The Most Interesting Places to See in Poland

THE MOST INTERESTING PLACES TO SEE IN POLAND

Agata Badoń

Sylwia Pszczoła

CRACOW

The most important and spectacular monuments in Cracow are situated in the very center of the city. Usually after a couple of hours of gentle strolling you will be familiar with the most beautiful and interesting places in the city. Of course monument lovers could easily spend a week ... strolling. Each day can present something new. That's Cracow. The former capital of Poland, untouched by the ravages of war. It is a city with a unique atmosphere that can impress and charm at any moment, any new promenade …
The Visitor proposes a gentle guided walk through the most interesting and most beautiful spots in Kraków. No matter how much time you have to spend in this city - you always find something new!
We start our walk at the place where probably most of us arrived in Cracow. If you arrived by bus or by train - remember the place. You'll probably return there often.

The Main Railway Station - is located in the very center of the city and is an ideal orientation point for walks and sightseeing. Just next to it there is the Bus Station with national lines and plenty of private ones. This transport combination ensures rapid contact with other towns or tourist spots outside Cracow. From there you may go to Oświęcim (Auschwitz), Wieliczka (salt mine), Zakopane or Rabka. Some short distance buses may be not as comfortable as you might wish, but it's the best, cheapest and fastest way to get around.

On the left corner of the station square with the railway station at your back. Go towards the Słowacki Theatre which you can see between some bright, brick buildings. Down through the underground passage and you are at Planty.

Planty is a huge park, or rather the green belt surrounding the city center. This park was established in 1822 to take the place of the defense walls and the moat around the old city. Today it's a spot where you can shelter from the hot summer sun. Walk through the park and round the old town, it's very pleasant for a picnic or a break, though we have just started.
Now let's go along Planty and Basztowa street to the Barbican. On the left you will pass the Floriańska Gate belfry, something to see later.

The Barbican was built between 1498-1499 and paid for by King Jan Olbracht. It is Gothic in style and used to be surrounded by a deep, 26 meter wide moat. There were two gates, one from Kleparz and the other from the city walls. The west gate used to be supported by 4 pillars. The Krakow Barbican is the largest and best preserved building of its kind in Europe. Its construction is circular with 3 meter thick walls.The next attraction on our route is just next to you. Turn around and walk to the defence walls and the Floriańska Gate.

Saint Florian frieze. On both sides of the gate are the medieval city walls. Nowadays they are covered by paintings and handmade artefacts - have a look, perhaps something will catch your eye as a souvenir.
The Floriańska Gate - the main city gate, built at the end of XIII century to protect the northern entrance to the city. It became an important feature on the Royal Route, leading from the Sukiennice to the Wawel. The roof, built in the Baroque style, was constructed in 1660 by Jan Zaleski. An interesting part of the gate is the altar to the Holy Mother of Piaski inside the gate's portico. On the first floor is the chapel constructed in 1885-1886 by Władysław Czartoryski. The elevation shows the Polish eagle, symbol of Poland's first rulers, by Jan Matejko. From Floriańska street we can see the XVII century Floriańska street is one of the better known and popular streets of Cracow. Many people, Cracovians and tourists, take a walk here everyday.

Floriańska street leads to the largest market area of any city in Europe. The Main Market, planned in 1257, is a 200 x 200 m square. It used to be a place of trade, divided into zones, with many small shops called "kram", the official municipal scales, food storage warehouses, the fish market, coal depot, even a chicken market. This remarkable square competes well with the Old Town in Warsaw or Dluga street in Gdańsk as tourist attractions and places of great interest.

Just at the exit of Floriańska street we see the two towers of one of the most important churches in Cracow - St. Mary's Church. It was built in 1287-1320, on the remains of a former Romanesque church destroyed by the Tartars. Its present architectural style is a result of restoration at the end of the XIX c. It was built originally in the Gothic style, with, inside, Baroque chapels and altars and remarkable frescoes by Jan Matejko and stained glass windows by Stanisław Wyspiański and Józef Mehoffer. Undisputedly the altar piece, the triptych, by Witt Stwosz (Veit Stoss) 1477-1489 is the most astonishing of the interior devotional decorations. It is in fact the largest wooden Gothic altar in Europe. The three parts are, the centre piece, representing the Virgin Mary asleep and the right and left wings, six scenes from the life of Mary. When the triptych is closed twelve carvings representing the life of The Holy Family can be seen.

In the centre of the Main Market Square is The Cloth Hall . It is one of the most important buildings in the city. It has been reconstructed many times and does not resemble the original plan for the building. It used to be a street crossing the market from north to south with shops on both sides. Then the street was roofed. The brick Gothic Sukiennice was destroyed in the fire of 1555. It was rebuilt in the Renaissance style by Italian architects living in Kraków - Jan Maria Padovano, Santi Gucci, Jan Frakstijn. Decorations and loggias similar to the Wawel court arcades were added at this time. The last reconstruction by Tomasz Pryliński dates back to 1875-1879. On 7th of October 1879 a decision to open the National Museum in the Sukiennice was taken. In September 1883 the museum became the first public institution museum for Polish people in a country divided and ruled by Russia, Prussia and Austria. Now the museum is host to Polish XIX century painting exhibitions, such famous Polish painters as Matejko, Chełmoński, Gierymski, Podkowiński.

Not far from the museum, just opposite Sienna Street, there is a monument to the famous Polish poet Adam Mickiewicz. He had never been to Kraków during his lifetime and 35 years after his death, his remains were brought from Paris and buried officially in the Wawel. This took place in 1890 and was the occasion for a tremendous demonstration by Polish people against their occupiers. In 1898, the 100th anniversary of the death of Mickiewicz, the monument was unveiled. In 1940 it was destroyed by German soldiers and was not seen in the Main Market for 15 years until its restoration in 1955.

Another point of interest in the Main Market are the remains of the Town Hall situated close to the Cloth Hall. Written evidence of the Town Hall goes back to 1316. It has been reconstructed many times. In 1817-20 it was completely demolished. Only the belfry, covered by a Baroque roof is left. It is one of the symbols of Kraków. During the summer the belfry is open and from its summit there is a beautiful panorama of the city.

The Collegium Maius is the oldest school in Poland. It was established by King Kazimierz The Great in 1364. The were three faculties originally, law, medicine and the arts. In 1397 the theological department was founded placing the Krakow school on equal footing with all European universities in these times. The Krakow Academy very quickly became one of the most important schools in Europe. In fitting memory of its founder it was renamed the Jagielloński University in 1881. The Collegium Maius has a beautiful arcade court constructed at the end of XV century. After the war the Collegium Maius was restored to its original glory and the Jagiellonian University museum was opened.

The Franciszkanów Church was built in XII century, The original building was burnt by the Swedes 1655. The Great Fire in Kraków in 1850 destroyed it again. Today it is in the Gothic style with Neo-Gothic traces. The paintings and stained glass windows are by Stanisław Wyspiański and are very famous in Poland. In the Chapel of Christ's Torment is the Way of The Cross by Józef Mehoffer. The chapel contains the Holy Mother paintingfrom the XVI c. At the sides of the nave there are representations of the Bishops of Kraków from the XV c till the present day.

The Church of St Peter and Paul was constructed in 1596-1619 and founded by the Jesuit Order by King Zygmunt III Waza. It resembles the Il Gesu church in Roma. Built in Baroque style, it has one nave surrounded by a number of chapels. The entrance doorway is decorated by the sculptures of the 12 apostles created by David Heel. The present sculptures are copies by Kazimierz Jęczmyk. In the monumental interior there is a late Baroque Main Altar constructed in 1735 by Kacper Bażanka with the painting, "Granting the Keys to St. Peter", by Józef Brodowski. (1820). Most of the decorations are from 1st half of XVIII c. The crypt contains the remains of Piotr Skarga, a distinguished Polish priest.

The St. Andrew Church was built between 1079-1098 and its present architectural façade is from the XII and XIII century. It used to be of importance in the defence of the city. Built in Romanesque style it is one of the oldest buildings in Kraków. From 1320 it was owned by the Order of St. Klara's. The Baroque interiors (decorations by Baltazar Fontana, paintings by Karol Dankwart and gilded altars) are in marked contrast to the cruder defensive façade of the church.

Warsaw

On first sight, the city strikes you as a city devoid of character and just like a huge concrete jungle. However, when you venture nearer to the city centre you come across its true splendour. As well as the concrete monstrosity, parts of the city have been reconstructed to its original form with great attention for detail.
The main reason for Warsaw's appearance is due to the fact that approximately 85% of the city was destroyed during World War II. However, you can now see a city that has risen like a phoenix from the ashes. Even today the reconstruction of the city is still taking place with shopping arcades and cinema complexes being built.

Prior to the war there was a strong Jewish influence in the city, but today there is very little evidence of this as most Jews were either deported or sent to one of the many concentration camps. There are however several memorials to honour their suffering scattered around the city, particularly towards the area close to the Ratusz or Metro station.
The main areas of interest for tourist include:

The Old Town,
Lazienki Park,
Wilanow Palace.

The Old Town is by far the most attractive area of Warsaw. It stretches between Wybrzeze Gdanskie Street, Grodzka, Mostowa and Powale Street. All major attractions are in the vicinity of Rynek Starego Miasta - Market Square.
Warsaw Old Town was established in the XIII th. 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. When the weather is warm the square becomes filled with cafe tables, various traders and street artists.
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.

Lazienki Park is one of the most beautiful part of Warsaw - one of the most favorite 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 Lazienki Park is the Palace on the Water. It is one of the finest examples of Neo-Clasical 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 time - they only set fire to it. Currently the Palace is fully restored.

Wilanowwas built for Jan Sobieski (r. 1674-96), Poland's most dashing monarch. It was Sobieski who led the Catholic Allies in the liberation of Vienna from the Turks in 1683. This baroque belter later passed through the hands of several of Poland's most influential families, and it remained in private hands right up until 1944. Wilanow mercifully survived the war, and today it represents one of the richest attractions in Warsaw. It's choc-full of splendid art, including paintings by some of the biggest names in European art, from Jean-Louis David to Bernardo Bellotto. The palace's fine gardens are currently undergoing renovation.

Malbork

Malbork is really a place where the medieval ambiance is easily felt, especially during the son et lumiere (light and sound) performances held on summer evenings. Throughout spring and autumn we recommend that you disclose the mysterious parts of the castle with a guide by taking a "night visit". A castle itself is huge, with multiplied defensive walls and a labyrinth of chambers, rooms linked by thousands of corridors. Many chambers hold exhibitions including probably the largest in the world display of amber. Visitors may also spot chivalry tournaments and concerts or take part in medieval feasts in the antique chambers on the lower floors of the stronghold. Some legends say that you may even meet a wandering knight's ghost.
However it's not a legend that once Dutch Protestants settled in Malbork. They left unique architecture of arcaded houses and a network of canals called Small Netherlands. It's definitely worth seeing.
During the World War II 60% of the town was destroyed. Some buildings were rebuilt but the Old Town doesn't resemble its former impressive state. We advise seeing the town hall, St. John's Church, St. Mary's Gate and the Gate of the Holy Spirit. Outside the Old Town check the post-Evangelical Matki Bozej Nieustajacej Pomocy Church and Jerusalem Hospital.
The city is situated by the river Nogat and therefore it's perfect for aquatics. You can admire a panorama of city from pleasure-boat, canoe or even gondola.

Malbork is a part of Polish Gothic Castles Association, together with towns like Bytow, Sztum, Kwidzyn, Nidzica, Ostroda, Lidzbark Warminski, Ketrzyn and Ryn. Because of their fine architecture, history and atmosphere they are visited by a lot of tourists.

Gdańsk

Gdansk is also an ideal town to visit. It has been one of the most significant cultural centres in Poland for centuries. From the 16th century onwards the city, as a major port and trade centre, has also played an important role as a European culture-creating centre. From its beginning Gdansk has been a specific melting pot of nationalities where different customs, religions and cultures mingle in an atmosphere of tolerance. The citizens wealth and their admiration for arts were conducive to the development of artistic talents and creation of extraordinary pieces of art.
Numerous cultural establishments in Gdansk such as museums, theatres, musical institutions, art galleries, cinemas, clubs and libraries are responsible for the preservation of artistic tradition and promotion of new achievements in this field.
Historical architecture and pieces of art are Gdansk`s main attractions, because many of them are unique examples on a worldwide scale. Museums are the main institutions to take care of this heritage. The Gdansk City Historical Museum, The National Museum and The Archaeology Museum collects, stores, restores and allows access to cultural treasures in the field of history and art. Here are also placed few theatres, like "Wybrzeże" or "Miniatura" and musical institutions, like State Baltic Philharmonic and Opera House. Another attractions for people who like music are organ concerts at a cathedral in Oliwa and of course St. Dominic Fair, which is held every year in the first half of August.
From the top of the biggest Gothic brick basilica, one can enjoy the view of Old Town, with an interesting arrangement of town streets, which is unique to Gdansk. In Old Town there are also many monuments such as Fontanna Neptuna or Żuraw .

Krazimierz Dolny

The earliest records mentioning The history of this place starts in the 12th century, but its real growth began 200 years later, when it was given a municipal charter by Polish king Kazimierz the Great and it became a wealthy mercantile town. Jewish community was very important and integral to the character of Kazimierz and other towns of the region, but all dreams ended in the death camps during the World War II.
A heart of Kazimierz is of courseMainMarket. It makes an excellent starting point for an unforgettable stroll, as it is paved with cobble stones, surrounded by picturesque, ornamented houses, cafes and a wooden well in the centre. The well was designed by J. K. Witkiewicz (famous Polish artist) in 1905. You will be startled by the number of other monuments in this tiny town. Although Kazimierz was heavily destroyed during the wars of 17th century and in the World War II, it was fantastically restored.
On the way from Main Market there isthe Parish Church, which is older then the town itself. Its jewels are Beautiful Madonna and the ornate carved organ - the oldest one in Poland, still functional after almost 400 years. 30 minutes should do for a church and one hour is needed for a walk up around the ruined castle and the watchtower. Once you get there you can admire the panorama of whole vicinity. On summer there are many concerts here and there is also a gallery in the castle's dungeon.
The next beautiful view is from the Three Crosses' Mountain. Try to see also the Granary, local museums and the Small Main Market -on this square you can visit one of the charming cafes or exceptionally famous bakery. They have delicious cakes and rooster-shaped bread.
If somebody want some more adventures he can take a barge across the Vistula River to Janowiec (in summer only) or feel free to walk around Kazimierz Landscape Park, with its gorgeous and incredible atmosphere.