Citytrips-Highlights.com

Archiv für die Kategorie „Poland“

This is the second name for the Lazienki Palace. In the past in was a bathhouse which was built on an islet in the middle of a lake for powerful aristocrat Stanislaw Hraklisz Lubomirski. I was fully remodelled between 1764 and 1795 to fulfil need of Stanislaw August Poniatowski for a private residence where he wanted to relax. He was a patron of the arts, so the interior of the palace hides a really great collection of arts which luckily survived.

As the palace is in the middle of a lake, the lake is divided into two parts, northern lake and southern lake connected by two Ionic colonnaded bridges to the rest of the park.

On the ground floor there is the Bacchus Room which is decorated with 17th century Dutch blue tiles and paintings from Jacob Jordaens. There is also the Dining Room where the famous Thursday dinners took place where the most important and notable members from the era of Enlightenment in Poland were invited. In the central part of the palace, the Rotunda can be find that was designed by Domenico Merlini and shows figures of the Polish kings. This part is one of the most important examples of neoclassical decoration in the palace. From this place you can come to the Bath Room where the Dutch blue tiles from 17th century can be found as well as China vases and the stucco ornaments from the Baroque era.

There were a lot of balls, formal dinners and masquerades which were held in the Ballroom.

The first floor is where the royal apartments, upper picture gallery, the balcony room, the king’s cabinet, the royal bed chambers, the cloakroom and the officer’s room can be found.

It is one of the best tourist attractions in Warsaw. It is because of its beauty and unforgettable atmosphere. A lot of families use this place for a walk on Sunday and young people like it as a dating spot. There are a lot of great restaurants, art galleries as well as street artists or crown pleasers, so you can be sure you will enjoy your time spent here. The restaurants might be a little bit more expensive but take a snack or just have a rest there will allow you to take its atmosphere.

The whole square was reconstructed after the World War II, but the Renaissance – era look can still be seen there. Each building shows something about its history or significance, so have a look closely at the architectural details when you are there.

The mermaid is a symbol of the city and it can be found in the middle of the square. However, the statue was not always situated there. It is the legend of her that connects her with the city heart. The legend says that in the past this place was just a forest where a fisherman lived. He liked fishing at night as at that time the river was very peaceful. Once he caught a beautiful mermaid. Her name was Sawa. She was scared, but she started singing and her voice was so beautiful that he released her. The both fell in love with each other, so they got married and lived very long. The place where they met was later founded as a city and called Warszawa.

There are a lot of interesting legends connected with Old Town. So, for sure this place deserves to be explored when you are there.

Warsaw offers a lot of hotels and forms of accommodation which offer single, double or triple rooms. They can suit all budgets. If you want to save your money, there is a large selection of discounted and budget accommodation to choose from including hostels or Bed & Breakfast.

If you do not mind to pay more, you will find a fantastic selection of 5 star hotels and apartments to choose from.

The most beautiful is Rialto. This is the first boutique hotel that was finished in art deco style. Most of the furniture is antique and it was selected at auction houses across Europe.

The most prestigious is Le Meridien Bristol. This one is already 110 years old. It used to be a top address in the decadent Warsaw in 1920s and 1930s. The most famous visitors include Margaret Thatcher and Nigel Kennedy.

Mamaison Hotel Le Regina is a three floor historical building that has its own character. It is a really peaceful spot where the customers can relax. The rooms are spacious with hand-made frescos with floral motives and elegant furniture.

Hotel Marriott has been opened since 1989 and it has already been visited by many important businessmen, famous film stars and even royal families who always really enjoy their time here. It is unique with its equipment for wellness, big centre for health and business centre which combines modern and classical style with excellent services.

Hotel Sheraton is situated in the south-east part of the historical square Trzech Krzyzy. It has nice magnificent atmosphere that is combined with the highest hotel standards. The rooms are equipped with modern furniture in light brown colours. The hotel has well equipped conference room which can be found in the highest floor.

Royal Castle

This castle was built in the 15th century and it used to be residence of Mazovian princes.. The castle was completely destroyed during the World War II, but between 1971-1988 it was rebuilt. The museum offers attractions such as original Rembrandt paintings or works by Bernard Bellotto.

On there Vistula side there are arcades which support the foundation and the cliffs. The also give the structure to its shape. The arcades were not destroyed during the war, so they are original. At present there are archaeological exhibits and pension.

Belweder

This castle was designed by Jakub Kubicki and formerly it was just a villa. After the World War I it was used as a seat of the President. At present it is mostly used for ceremonial military events and diplomatic meetings with leaders of foreign countries.

Cathedral Basilica of the Martyrdom of St. John the Baptist

Before the 14th century, it was just a wooden chapel. This basilica has witnessed many historic events, for example the coronation of King Stanislaw August Poniatowski, or weddings, coronations and royal funerals which were held here. It is a very important fact that the first European Constitution was sworn here in 1791. During the past years, the church became an important centre where sacred music is promoted and organ concerts are held in the summer.

Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

This basilica is one of the most impressive buildings which can be found in Warsaw. The erection was initiated by Princess Maria Radziwillowa. The founder got the blessing of Pope Pius X as well as the hand-written document by the Holy Father which is carefully kept int he archives of the parish. The wish of the Princess was that the centre would also be an educational centre for children, so in 1931 the church was taken by the Salesians. At present there are many charity activities. It is also a Catholic Guidance and Couseling Centre where volunteers help those ones in need.

Beside being the capital of Poland Warsaw is also one of the most amazing cities which are full of amazing contrasts and surprises. This city is a place where you can relax and feel right being at home. Warsaw can be discovered in many ways. On foot, by bicycle, by car … Everyone will find fun here. You can go on a tour of historic sites, the Chopin trail or you can attend concerts and festivals.

It is also a green city as a really big area is comprised of fields, parks, green squares and lush gardens. Some of the parks are historical but some of them are examples of modern gardens which are perfect for Warsaw residents as well as visitors. One of the most popular parks is the Laziensky Park which was constructed between 1774-1784 and it was also the favoured residence of the Polish royalty. It is actually a mixture of a traditional French garden and classical English park.

During the summer you can go sailing around the Palace pond in a gondola, feeding carps or watching peacocks wandering about the grounds. Do not miss to see one of the most popular monuments, the Fryderyk Chopin Monuments. There are free concerts between May and September which show works of the world’s best composers. If you want to see Warsaw from the great height, there are many places which were constructed specially just to admire the view. One of them is the 30th floor of the Palace of Culture and Science, tower of the Warsaw Rising Museum or one of the city’s man-made hills.

This city is exceptional also because of the fact this city has made a lot of changes to become in compliance with the EU regulations and has adapted the city for disabled tourists. The information for them is really clear, you just follow pictograms.

Warsaw is the capital and the biggest city in Poland. The city has a big character which you would expect of a capital and a skyline to prove it – one that´s dominated by modern skyscrapers and the Gotham City – like Palace of Culture. There is no escaping the fast pace of business, sophisticated nightlife and elegant dining.
Most of the major sightseeing attractions are located in the centre area. Investigate the Palace of Culture and Science, Bank Square and The Church of Artists or take a stroll around The Old Town which is listed as a UNESCO world heritage site. For a taste of history, go to the Warsaw Uprising Museum or the National Museum. For those ones who love nature, it is great to have the opportunity to visit one of the many parks inside and around the city, for instance Krasinski Park. The Old Town offers beautiful gardens where you can relax.
Warsaw is home to over 30 major theatres, including the National Theatre and the Grand theatre. However, it also hosts many events and festivals, like the International Frederick Chopin Piano Competition or Warsaw Summer Jazz Days.
If you wish to purchase souvenirs and browse around shops, visit the Zlote Tarasy Shopping centre. Warsaw´s Arkadia is famous for being one of the largest malls in Europe.
The city has become tourist friendly over the years, so there can be found five-star hotels as well as student hostels. However, it is good to book accommodation in advance.
Eating out includes traditional Polish cuisine, food from around the world at many restaurants which can suit all tastes. The cheapest – Milk Bars – are an attraction offering a slice of years past. Sweet is one of the culinary symbols. For sure, you should try “Zygmuntówka”, jelly-filled doughnuts from Klikkle or Wedel chocolate.
It does not matter what is the reason of your visit, Warsaw will for sure make an impression upon you.

Poland belongs to very interesting attractions for tourists. Beside historical towns and places there are 22 national parks, approximately 1200 natural reservation and 400 protected areas. In addition, for those ones who like to relax, there are beautiful spas. One of them, Cieplice, is known since 1281.
The rich polish history has left wonderful medieval towns here which are visited by foreign tourists very often. The most famous are:
Warsaw – this city is quite young because it was not founded until the 13th century. One of the most valuable sights is the Royal Castle. The original building of this castle was destroyed during the Second World War, so nowadays you can see only a copy of it. Many of the Polish legends are connected with the Royal Castle. According to one of them in 1569 the king Sigismund Augustus, who was in mourning after death of his beloved wife Barbara Radziwiłł, asked the renowned sorcerer Master Twardowski to evoke her ghost. The experiment was successful with support of a magic mirror, which today is kept in the Węgrów Cathedral. Despite that some people suspected that it was not the Queen’s ghost but closely resembling her king’s mistress Barbara Giżanka and the whole event was set up by Giżanka’s accomplice Mikołaj Mniszech, king’s chamberlain.
Krakow –it is the second largest and one of the oldest cities in Poland. It has traditionally been one of the leading centres of Polish academic, cultural and artistic life. It is royal city where the first Polish university was found and where the first Polish book was printed.
The times when the only accommodation which could be expected in Poland was in a hostel or the traditional hospitality of a farmer´s barn have passed. Nowadays Poland has a wide network of places of stay with more opening up all the time.