in Baroque style, and nearby there is a beautiful garden. The palace serves as a symbol of Poland's national pride. It was built at the end of the 17th century and served as a country residence for the royal family. At the beginning of the 19th century, a museum was founded at the Wilanów Palace, which was one of the first in the country. After visiting the palace and visiting the museum, tourists can take a stroll through the local garden. This is a great place for a tour!
6. Warsaw Historical Museum
The list of the most important and visited attractions in Poland includes the Warsaw Historical Museum. His collection of exhibits is so large that as many as six buildings in the central part of the city were given over to it. The exhibition is located in sixty halls and is dedicated to the history of Poland and its capital from its founding to the present day. A large number of dramatic situations that Warsaw experienced found their place in the museum’s exhibition. This attraction attracts many tourists who want to get acquainted with the history of Poland and Warsaw.
7. Krakowskie Przedmieście
Perhaps one of the best attractions in Warsaw has become an entire street, we are talking about the Krakowskie Przedmieście. Along this street there are a considerable number of important objects for the Polish capital, including a medieval castle, a religious shrine and a state university. Every year thousands of tourists walk around Krakow Przemskie Przedmieście. During the Christmas holidays, this street is decorated with colorful lights and garlands, which makes it indescribably beautiful, especially in the evening and at night. But regardless of the time of year, this street remains the most popular in Warsaw.
Be sure to include the Polish Army Museum on your list of attractions to visit in Warsaw. He plays a significant role in the history of the country. Considering the location of Poland - and this is the center of Europe, one can understand that the Polish state had to fight a lot. The history of any state would be incomplete without mentioning its military affairs. It is this gap that the Polish Army Museum fills. By visiting it, guests will get acquainted with the entire Polish military history. There is a large collection of thematic exhibits and military artifacts that belong to each era. Local residents are very proud of their military history, of which the museum is a part. In general, visiting this Warsaw landmark will be very interesting.
9. National Museum of Warsaw
In the same building where the Polish Army Museum is located, you can see exhibitions of the National Museum of Warsaw. This capital landmark was founded in the second half of the 19th century. Initially, the exhibition was more of a private nature and consisted of items that were purchased or donated specifically for the museum, as well as exhibits exhibited by individual owners. Today, the National Museum of Warsaw has collected in its collection many works by famous artists and archaeological finds, which will take a good few hours to see.
10. Caricature Museum
A special pride of Poland is another interesting attraction of Warsaw - the Museum of Caricature. Why is it so valuable for the country? Because it is the only one of its kind in all of Europe. Previously, the museum's collection consisted exclusively of works by Polish masters, but in recent years the exhibition has been replenished with many exhibits that belong to the hands of foreign cartoonists. Thanks to this step, the museum became international. The doors of the attraction are open for free visits by tourists on Saturdays, and the rest of the time you will have to purchase a ticket.
11. Chopin Museum
One of the main cultural treasures of Warsaw was the Chopin Museum, founded just over half a century ago. This cultural landmark of the capital of Poland is located in the very building in which the young composer gave his first performances. Among the museum's exhibits you can see original things that belonged to Frédéric Chopin, some of which include his music sketches, written documentation and even a piano. And on Sundays here you can listen to concerts from the composer’s works.
12. Lazienki Park
Lazienki Park occupies a special place among the attractions of Warsaw. The beauty of this complex has virtually no equal in all of Europe. Lazienki Park was founded in the 17th century and throughout the years of its existence has attracted many guests with its unique architecture and picturesque nature. On the territory of the park area, tourists will find several buildings from the Middle Ages - a palace, holiday villas and some other attractions. The beauty of the park invites you to walk through it for many hours. This is also where you can take some of the best photographs of the Polish capital. Lazienki Park is a great place to relax in Warsaw.
These are the sights you should see first in Warsaw. If you have already been to this city and know more interesting places, share it in the comments. Thank you for your attention!
: after the end of World War II, only a pile of stones remained from the historical center of the Polish capital. Walking around Warsaw today, you can’t help but wonder how much mental strength it took for the Poles to restore brick by brick the appearance of Warsaw, which before the war was one of the richest cities in Eastern Europe? Modern Warsaw, may not have the polish that, say, Prague boasts, but at least it looks honest and maintains the self-esteem that it has done for many centuries.
Castle Square and Sigismund's Column
Acquaintance of tourists with historical center of Warsaw, as a rule, begins on Castle Square - one of the central squares of the city. Thanks to its convenient location - Castle Square is located between the old town and one of the central streets of Krakowskie Przedmieście, leading to the new part of the city - this place is one of the most powerful centers of attraction in Warsaw. Finding Castle Square is easy: the main landmark is the monument to the King of Poland Sigismund III Vasa - a tall column located in the middle of the triangular square.
IN Royal castle, which is also located on this square, houses a museum: here you can see famous paintings with views of Warsaw in the 18th century, written by the Italian artist Bernardo Belotto. Based on Belotto's cityscapes, much of Warsaw's historic center was restored.
Krakowskie Przedmieście Street and Chopin Benches
The historical capital of Poland, Krakow, is located three hundred kilometers from Warsaw, so Krakowskie Przedmieście Street, of course, is not formally a suburb of the ancient Polish city. However, the street is named so to pay tribute to the royal city of Krakow, which greatly influenced the history of the entire country.
At the very beginning of the rather wide street, the attention of tourists is attracted by the Church of St. Anne, which was originally built on this site in the second half of the 15th century. In the chapel of the classic church there is now an observation deck from which a picturesque panorama of the old city of Warsaw opens.
Among others attractions of Krakow Przedmieście Particularly noteworthy are the monument to the Polish poet Adam Mickiewicz, the presidential palace and the building of the Ministry of Culture, as well as the Bristol Hotel - the most luxurious hotel in modern Warsaw. The hotel building is one of the few buildings in Warsaw that survived the war. The fact is that the German Nazis founded their own hotel and casino in the Bristol building.
Walking along Krakowskie Przedmieście Street it is impossible not to pay attention to unusual benches. These are the so-called Chopin benches, which in honor of the bicentenary of the great Polish composer were installed throughout the center of Warsaw in the amount of 15 pieces. Each musical bench, when you press a touch button, plays a fragment of one of the works of Frederic Chopin. The benches are installed in places that are in one way or another connected with the life of a musician. For example, the bench located opposite the presidential palace is there because it was in this building that the young Chopin gave his first public concert. Each bench's black granite surface is engraved with a map highlighting all of Chopin's musical bench locations, and a QR code allows you to download Chopin's music to your phone for free.
New World Street
If, after passing by the Bristol Hotel, you continue straight ahead, Krakowskie Przedmieście Street will smoothly turn into Novy Svet (New World) Street, showing a luxurious gate as a farewell University of Warsaw And monument to Nicolaus Copernicus. Before the outbreak of World War II, when Warsaw was called the Paris of the East, New World Street should undoubtedly have been called the Champs Elysees East. Today this street, as in the old days, is the main artery Warsaw center: only here can you meet such a large number of elegant townspeople walking towards their favorite cafes and restaurants.
To get to the deserted Marshal Józef Pilsudski Square and watch the changing of the guard near the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, after passing the Bristol building, you should turn right. Eternal Flame in Warsaw is located under the arches of the restored colonnade of the Saxon Palace. One of Warsaw's most magnificent palaces, built in the 17th century, it was blown up by Nazi German troops after the 1944 Warsaw Uprising. From the main parade square of Warsaw there is a wonderful view of the modern business district and Stalin's generous gift to the Polish people - a Soviet skyscraper 230.68 meters high.
Very close to Marshal Jozef Piłsudski Square there is theatre square, which has long been considered the heart of the Polish capital: today, majestic theater buildings, made in the style of classicism, coexist here with standard residential buildings, which the Communist Party left behind - another expressive mark in history of Warsaw.
Old city
The entire Warsaw Old Town was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List as an exemplary example of the restoration of architectural and historical heritage. For 20 years, the restoration of old Warsaw after World War II was carried out by volunteers - ordinary Warsaw residents. Thanks to the efforts of a whole generation of Poles, today Warsaw's old town once again attracts tourists from all over the world with its narrow cobbled streets and colorful squares.
The main square of Warsaw's old town is the Market Square. In the center Market Square there is a monument Warsaw siren- the mythical founder of the city. The mermaid also takes pride of place on the coat of arms of Warsaw; her image can also be found in almost every corner of the city.
Right there on the square is Warsaw Historical Museum, in which you can see how the city looked and lived at different points in its history. From the outside it seems as if the museum occupies eight merchant houses that are literally stuck to each other, but in reality, wandering through the museum halls, it is even impossible to determine which building you are currently in - all these houses form a single whole.
Longest street old town of Warsaw- Beer house. As it is not difficult to tell from the name, it contains mainly beer bars and small restaurants. On the next street there are two large churches in close proximity. Passing by these churches, Poles smile - they say, do you see why Poland is called a Catholic country?
In the end, all the roads of old Warsaw lead to the place where it all began - to the column of King Sigismund on Castle Square. I would love to get lost!
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