Interesting facts about Poland: history, sights and reviews. The main sights of Poland: a list, photo and description Interesting places in Poland
A small selection of the best tourist destinations will help you to better know the sights and popular places in Poland.
Bieszczady - the main mountains of Poland
The Bieszczady Mountains are a paradise for romantics and nature lovers. The soft green mountains of Bieszczady are one of the most secluded areas of Poland and all of Europe. amazing wild nature and picturesque landscapes made this attraction perfect place for relax. Bieszczady impresses with its beauty in the summer and autumn months, and in winter they are waiting with open arms for ski lovers.
The attraction is the wildest corner of Poland. The picturesque areas of the mountain ranges are part of the Bieszczady national park. Fascinating mountain meadows, the so-called "hollowlands", attract tourists from different parts of the world. Beshchadsky national park Poland is a landmark with a unique nature, which is part of the Eastern Carpathians international biosphere reserve. Tourists will be pleasantly surprised by the excellent conditions of this attraction for hiking and skiing. You can also go horseback riding and ecotourism here.
Częstochowa is a sightseeing city in Poland
Czestochowa is a small Polish city located in the heart of the Krakow-Czestochowa Upland. The region is characterized picturesque rocks Jurassic period. Czestochowa is associated with the Jasna Gora Monastery, which is the largest sanctuary of St. Mary and one of the best sights in Poland. For most Poles, this place of worship where pilgrims of the Virgin Mary from Poland and neighboring countries converge. The main goal of the pilgrims is the icon of the Virgin Mary (Black Madonna) in the monastery of Yasnaya Gora. This icon was painted in 1656, since then its image has been protecting the entire Polish land from evil deeds. That is why the monastery received the title of one of the main attractions of Poland.
Gdansk - a resort town in Poland
Gdansk - rich sea town with many attractions. Located on the seashore, Gdansk enjoys a mild climate and beautiful beaches which makes it even more attractive for tourists and vacationers. The pride of Gdansk is the world's largest Gothic church, from which sightseeing always begins. Modern architecture The city was formed as a result of a long way of formation and development. The reason for everything was the government, which in Gdansk changed very often and did not pay due attention to the architectural heritage. Only in 1980, the city found real managers who began financing the restoration of old attractions and the construction of new ones.
Near Gdansk is the famous small seaside town of Sopot - another famous resort Poland. Usually tourists visit these two cities within the same tour.
Krakow - a treasure trove of sights in Poland
Landmark Auschwitz - Polish concentration camp
Modest country town Auschwitz has a lot of spooky sights. The most famous is Auschwitz, a Polish concentration camp. Around 1.5 million people died in the largest Nazi camps during World War II, and Auschwitz is a monument to that horror. In many buildings, it was decided to keep the Nazi interiors and even allowed to conduct tours. However, most tourists come to Auschwitz not just to visit a historical landmark, but to once again comprehend the horrors of the Nazi system.
Tatra Mountains - landscapes of mountainous Poland
The Tatra Mountains are the highest mountain range between the Alps and the Caucasus. Their rocky peaks are covered with snow all year round, while sharp ridges, picturesque lakes and waterfalls make this attraction one of the most spectacular in Poland. About 250 km of track and wide range slopes will satisfy even the most demanding skiers and thrill-seekers who come to see this attraction from different parts of Poland.
Also in these places there is a small city of Zakopane, where Polish culture and traditions are passed down from generation to generation.
Warsaw is the central city of Poland
- the capital of Poland, rebuilt almost from scratch after the Second World War. Warsaw can boast big amount skyscrapers, business centers and ambitious plans to create new grandiose structures. But the city's skyline is still dominated by a huge landmark - the Palace of Culture and Science. For many years it has been the starting point of any tour of the capital of Poland. Warsaw - tourist town with a special charm and Eastern European taste. Don't forget to check out the beautiful Old city, walk along the Royal Route, see the exposition in the Chopin Museum, look at several magnificent palaces and the former Jewish ghetto. Such a number of attractions will not leave indifferent even the most demanding tourist.
Wroclaw - the city of architectural sights in Poland
The capital of Lower Silesia (Slask Valley) has a huge Old Town, which is now called Wroclaw. It was built on several islands connected by over a hundred bridges. Apart from its unique location, Wroclaw impresses with its Gothic, Baroque and Art-Nouveau architecture. Interesting combinations of different styles and architectural trends fascinate tourists, making them visit Wroclaw again and again. But what caused such diversity? Historically, in different years Wroclaw experienced the cultural influence of Germany, the Czech Republic, Austria and Poland, and this could not but leave its mark on the atmosphere and sights of the city.
Experts offer to get acquainted with the ten most popular tourist sites in Poland. The rating was created by TripAdvisor based on traveler reviews.
In tenth place is the Warsaw Old Town. By the way, it is old only in appearance, since in fact its central part was completely destroyed during the Second World War. And what tourists see now is a detailed and detailed reconstruction that ended only in the early 1980s!
Oliva Cathedral is the main temple of the Gdansk Archdiocese of the Roman Catholic Church in Poland. It is located in the Oliva district of Gdansk. Official name- Basilica of the Holy Trinity, Holy Mother of God and Saint Bernard. This building dates back to 1186.
In eighth place is no longer Krakow, but Western Polish Wroclaw and its Old Town - one of the most beautiful in the country. Moreover, German influences in architecture are noticed here, since for centuries Wroclaw was a city within Germany and was once called Breslau.
The seventh line was occupied by the well-known cloth rows - Sukiennice in Polish. This building is located in the Old Town of Krakow. Its name came from the fact that earlier cloth was traded here.
Well, the sixth place among the most popular tourist places Wawel himself occupied the castle complex, which began to be built in 1290. Wawel is famous museum center in Poland. It contains famous collections of weapons, tapestries and historical documents.
It's hard to believe, but the fifth place also went to Krakow: this is the Cathedral of Saints Stanislaus and Wenceslas, opened in 1384 in the presence of King Casimir the Great. It is located on the territory of the Wawel architectural complex - the ancient residence of the Polish kings, when Krakow was the capital of the country.
In fourth place is also Krakow and St. Mary's Church, built in the Gothic style in the XIV and XV centuries. This is one of the most famous churches in Poland.
The third place in the ranking is occupied by the Wieliczka salt mine, where salt was mined from the 13th to the 20th centuries. Now it is one of the favorite places for tourists. The mine was opened to the public in 1976 and was listed two years later. world heritage UNESCO. It consists of corridors and galleries on seven underground levels at a depth of 57 m to 198 m with a total length of more than 200 km.
In second place is the former factory of the German industrialist Oskar Schindler, also located in Krakow. Here, from 1939 to 1945, Jews who were on the so-called "Schindler's list" worked. Steven Spielberg made a famous film about this under the same name. Now the factory building houses a museum, which was opened in 2010.
So, the first place was taken by the Old Town of Krakow, which, in theory, is not a surprise, because former capital Poland is generally recognized as one of the most beautiful cities Europe. In a word, in Poland there is something to see and what to see, the main thing is to choose, and the choice, you see, is considerable.
Sights of Poland. The most important and interesting sights of Polish cities: photos and videos, descriptions and reviews, location, sites.
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Auschwitz-Birkenau
Auschwitz, Memorial and Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau
Auschwitz is the most famous concentration camp of the Second World War, located in southern Poland, 60 km west of Krakow. The exact number of victims of this death camp is still unknown, it is reliably established that there were at least a million prisoners who did not wait for freedom.
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Wroclaw Cathedral
Wroclaw, plac Katedralny, 18
The Cathedral in Wroclaw is consecrated in honor of John the Baptist. This is a very beautiful and majestic Gothic building with neo-Gothic elements, which stands near the city of Ostrov Tumsky (Cathedral Island). The current church is already the fourth of those that were built on this site.
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Market Square in Krakow
Krakow's Market Square is one of the largest medieval squares in Europe. It was built already in 1257, and the buildings surrounding it are from the 14th-15th centuries. buildings, acquired their present form in the 17th-19th centuries, although they retained the Renaissance and Baroque eras: attics, portals, galleries of courtyards. The main attractions of the square, in addition to the market itself, are the Town Hall Tower, the Church of St. Wojciech, the monument to Adam Mickiewicz, the Zbarasky Palace and, of course, the St. Mary's Church.
What else to see in Poland
Warsaw
The capital of Poland is one of the most visited cities in the country thanks to the famous Warsaw Old Town (other names - Stare Miasto, Starowka) of the 13th century, which is on the list of UNESCO monuments. Carefully restored after the Second World War, old houses, a moat, the Barbican watchtower - all this creates a unique look of old Poland.
Castle Square ( Palace Square) is crowned with the Sigismund Column and the Royal Castle with a clock tower and the Gentry Gate. Sventojanska Street is famous for the main church - St. John's Cathedral and the nearby Jesuit Church of the Virgin Mary. Sventojanska flows into the spacious Market Square, where you can admire the stucco facades of the houses "Pod muzhinkem" ("under the black man"), "Under St. Anne", "Pod basilisk" ("under the basilisk"). The other end of this street rests on the Castle Square. Here begins the Royal Route, which includes the streets of Krakowske Pszedmieście, Nowy Świat and Aleja Ujazdowske, dotted with remarkable examples of medieval architecture.
Just 3 km south of the Old Town - and you find yourself in the Royal Lazienki palace and park complex. In the center of it there is an artificial lake, and on it there is an artificial island connected to the shores by bridges. In the 17th century, a palace was built on the island, in which the last king of Poland, Stanislav Poniatowski, lived. The interiors of the palace were decorated with paintings by Rubens and Rembrandt, completely destroyed during the Second World War. Now the palace has been restored, and you can come here with a tour or to a concert (lazienki-krolewskie.pl site of the palace in Polish).
Walking along the numerous paths to the western border of the park, you will see another recognizable landmark of Warsaw - a monument to the composer Frederic Chopin. The history of the monument is dramatic: at first, the Poles could not obtain permission to create a memorial, then in 1940 during the Second World War, the invaders cut it into many pieces and melted it down, and also destroyed almost all copies and sketches, and only in 1958 the monument was reopened. Near the long-suffering landmark, a pond is arranged, around it there are benches that can accommodate visitors to classical music concerts.
Czestochowa
Among the picturesque mountains right in the center of the Krakow-Czestochowa plateau is the religious center of Poland - Czestochowa. The local monastery on Yasnaya Gora houses the main shrine of the country - the Czestochowa Icon of the Mother of God, which, according to legend, was painted by the Apostle Luke in the house of the holy family. They say that the icon of the Black Madonna, the patroness of Poland, has miraculous properties, so this place is a center of pilgrimage for Catholics and Orthodox Christians. No less curious are the Knights' Hall, the Arsenal, many try to visit the Museum of the 600th Anniversary of the Monastery.
Krakow
The "cradle of the old Commonwealth", now the former capital of Poland, has not lost its charm over the years, multiplying historical treasures. Krakow, or rather, its Old part, which is tightly embraced by the Planty parks, is the location of hundreds of valuable monuments, and the Krakow Old Town is included in the list of the twelve most valuable monuments of the UNESCO world cultural heritage. The main square of the city is the Market, where the former shopping arcade Sukiennice has been preserved, the upper floors of which were occupied by an art gallery National Museum Krakow.
The fortress hill on the banks of the Vistula Wawel is visible from a distance thanks to the pointed towers: Złodejska, Sandomierzska and Senatorial, and the pompous Royal Castle houses the Szczerbiec coronation sword and a unique collection of medieval tapestries. Situated right here Cathedral Saints Stanislav and Wenceslas and the Zygmunt (Sigismund) chapel with the famous 11-ton bell "Zygmunt". Its ringing fills the hearts of people with anxiety, because turning points in the life of the country make it sound.
Neighborhood of Krakow
Wieliczka, or rather, an ancient salt mine, also included in the list of world cultural heritage UNESCO, located 10 km from Krakow. The place of pilgrimage is Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, which is 40 km from Krakow. During Holy Week, mysteries are held here, in which thousands of pilgrims participate.
Poznan
Seen not better times The state of Poznań concentrated its historical riches on Tumski Island. Here is the oldest Gothic church in Poland and the Golden Chapel with tombstones of Mieszko I and Bolesław the Brave, who were the first to ascend the Polish throne. The Old Market with the Historical Museum in the Town Hall building is a great place for walking. The symbols of the city are the Church of St. Wojciech and the Barefoot Carmelite Monastery.
Kornik
Kornik is located 20 km from Poznań. It is worth visiting a museum with a collection of antique furniture, paintings and historical items, as well as arboretums.
Poland - amazing country, which has rich history and priceless cultural heritage. Ancient Polish sights, such as city blocks, powerful defensive structures, original monuments of architecture and art, make it incredibly attractive for tourists. And famous medieval castles, which Poland is famous for, give it a unique romantic charm. We invite you to get acquainted with the most interesting sights of Poland, which we will discuss in our article.
1. Palace Square in Warsaw
Opens our list of attractions in Poland Palace Square in Warsaw. Since ancient times, this place has been public and cultural center the Polish capital, it is from here, according to tradition, that acquaintance with the Old Town begins. The main symbol of the square is the monument to King Sigismund, erected in the 17th century. The monument is a massive granite column, on which rises a bronze sculpture of the Polish king and the Grand Duke of Lithuania Sigismund III, holding a saber in one hand and a cross in the other. The entire eastern side of the Palace Square is occupied by the Royal Castle, which for a long time served as the official residence of the Polish monarchs. Today, Palace Square, as before, is the main attraction of the city and a must-see in Poland.
2. Royal Castle in Warsaw
One of the most visited attractions in Poland is the Royal Castle, built by King Sigismund III in the early 17th century. For a long time, the castle served as the residence of kings and the meeting place of the Sejm. According to an old tradition, a trumpeter's signal is heard from the main tower of the castle, the 60-meter Sigismund's Tower, every day at 11:15. Nowadays in the building Royal Castle the museum is located. Very popular among its visitors are Big hall, Marble Room, Palace Chapel, Royal Bedchamber, Knight's Hall and Throne Hall. In the galleries of the museum you will see a rich collection of paintings, which includes paintings by Rembrandt and Canaletto, and official receptions and state meetings are held in the spacious halls of the castle.
3. Warsaw Market Square
The Market Square, which was considered the main place of Warsaw from the 13th to the 18th century, is located in the heart of the Old Town. At one time on market square large fairs were held, thanks to which the attraction got its name. The colorful stone houses with multi-colored facades, cozy cafes with summer tables on the street and a variety of souvenir shops give this place a special charm. Here you can also buy paintings by local artists and listen to pleasant music performed by street musicians. In the center of the square there is a monument to the legendary Warsaw Mermaid, who guards the city with her shield and sword. And, of course, one cannot ignore the Warsaw Historical Museum, the exposition of which will help to get acquainted with the rich history of the Polish capital.
4. Wilanów Palace
The magnificent Wilanów Palace, located on the outskirts of Warsaw, is rightfully one of the most luxurious palace and park attractions in Poland. It was built at the end of the 17th century for Jan Sobieski, an outstanding commander and king of the Commonwealth. Wilanowski Royal Palace designed in the Italian Baroque style and surrounded by a huge park that includes English, Italian, chinese gardens and a wonderful greenhouse. The best Polish craftsmen worked on the interior design, and valuable works of art decorating the palace were brought here from different countries Europe. Picturesque frescoes, graceful sculptures, rare portraits and antique furniture cause real admiration among visitors. The halls of the Wilanów Palace traditionally host art exhibitions, music concerts and performances at the Royal Theatre.
5. Wawel Royal Castle in Krakow
The ancient city of Krakow is not accidentally called historical heart Poland - from the 11th to the 16th centuries, Krakow was the capital of the Polish state. The official residence of the Polish rulers, starting from the XI century, served as the Royal Castle on Wawel Hill on the banks of the Vistula River. In addition to the royal chambers, architectural ensemble The castle includes the Cathedral of Saints Stanislaus and Wenceslas, where the coronation ceremonies of Polish monarchs took place. The rotunda deserve special attention. of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Sigismund Chapel, mysterious cave called the Dragon's Lair, as well as a sculpture of the legendary Wawel Dragon, spewing real flames every 5 minutes. The Wawel Castle houses a rich collection of paintings and tapestries, and one of the halls hosts monthly concerts of early music. The Royal Castle in Krakow is a real treasure trove of Polish history and culture. Visiting this attraction in Poland will be interesting for every tourist.
6. Krakow Market Square
Market Square is not only business card Krakow, but also one of the largest medieval squares in Europe. Since the 13th century, the Market Square has been the main place of trade in the entire Polish state, and today it is a real cultural and tourist centre Poland. Among the main attractions of the Market Square are the ancient Church of St. Wojciech, the majestic St. Mary's Church and the Sukiennice trading house in the very center of the square. On the ground floor of the trading house Sukiennice there are numerous showcases with national Polish souvenirs, and on the second floor there is a museum of Polish painting. No less interesting for tourists is the St. Mary's Church, from the tower of which the sound of a trumpet is heard every hour, as a tribute to an ancient tradition, when a trumpeter notified residents of a fire or the onset of enemies. And, of course, on the Market Square you will meet street artists and musicians, sellers of souvenirs and fresh flowers, cabbies with horse teams, creating an atmosphere of urban romance.
7. Auschwitz
The Auschwitz museum complex serves as a reminder of one of the darkest pages in the history of mankind: during the Second World War, three Nazi concentration camps, also called "death factories", were located here. From 1941 to 1945, more than a million prisoners of war were tortured to death in the crematoria and gas chambers of Auschwitz - Jews, Gypsies, Russians and Poles. Before death, the prisoners of the camp were tormented by hunger, exhausting work and used for medical experiments. In the museum you can see the premises where prisoners were kept, see a collection of their personal belongings, learn more about the history of the concentration camp and honor the memory of the dead prisoners of Auschwitz.
8. Malbork
Fabulous medieval castle Malbork, located in the northern part of Poland, is known as the largest Gothic architectural complex in the world. Since the 13th century, the castle served as the residence of the Grand Master of the Teutonic Order. In the 15th century, Malbork turned into a powerful defensive structure of the Crusader Knights, and then became one of the residences of the Polish kings. The huge castle complex housed halls for receiving guests, monastic cells, offices for officials, stables, workshops, bakeries and other buildings. Nowadays, a museum dedicated to the history of Malbork Castle is open for tourists. Great impression they produce concerts of ancient music and knightly feasts, which are traditionally organized in the main halls of the castle. Every year in the middle of summer, a grandiose historical reconstruction called the Siege of Malbork takes place near the castle walls. This is one of the must-see places in Poland.
9. Artus Court
The Artus Court in the center of Gdańsk is a complex of old stone buildings used for social events. The history of the Court dates back to the early Middle Ages and is associated with the legend of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. Since the 14th century, the Artus Court has served as the center of public and cultural life Poland: representatives of the authorities and noble citizens met within its walls, meetings of merchant unions were held here and grandiose celebrations were held. The main building of the Artus Court contains the most interesting antiques and art: armor of knights, models of sailboats, exquisite jewelry and rare paintings. special attention deserves the oldest tin bar counter in Poland of the 16th century, and a huge five-tier stove more than 10 meters high, decorated with painted tiles. The Artus Court is rightfully one of the main sights of Poland. A visit to it will not leave indifferent even the most sophisticated travelers.
10. Crane
Perhaps the most original architectural landmark of Gdansk is the Crane - an old port crane, with the help of which, back in the Middle Ages, masts were raised on ships, unloaded and loaded merchant ships. The crane mechanism was powered by workers moving huge wheels to which a rope was attached. In addition, Zhurav served as a city gate, as well as a defensive structure: brick towers on the sides of the crane were equipped with military guns. On the roof of the building there is a copper crane - a symbol of vigilance. Inside Zhurav there is an exhibition dedicated to the history of the legendary crane and the life of port workers. The Crane crane is the most recognizable symbol of Gdansk, its image invariably adorns magnets and postcards with views of the city.
11. Ksenzh Castle
The magnificent Księż Castle, located 80 km from Wroclaw, is the real pride of Poland and one of the largest castles in Europe. Ksenzh Castle was built at the end of the 13th century as a princely fortress. For many centuries the castle belonged to the Polish, Czech, Hungarian rulers, and each of the owners sought to rebuild it to his taste. This explains the extraordinary variety of styles that can be seen in the architecture of the building: the combination of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque makes the look of the castle truly unique and unrepeatable. The impressive dimensions of the building make a strong impression: inside, about 400 rooms and halls, decorated with special luxury, await visitors. In the summer, designer flower shows are organized in the halls of Xenj Castle, and shortly before the New Year, festive balls are held in the Maximilian Ballroom.
12. Warsaw Historical Museum
The Historical Museum of Warsaw has a rich collection of exhibits that demonstrate the development of the history and culture of the Polish capital from the time of its foundation to the present day. The museum is located in the center of the Old Town, on the Market Square, and occupies eight buildings with facades of different colors, standing close to each other. The museum's collection includes paintings, graphics, sculptures, bed coins and valuable archaeological finds. Most of the exposition is devoted to the history of the city during the Second World War. The history of Warsaw is reflected in documentaries that can be viewed in the cinema hall located in the museum.
13. Museum of the Polish Army
Museum of the Polish Army is one of the the most interesting museums Poland. Its rich exposition is entirely devoted to the history of the Polish army. The oldest exhibits of the museum - helmets, swords and armor - belong to the Middle Ages and belong to the first rulers of the Polish state. The trophies of Prince Jagiello from the time of the Battle of Grunwald, the banners of the Polish legions from the era of the partitions of Poland, the hat and saddle of Napoleon and the personal belongings of the famous military and political figure of Poland, Tadeusz Kosciuszko, deserve special attention. The art department has a fine collection of battle paintings, drawings and posters. But the most impressive exposition of the museum is the exhibition military equipment under open sky: cannons, tanks, planes and other examples of heavy artillery are presented here.
14. Kurnitsky Castle
In the list of the most visited sights in Poland, an important place is occupied by the Kurnicki Castle, located half an hour drive from the city of Poznań. Kurnitsky Castle was built in the 15th century and belonged to the family of Polish magnates Gurkov. Unlike most of the old Polish castles, Kurnicki Castle is not a harsh knightly fortress, but a romantic one. country residence in neo-gothic style. The interiors of the castle are perfectly preserved from the times 19th century: of great interest to visitors are the Moorish Hall with a collection of knightly armor and decorative porcelain, the Hunting Corner, the Great Salon and the Dining Room with a portrait of the White Lady, whose ghost, according to legend, still lives in the castle. The Kurnitsky Library deserves special attention. It contains many early printed books, maps and manuscripts. In addition, Kurnicki Castle is surrounded by a picturesque park - one of the largest dendrological parks in Poland, which makes the castle even more charming.
15. Wroclaw Cathedral
The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Wroclaw completes our list of the most interesting attractions in Poland. The majestic building of the cathedral with two tall towers perfectly complements the urban architectural ensemble. Wroclaw Catholic cathedral considered the oldest Gothic church in Poland: its history began in the distant XIII century. At the beginning of the 20th century, an organ was installed in the cathedral, which is still the largest organ in Poland. The cathedral was badly damaged during the Second World War, but after reconstruction it regained its original appearance. main shrine Cathedral is a statue of the Virgin Mary with child, which miraculously survived the bombardment and fire in the forties. The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist is rightfully one of the most recognizable symbols of Wroclaw. Every tourist will be interested in visiting it.