Poland is home to beautiful mountains, virgin forests, majestic rivers and lakes, and amazingly beautiful cities. Here thousands of medieval monuments coexist with modern objects. This can be confirmed by the unique Crooked House in Sopot, which has no analogues in the world.

The centuries-old history of Poland has left hundreds of monuments that are striking landmarks of the country, illustrating the path of its development and prosperity, decline and destruction, recovery from the chaos of wars and uprisings. Every ancient city is a unique landmark reflecting a particular era, system, historical events. A clear example is the capital of Poland - beautiful Warsaw, where you can see a historical monument in every corner of the city.

One of the main squares of the city in the Middle Ages was considered princely, because it was surrounded on three sides by palaces and castles of noble gentry, descendants of ancient aristocratic families. This place can be considered the Phoenix bird in architecture: there has been so much destruction and rebirth here, created by human hands.

The square, located on the left bank of the Vistula, was connected to the right bank area of ​​the city by a bridge and overpass, blown up by the Nazis in 1944. The city authorities decided - public transport move it to a tunnel built under the Vistula, and build a new one instead of the old blown-up bridge.

A project that changed the original appearance old square, was implemented in 1949. On July 22, the grand opening of the tunnel and the new bridge took place. The square became a pedestrian area. Thanks to the joint efforts of historians and architects, all the houses built in the Baroque style were carefully restored; Other buildings have been meticulously restored - evidence of a bygone era.

A striking example of revival is the Royal Castle, the construction of which began in the 16th century by King Sigismund III and continued until the 19th century by subsequent rulers who created the entire palace complex.

A fire in 1939 and an explosion in 1944 thoroughly destroyed the magnificent architectural structure, in which only the wing of the Royal Library remained intact. As a result of the greatest reconstruction, the castle acquired its former appearance, decorating the historical square.

The central symbol of the square is the Corinthian column, which forms part of the Baroque monument in honor of King Sigismund III. The 8.5-meter-high column, which is crowned by a 2.7-meter statue of the king in knightly armor, was installed in 1643. But the departing fascists also destroyed this monument in 1945, leaving the bronze sculpture of the king undamaged.

The column was restored in 1949, using red granite instead of the previous red marble, and placing a statue of Sigismund on top. The monument was erected in a new location - a hill at the entrance to Krakow Przemieście, from where it is clearly visible from all parts of the Old Town.

One of the largest and most majestic buildings in the capital, located on Krakowskie Przedmiescie Street, has a long and complex history of its existence. Its construction began in 1643 for the crowned hetman Stanislav Konetspolsky and was completed in 1648 by the hetman's son Alexander.

Over the centuries, many owners of the palace have changed, each of whom sought to change something, to add to the building - the result was a monumental, majestic building that served as the presidential residence from the 90s of the last century until the 2010 plane crash. Now the palace square is a place of remembrance of the dead, where on this sad date residents of Poland and tourists bring flowers and light candles.

A magnificent white building with many arched vaults, surrounded by a high openwork lattice, adorns main city. The square in front of the building is unusually beautiful and solemn: the majestic monument to Józef Potocki, a powerful sculpture of a lion, slender cypress trees, neatly trimmed hedges highlight the splendor of the presidential palace.

Malbork Castle or Marienburg Castle, as the Germans called it, is a symbolic embodiment of significant historical events and movements: Teutonic knights and crusaders, Polish princes and kings found shelter within its walls. The castle is truly unique as one of the largest medieval fortresses, built of brick in a typically Gothic style.

The unique complex was also heavily damaged during the Second World War and was completely restored, now representing a clear example medieval castle, surrounded by a high brick wall, round watchtowers, palace buildings inside a huge courtyard occupying 20 hectares of land.

Taken under the protection of UNESCO, the castle today is a real tourist Mecca, where travelers from all over the world come.

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Tatra Mountains - a natural landmark of Poland

On the territory of Poland there are the most picturesque mountains, which are a continuation of the Carpathians and are called the Tatras. The richest coniferous forests, glaciers, unique lakes, green valleys create an excellent natural infrastructure for development ski resorts and bases. The High Tatras region is more suitable for more extreme sports, because some peaks reach 2000 m or more.

The center for skiing and recreation is the high-mountain resort of Zakopane, which has wonderful ski and snowboard trails, an abundance of interesting routes, excellent sanatoriums and recreation centers.

Here they strive to preserve and develop Polish folk color, original Polish culture, national cuisine and traditions. The pristine beauty of the mountain landscapes, combined with a high level of modern infrastructure, make the resort of Zakopane one of the best ski resorts in Europe.

In Poland there is something to see and a good place to relax.

How to get to Poland? - more details in our article.

1. By 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 the 60 million Poles live abroad. Large Polish-speaking communities live in the USA, Canada, Great Britain, Germany, Australia, Brazil and Argentina.

4. Poland boasts 17 Nobel laureates (more than Japan, China, India or Australia), including four peace prizes and five in literature. Polish-born Marie Curie (Maria Skłodowska) 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 on the country’s territory: Ukrainians, Belarusians, Slovaks, Lithuanians and Germans.

7. Among the Slavic languages, Polish is the second in the number of 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 for more than 1000 years was transported along the Amber Route from the 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, with 3.3 million Jews living in the country. 450 thousand Poles saved Jews from death during the Holocaust. The state of Israel awarded 6,135 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 any kind of assistance to Jews was officially punishable by death. Up to 50 thousand Poles were executed by the Nazis for saving Jews.

11. Polish “pies” (analogous to Ukrainian dumplings. – Ed.)– the most famous Polish dish outside of 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 goes back more than 500 years. 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 Polish Pope. His tenure as papacy was the second longest in history. He is credited with helping 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 the country broadcasts a television channel dedicated to the Pope.

16. Poles more often than representatives of other nationalities won the title “World’s Strongest Man”. Pole Mariusz Pudzianowski is a five-time winner of this competition.

17. Poland has one of the best preserved Neolithic flint workings (3500-1200 BC) in the world. This 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 depths from 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 entire cathedral that were carved out of the salt mountain by miners. 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 a secondary education. 50% of Poles have an academic degree.

20. Restaurant Piwnica Świdnicka in Wroclaw is the oldest in Europe. It has been in operation since 1275.

21. In Poland it is still customary to kiss women’s hands when they meet.

22. One of the most popular songs in Poland is Żeby Polska była Polską, which was written in 1976 and became an anthem for protesters against the communist regime. Speaking in 1982, Ronald Reagan titled his speech Let Poland Be Poland, and Queen Elizabeth II quoted the song when speaking in the Polish Parliament.

23. In Warsaw there is a street named after Winnie the Pooh - Kubusia Puchatka Street. The street has a length of 149 m.

24. Many Poles consider their name day a more important holiday than their birthday.

25. One of the Christmas traditions in Poland is watching the movie Home Alone.

On Wawel Hill above the Vistula are the Royal Castle and Cathedral Saints Stanislaus and Wenceslas. The first fortifications appeared in the 11th century. The castle and church were rebuilt several times during the 15th-18th centuries. The castle houses an exhibition dedicated to the life of Polish kings.

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Royal Palace and Castle Square (Warszawa) ☆☆☆☆☆

The palace was built in 1598-1618. Completely destroyed during the Second World War, rebuilt in 1971-1988. The palace houses an art museum.
The square is located between the palace and the Old Town. In the middle of the square is the column of King Sigismund (1644).

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Old Town Market Square (Warszawa) ☆☆☆☆☆

Appeared in the 13th century, modern planning and development took shape in the 17th century. It is a rectangle measuring 90 x 73 meters. In 1855, a monument to the siren was erected in the center of the square. During the Second World War it was almost completely destroyed, restored in the early 1950s.

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Wieliczka Salt Mine ☆☆☆☆☆

The rock salt deposit was developed from the 13th to the 20th centuries. The mine is located on 7 underground levels at a depth of 57 to 198 m, the passages have a length of more than 200 km. Included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The mine has been shown to privileged people since the 15th century. The public museum began to take shape in the 18th century. IN
Currently, its exhibitions reflect the development of methods and technologies for salt extraction over 7 centuries. In addition, in the mine shafts, chambers and chapels there are many salt sculptures made not only by professionals, but also by the mine workers themselves at different times.
Excursions are conducted (including in Russian 1-2 times a day).

We're talking about incredibly colorful, amazing country– Poland, which harmoniously combines ancient buildings, pristine nature and the most diverse achievements of science and technology. From a bird's eye view, the country amazes the eye with its diversity - dense forests, Mountain peaks, fields, blue rivers and lakes, majestic castles - and all this is bordered by modern infrastructure.

Poles deeply respect the history of their country and treat it with care - as a huge part of the world heritage - after all, according to historians, Poland is the cradle of Slavic civilization.

The country has a huge number of attractions, among which it is worth highlighting the most impressive and interesting.

The remnant of the primeval forest preserved on the border between Poland and Belarus. This is one of the largest concentrations of ancient forest that has remained untouched to this day. Some trees are up to 600 years old. The reserve is distinguished by rich flora and fauna.

Among the narrow streets of Tumski Island in Poznan is the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, which has the honor of being the first church in the country. Its history goes back more than 10 centuries. The ancient building has withstood 6 architectural style transformations:

• Pre-Romanesque - some of its elements are still found in the basement of the temple.
• Romanesque (fragments from this historical milestone have also been preserved - but only in the southern tower). Perestroika took place after the destruction caused by the uprisings.
• Gothic style. The “fashion” for Gothic was popular during the Middle Ages, which was the reason for new reconstructions.
• Baroque - the temple was rebuilt after a major fire, which caused irreparable damage to it. This passionate, irrational style was characteristic of that era.
• The neoclassical style - the penultimate reincarnation of the temple (with delicate taste and graceful forms) - also occurred due to the fire;
• Gothic - this style had to be restored after irreparable destruction during the Second World War. Nothing remained of the former building except the foundation, which tended towards Gothic forms.

Location: Ostrów Tumski - 17.

Gdansk is famous for the largest zoo in the country. It looks very picturesque and surprises visitors with a huge variety of animals. It is impossible to enjoy the view of the zoo in a short time - you need to allocate at least 4 hours. There is even a mini-zoo on site, where the youngest visitors can feed and even pet animals - goats, guinea pigs, rabbits.

Location: Karwieńska - 3.

Trees unusual for Polish landscapes, cascading waterfalls, winding alleys - everything is permeated with the spirit of Japan. Unusual park located in a huge city - Wroclaw. The garden has an appearance as close as possible to Japanese traditions. Its small size is replete with such a variety of landscapes that, despite this, there is hardly enough time to see all the beauties in one visit.

Location: ul. Wystawowa - 1.

This high building, which will open up an amazing view to the visitor who climbs the bell tower most beautiful city Wroclaw, with its red roofs of distant small houses. The building was built in the 13th century and to this day delights with its majestic Gothic decoration, massiveness and height.

Location: Grabiszyńska - 103.

While in the city of Karpacz, it will be very useful to visit the Krkonoše National Park. This is a system of protected areas located on the border of Poland and the Czech Republic. The park has a huge territory ( 36 thousand hectares) and surprises with its untouched nature. Mountains, forests, waterfalls, huge granite vaults that make up the pristine beauty of this place attract thousands of tourists at any time of the year.

The first thing worth visiting while in Krakow is the Royal Castle on Wawel Hill - the former residence of the rulers of the Polish state, which retained its respected status despite the fact that Krakow ceased to be the capital.

The castle is huge and majestic. It contains many sarcophagi and crypts in which kings and saints are buried, and, of course, there is a museum. It should be noted that the castle takes on a particularly unique appearance at night: the walls are illuminated, giving the building a true fabulousness.

Location: Wawel - 5.

It is the country's most infamous landmark. No more than a couple of hours' drive west of Krakow lies the city of Auschwitz, the site of the largest mass murder in human history.

The concentration camp was converted into a museum in 1947. Interesting fact, that one of the initiators of its creation was a former prisoner, who later became the director of the museum.

Location: Więźniów Oświęcimia – 20.

The ski resort city of Zakopane is located in the very south of the country, and, nevertheless, is snow-covered, which attracts ski lovers. The city is located at the foot of the picturesque Tatra Mountains.

Guests of the city have the opportunity to observe an amazing panorama created by a variety of mountain landscapes - here are rocks, snow, and meadows. In autumn, you can visit a popular festival - the largest International Mountain Folklore Festival.

"Royal Route" and Royal Castle in Warsaw

A walk around Warsaw should start from the “Royal Route” - the road on which greatest number historical places. The path begins from the Royal Castle - not so remarkable from the outside, but extremely richly decorated from the inside. The Palace Museum amazes visitors with gold paintings, stucco moldings, and original paintings.

Location: plac Zamkowy - 4.

The Royal Route leads to Lazienki Park. This is a picturesque complex, notable not only for its nature, but also for the palace located above an artificial lake, the Roman Theater, and also the “white house” - known as a cozy haven for King Stanislaus and his mistresses.

The statue of the Siren in Warsaw on the Market Square is a monument that has acquired a wide variety of legends over its time, because it was erected quite a long time ago - at the end of the 19th century. It is noteworthy that the image of this statue is also the coat of arms of the city.

Location: bulwar Bohdana Grzymały-Siedleckiego.

A slightly awkward building at first glance, the Copernicus Science Center is a unique museum containing exhibits that allow visitors to feel like an experimenter in various scientific fields - astronomy, physics, chemistry, robotics, biology, and much more (in total, there are more than 450 exhibits).

Location: Wybrzeże Kościuszkowskie - 20, Warsaw.

The most beautiful building in the capital, designed in subtle Rococo styles. It is surprising that within the walls of the temple one can still hear music coming from a two-hundred-year-old organ, which Frederic Chopin himself once played.

Location: Krakowskie Przedmieście – 34.

The village of Zalipye is an amazing small village in the south of the country, which is famous for its decorative paintings. The appearance of the village will amaze the visitor, because ornaments are everywhere here: on the walls of houses, sidewalks, wells, bridges, sheds, troughs, jugs. Even the doghouses are decorated with flowers.

The luxurious building of fine architectural work has 99 turrets, thanks to which the building seems like a fairy tale. The castle is deeply striking with the elegance of its forms and a special approach to every small detail. Its decoration remains as fantastic and luxurious as it was at the beginning (presumably in the 17th century).

The Wieliczka Salt Mine became a tourist attraction back in the 15th century, when privileged people, with the permission of the king, began to descend into it in order to see huge caves reminiscent of an underground city.

Location: Daniłowicza – 10.

Order Castle Marienburg (Mary's Castle) is a defensive castle of the Knights of the Teutonic Order, built in the 13th century. The castle is very rich in exhibits that remind visitors of the distant glory of knightly campaigns, as well as a particularly large collection of amber products.

Location: Starościńska - 1.

Poland is an amazing country with a lot of interesting things: lavender fields, music shops with buttons, by pressing which you can listen to Chopin’s works; a street named after Winnie the Pooh, the amazing beauty of the lake, and countless places to active rest– diving in an underwater quarry, horse riding, hiking, cycling excursions. Every corner of the country is imbued with the spirit of beauty, inspiration and respect for the rich heritage of the Polish people.

Sights of Poland

1. Malbork Castle

In ancient times, the route along the Vistula River was guarded by numerous Teutonic castles, but now they silently watch as the waters float peacefully past. The main stronghold of the Teutonic Order - Malbork Castle, or Teutonic Marienburg Castle, is a classic example of a medieval fortress, it is the world's largest brick castle and one of the most impressive in Europe. The Teutonic Knights built the castle in 1276 and immediately established themselves as formidable rulers, taking control of most of Poland.

Medieval belief that what more strength, the stronger the ruler, is clearly illustrated by this huge brick citadel. The interior includes arcaded courtyards, chapels, a treasury, a Knights' Hall and an armory. The castle houses several exhibitions, a collection of tapestries, coins and medals, as well as medieval sculptures and weapons. In summer, the courtyard is used as a venue for sound and light shows.

Official website: www.zamek.malbork.pl

2. Museum of the History of Warsaw (Museum of Warsaw)

The History Museum is one of the best museums in Warsaw, the capital of Poland. Its three floors are crammed with breathtaking exhibitions covering all aspects of the history and life of Warsaw from the city's founding to the present day. The museum was founded in 1936 and reopened in 1948 after being closed during the war. It currently occupies one side of the square in the Old Town. The museum is located in a quaint historical buildings and boasts 52 halls with permanent exhibitions, temporary exhibitions, a cinema, a library and a reading room.

Official site: www.muzeumwarszawy.pl

3. Wieliczka Salt Mine

The Wieliczka Salt Mine is a unique underground complex that has been in constant use since its construction in the Middle Ages and is now a monument cultural heritage UNESCO. The Wieliczka Salt Mine isa series of labyrinthine tunnels, chambers, galleries and underground lakes located on nine levels and reaching a depth of more than 300 meters.

The world's first underground therapeutic sanatorium is located 200 meters below the surface, and allows the use of saline air solution to treat asthma. There is also a saltworks museum.

Official website: www.kopalnia.pl

4. Wawel Castle

Wawel Castle is one of the main attractions of Krakow. It is located on Wawel Hill. The history of the castle dates back to the 11th century, when the first castle building was built. In the 14th century, after a severe fire, the castle was rebuilt. The remains of the very first building are located in the northern wing of the modern castle. Now the castle houses a historical museum.

Next to the castle is a church that was the main coronation site for Polish monarchs, as well as the final resting place for many of them. In the nave of the church there is the mausoleum of St. Stanislaus, the patron saint of Poland.

5. Bialowieza National Park

Belovezhsky national park, located on the border between Poland and Belarus, is a protected area that protects the last remnants of primeval forest. This ancient woodland is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Belovezhsky National Park is also the last place on earth where tourists can see bison.

6. Auschwitz Memorial Museum

The Auschwitz concentration camp actually consists of three camps - Auschwitz I, Auschwitz II-Birkenau and Auschwitz III. Together the complex forms the most large cemetery in the world, preserved as a somber monument to the victims of the Holocaust, and in memory of the hundreds of thousands of people killed there by the Nazis during World War II. The Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum was established in 1947 and visitors have access to both camps and are free to wander around the structures, ruins and gas chambers, as well as visit exhibits displayed in the surviving prison blocks at Auschwitz I.

Official website: www.auschwitz.org.pl

7. Gubałówka

Mount Gubalowka looms over the city of Zakopane in the south of the country. Gubałówka, uhOne of the most popular tourist attractions in southern Poland, the mountain offers amazing views of the Tatra Mountains and is home to the best ski resort in Poland.The best way to reach the top is the funicular, which takes you from the city of Zakopane in just three and a half minutes.

When the ski season ends, the summer toboggan run opens, and there are also excellent conditions for cycling and walking. There is also a restaurant serving traditional Polish dishes, cold beer and hot tea on the outdoor terrace. On the mountain there is a small wooden chapel dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary.

8. Wawel Cathedral (Katedra Wawelska)

Wawel Cathedral witnessed most of the coronations and funerals of monarchs. dictators and presidents of Poland over many centuries. Grandiose funerary monuments and royal sarcophagi are concentrated here.

The Cathedral, an extraordinary artistic achievement and spiritual sanctuary of Poland.The building you will see during the tour is the third church on this site, it was consecrated in 1364, and the first church on this site was built in the 10th century, after which it was replaced by a Romanesque church in 1140, which burned down in 1305.

Wawel Cathedral is mainly a Gothic structure, but chapels were built in different styles around it later.Once inside, you will get lost in the maze of sarcophagi, tombstones and altars scattered throughout the nave, presbytery and ambulatory.Among the dozens of chapels, the main attraction is the Chapel of the Holy Cross with unique 15th-century Byzantine frescoes and a red marble sarcophagus from 1492. Don't miss the chapel during your tourSigismund on the southern wall, heroften called the most beautiful Renaissance chapel north of the Alps, with a gilded dome.

Wawel Cathedral is part of Wawel Castle and it is located near the old town of Krakow.

9. Pieskowa Skala Castle

One of three Renaissance castles in Poland that has remained untouched by time. Located in national park Ojcowski, surrounded by beautiful gardens, the castle is one of the best examples of Renaissance architecture in the country.

Although it was built during the time of Casimir the Great in the 14th century, the castle acquired its present beautiful facade two hundred years later, when two floors with balconies and loggias, a clock tower, a chapel and an arcaded courtyard were added to it. However, on the other side, the castle still resembles a medieval fortress, proudly towering over the river valley.

At the castle you can buy a guided tour of three small museums located inside it, this is the museum of Polish history and two art museums.

10. Jasna Gora Monastery

The Jasna Gora Monastery is one of the largest places of pilgrimage for Catholics in the world.Located in Częstochowa, the monastery belongs to the monks of the Pauline order.

The main attraction of the Jasna Gora Monastery is the famous icon of the Black Madonna of Czestochowa, or the Czestochowa Icon of the Mother of God.Legend has it that the icon was painted on a table made by Jesus himself.

The Jasna Gora Monastery is a symbol of the national unity of the Polish nation and the main center of pilgrimage in Poland. On average, 14,000 people visit the monastery every day to venerate the icon. It is believed that the icon saved the monastery from the Swedish invasion in the 17th century.

11. Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady (St. Mary's Church)

The Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady, or St. Mary's Church, is the most famous church in Krakow, although it is not the most popular attraction. The basilica is located on Old Town Square. The church was built in 1222, but destroyed during the Mongol-Tatar invasion. The current church building dates from 1397, but this was also modified after 1424, and in the 18th century there was a major renovation that resulted in baroque interiors.

The main attractions of the church are the walls and vault decorated with frescoes by Jan Matejko in 1890 and one of the largest (11 x 13 m) and most famous altars in Europe, made in Nuremberg in 1480.