What to see in Poland. Interesting facts about Poland: history, attractions and reviews
1. In terms of 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, UK, Germany, Australia, Brazil and Argentina.
4. Poland boasts 17 Nobel Prize winners (more than Japan, China, India or Australia), including four Peace Prizes and five in Literature. Poland-born Maria Curie (Maria Sklodowska) 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 territory of the country: 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 has been transported along the Amber Route from the Baltic Sea to the Adriatic coast for over 1000 years. 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 6135 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 officially any kind of assistance to Jews was punishable by death. Up to 50 thousand Poles were executed by the Nazis for saving Jews.
11. Polish "pirogy" (analogue of Ukrainian dumplings. - Ed.)Is the most famous Polish dish outside 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 is more than 500 years old. 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 Pope Pole. His tenure as papal throne was the second longest in history. He is credited with helping to 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 a television channel dedicated to the Pope is broadcasting in the country.
16. Poles more often than representatives of other nationalities won the title of "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 mines (3500-1200 BC) in the world. It 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 a depth of 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 whole cathedral, which were carved by miners in the salt mountain. Since 1978, the salt mine has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
19. Poles are well educated: 90% of young people have at least secondary education. 50% of Poles have an academic degree.
20. The Piwnica Świdnicka restaurant in Wroclaw is the oldest in Europe. It has been in operation since 1275.
21. In Poland, it is still customary to kiss a woman's hand when meeting.
22. One of the most popular songs in Poland is Żeby Polska była Polską, which was written in 1976 and became the anthem of the protesters against the communist regime. Speaking in 1982, Ronald Reagan titled his speech Let Poland Be Poland, and Queen Elizabeth II quoted the song at the Polish Parliament.
23. There is a street in Warsaw named after Winnie the Pooh - Kubusia Puchatka Street. The street has a length of 149 m.
24. Many Poles consider their name day to be more important than their birthday.
25. One of the Christmas traditions in Poland is watching the movie "Home Alone".
Poland is one of the countries with a rich history; it has always attracted a large number of ancient monuments and picturesque landscapes. Today you will learn about the sights of Poland, how this country can be remembered. It is better to plan your trip in advance. This is especially true of what to see in Poland.
What to see in Poland first of all?
This is a country with hospitable and friendly people, which makes you want to visit it even more. Let's move on to the main thing, what can be seen so beautiful in a state located in the central part of the European continent?
1. Warsaw Old Town
Warsaw Old Town architecture You should start your trip around the country with an acquaintance with the historic district of its official capital. It is represented by a market square with a large number of shops, cafes and restaurants for every taste and color. A positive feature of this attraction in Poland is the richness of the area with monuments of medieval architecture. It is interesting to know that the Old Town was founded in the XIII century, initially it was surrounded by an earthen rampart, later it was replaced with brick walls. Don't forget to bring your camera to take many beautiful photos.
2. Castle Marienburg
Marienburg Castle - the seat of the Teutonic Order crusaders Among the main attractions of the country is the "nest" of German knights. The brick bulk of this castle rises on the banks of the Nogat River, which flows 80 km from the border with the Kaliningrad region of the Russian Federation. Its history began 700 years ago, when the Teutonic residence was officially moved from Venice to Marienburg. The fortress was repeatedly completed and decorated. In 1945, the castle was severely damaged, but after the end of World War II, it was literally rebuilt from scratch. Now there is a museum within the walls of the building, where interesting weapons collections, amber jewelry, and armor are presented.
3. Tatras
The mountain slopes of the Tatras This is the name of the mountain system of the Carpathians, the highest point of which reaches 2499 m. This place attracts tourists not only with heights within 1800-2500 m, but also with glacial circuses, mountain lakes in large numbers, deep valleys. The rating of this attraction in Poland is assessed as high, all because there is still a ski resort here, known as Zakopane. You can get here from the capital by train. The Tatras are also famous for their caves, of which there are really many.
4. Old Town of Krakow
Commercial building "Cloth Hall" in the Old Town of Krakow If you are planning to go exactly to Krakow, it is better to start its survey from the Old Town, all roads from which lead to the market square. It is a "front living room", both locals and guests of the country are used to gathering there. Krakow residents are proud of their square, because it is considered one of the largest in Europe, occupying 200 * 200 m. A trip to the Old Town is worth it, because the market ensemble has preserved in detail the planning of the times when trade with all of Europe was carried out.
5. Wawel Castle
Wawel Castle - Royal Castle on Wawel Hill This is one of the best attractions in Krakow, represented by a large pedestrian zone. A strange sculpture in the shape of a dragon immediately attracts attention. Against its background, tourists love to be photographed; a whole legend is associated with it. The castle rises above the Vistula River, and stands on a hill. The territory attracts with an abundance of flowers, processions are held here in honor of the celebration of May 1 and not only. The entrance to the territory of the castle is free, but if there is a desire to visit underground tombs, climb the bell tower or be in the royal chambers, you will need to pay money.
6. Wooden churches in the south of Lesser Poland
Stave Church in Dbno Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Po Interesting places are located in the south and east of the Lesser Poland Voivodeship, there is a whole group of churches made of natural wood that are historically valuable from an architectural point of view. Most of them look like a log house, and some represent different architectural styles. The buildings fit perfectly into the picturesque mountain landscape. From the description of this sight of Poland, you can find out that it is included in the UNESCO list.
Feel the atmosphere of Poland in this beautiful video!
7. Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau in Auschwitz
State Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau in Auschwitz Everyone knows that in one of the Polish cities during the Second World War, there were three Nazi concentration camps. Auschwitz has a museum dedicated to this topic. It reminds that at one time hundreds of thousands of people died here. 90% of them were Jews, brought from various countries of occupied Europe. During the existence of the concentration camp, more than a million people were killed. Getting into this museum, it is impossible to remain indifferent. This Polish landmark has exhibitions of items that were taken from victims by the Nazis.
8. Old town in Gdansk
Embankment of the Moltava River in the Old Town of Gdansk What to visit in Poland? The most ancient part of the settlement of Gdansk deserves attention. During the Second World War, a huge number of buildings were damaged, and some even turned into a heap of rubble. Few buildings have been preserved. At the end of hostilities, the architecture was restored in accordance with the view of the 13-17 centuries. Where to go first in Poland? Of course, to the old town. It is decorated with many multi-colored buildings, some of them are decorated with drawings carved on wood, sculptural decors. The view of the ancient center of Europe always leaves vivid impressions.
9. Masurian Lake District
Panorama of the Masurian Lake District This dthe sights of Poland are among the most beautiful, tourists are delighted with the beauty of the local nature. Mazury is a historical and ethnographic region in the northern part of the country. There are about 4 thousand lakes in this region, most of which are connected by canals and rivers. The total area of \u200b\u200bthe Mazury is about 1,700 km 2. Here you can ride sailboats, kayaks.
10. Statue of Christ the King
Impressive statue of Christ the King This landmark of Poland is among the modern, its opening took place in 2010. A unique feature of the statue is that it is the tallest in the world (36 m). Before its appearance, the famous statue in Rio was considered such. If you go along the highway towards the city of Svebodzin, the figure of Christ with outstretched arms is clearly visible. The idea of \u200b\u200bbuilding the monument belongs to canon Sylvester Zavadsky. consider it their duty to show the statue of Christ to tourists.
Attractions in Poland: what else to visit in Poland?
The trip to the described country will definitely be interesting. It contains just a huge number of historically significant sites that deserve attention. What to see in Poland when it seems that you have already seen everything?
11. Wieliczka Salt Mine
The central altar of the chapel of St. Kinga in the Wieliczka Salt Mine There is another attraction of Poland within a 30-minute drive from the royal capital city of Krakow. We are talking about a small town with a population of only 20 thousand people. Its uniqueness lies in the presence of salt mines. They were formed naturally; many years ago there was a large body of water. in this direction are held regularly, tourists are shown the places where salt was once mined.
12. Slovinsky National Park
Landscape of the Slovinsky National Park Wondering what to visit in Poland? Head to the town of Leba, where there is an interesting place in the form of a parkland in the central part of the Polish coast. It was founded with the aim of preserving the natural beauty of the area. Meadows, a system of lakes, coastal forests, and unique dunes also needed protection. Reviews about this place are full of admiration; the park has picturesque lakes, into which sea water falls during strong storms. The tourist infrastructure here is assessed as well developed.
13. Wilanow Palace
Majestic Royal Wilanow Palace Want to see Poland's most important landmark? Welcome to the palace located on the southeastern outskirts of Warsaw. It is made in the Baroque style and adjoins a garden that Poles are proud of. The residence for the rulers was built at the end of the seventeenth century, during its existence it was repeatedly completed. It was within the walls of the palace that one of the first art museums in the country was opened, it happened in 1805, and on the initiative of S.K.
14. Wroclaw Cathedral
View of the Catholic Cathedral of John the Baptist Move on. What to see in Poland so as not to regret? A beautiful and majestic building in the Gothic style with neo-Gothic elements deserves attention. This is the fourth church on Cathedral Island, the first one was erected in the 10th century. Its peculiarity was a nave 25 m long. The modern version of the Wroclaw Cathedral looks like a three-aisled basilica with several entrances. This place is one of those that you can see in Poland in 1 day. The cathedral is located in the central part of Wroclaw, namely between the botanical garden and the river.
15. Zakopane
The town of Zakopane among the snowy Tatras The city located in the extreme south of the country has many positive recommendations. Here it is considered one of the largest centers for winter sports. Skiing enthusiasts are offered both simple, gentle slopes and difficult, steep ones. In some places, the elevation changes reach 930 m. What to see in Poland, you ask? Go to Zakopane, where you will find as many as 10 ski centers.
16. Belovezhskaya Pushcha
Fauna of the Bialowieza National Park This is the largest corner of the relict primeval plain forest. Once it grew throughout Europe, but gradually it was cut down. The trees survived only in the Bialowieza region, which is on the territory of Poland and Belarus. Pushcha is considered one of the most valuable natural objects, which is under the "protection" of UNESCO. The peculiarity of the national park is the richness and variety of vegetation. Numerous animals live there, most of which are listed in the Red Book.
17. Lazienki Park
Palace on the water in the park Royal azienki In the very heart of the Polish capital, there is a unique and very beautiful parkland. The park was created in the 17th century; it was originally planned that it would be a nature reserve. There are not so many animals here, squirrels and peacocks attract attention. The attractions of the park include the Palace on the Water, the White House, the Roman Theater, the Egyptian Castle and more. They all have their own interesting history.
18. The old part of the city of Zamosc
Fort in the old town of Zamoska The settlement itself appeared according to the idea and desire of one person, who was the crown chancellor. His name was Jan Zamoyski, he wanted to have his own residence, which would be worthy of his high position. The result is a unique architectural ensemble of its kind, which includes a large number of masterpieces of historical and cultural significance. By the way, there are no problems with hotels in Poland, no matter what direction you choose, there are apartments everywhere, the main thing is to take care of advance booking.
19. Churches of the world
Facade of the Church of Peace of the Holy Trinity in Swidnica What to see in Poland interesting and unusual? In some cities of the country there are wooden sacral buildings, which are considered the largest in Europe. A little over 15 years ago, they were included in the UNESCO list. There is a church of peace in Javor, Swidnica, Glogów. Each has its own interesting story. They not only hold services, but also organize excursions.
20. Architectural and park complex Kalwaria-Zebrzydowska
Monastery complex Kalwaria-Zebrzydowska - a center of pilgrimage in Poland In this city there is an interesting religious complex, which looks like a building made in the spirit of mannerism. The surrounding area has a park and several gardens. The multifunctional complex was erected in the 17th century, namely during the period of the Catholic church-political movement in Europe, when numerous religious buildings were “created” in memory of Calvary.
21. Muskau Park
New Palace in Muskau Park The uniqueness of this attraction lies in the fact that it is located on the territory of several countries at once. It was laid down in 1815, the order was issued by the Prussian aristocrat Prince Hermann. He always wanted to have a private garden that would look like a natural landscape. Having made a lot of efforts, he managed to make his dream come true, and modern people enjoy the results. In order to hide the artificial origin of the large garden, a variety of trees, shrubs, flowers and more were used.
22. Ksenzh Castle
Beautiful and monumental Ksiazh castle What to see in Poland? If possible, do not disregard the beautiful and one of the largest castles in Europe, for the Poles this place is very significant. Its peculiarity is that it is surrounded by a beech forest, in which there are whole thickets of rhododendrons. The building is located not far from Walbrzych, namely on a rocky promontory, it is surrounded by a natural gorge. In order to return the castle to its former splendor, it is currently being systematically restored, renovated inside.
23. Bieszczady National Park
The vastness of the Bieszczady National Park In terms of size, it ranks third in the ranking of national park areas. There are 23 of them on the territory of the country. It is Bieszczadzki that is located in the Subcarpathian Voivodeship, namely in the southeastern side. Today the area of \u200b\u200bthe park area is 292 km 2, it includes the highest points of the massif called Bieszczad. 80% of the entire park is represented by forests, where there are a huge number of plants, mosses, mushrooms, lichens. There are also many animals, interesting bird species, it is not surprising that the place is very popular among tourists.
24. Moszny Castle
Moshnensky Castle - a delightful building of the 17th century This is not an ordinary palace, because it resembles a theatrical scenery. Just think, the structure includes 99 towers. The view is admired not only by children, but also by adults. It is interesting to know that the beautiful castle has never performed a defensive function during its entire existence. This is the reason for the lack of interest in him on the part of foreign conquerors, which allowed him to remain unharmed. Moszny Castle is a real “cocktail” of styles. Its facade is made in a Baroque style, the wing on the east side is in the neo-Gothic, the western part corresponds to the classical neo-Renaissance style.
25. Clear Mountain
Catholic monastery Jasna Hora in Czestochowa Aneta Lazurek This is the main shrine of Poland. The monastery houses the miraculous icon of the Czestochowa Mother of God, she is also the patroness of the country. This place is one of the most popular pilgrimage sites, there are many myths and facts about it. What to see in Poland, namely on the territory of Yasnaya Gora? Attention should be paid to the towering powerful bastions, the main temple and the chapel. Of particular interest is the Knights' Hall, which once hosted receptions of guests of honor. The complex of buildings also includes sacristy, libraries with old prints and more.
26. Old town in Torun
Medieval Old Town in Torun It is worth noting that this Polish landmark is included in the National Heritage List. The ancient part of the city is special in that it keeps unique architectural monuments. It is separated by a moat and a river; the city walls, which have survived only partially, are no exception. At one time, the Old Town was expanded, now in its central part there is the Old Town Square, the north-western part is represented by the territory of the former monastery, in the south-west there is a marriage church. During the Swedish siege, the described part of the city was badly damaged, then a large number of buildings were burned and destroyed. Extensive restoration work began only after 1945. Today the Old Town is deservedly considered the pearl of Toruń.
27. Old Powонzki
Old Powонzki - famous Warsaw necropolis Krzysztof Belczyński This is a cemetery where famous figures of Polish history and culture are buried. A large part of it is set aside for the graves of the military, victims of the wars of the XIX-XX centuries. The attraction is located in Warsaw, it is interesting because some of the tombstones are real works of art. It is especially beautiful here on the night of All Saints Day. On October 31, a large number of people come to the cemetery to honor the memory of the fallen, for which a huge number of candles are lit on the graves.
28. Hill of Crosses Grabarka
Wooden crosses of pilgrims on the Holy Mountain of Grabarka A place with an interesting name is considered a saint; pilgrims come to bow to it from various countries of the world. On the days of major church holidays, a procession is held. This is the name of events when a large number of believers walk. Sometimes the distance from the settlement to the mountain reaches 100 km, all this time people carry heavy wooden crosses. This custom has been around for 200 years. The mountain got its name due to the fact that at its top in the forest, each pilgrim leaves his own cross, of which a large number have already gathered there.
As you can see, there are really a lot of attractions on the territory of the described country, which is why tours to this destination are very popular. Experienced travelers recommend planning your trip in advance so as not to lose sight of all the most interesting and significant. The most popular cities among tourists are Gdansk, Krakow, the capital. What is interesting in them was mentioned at the beginning. Whichever destination you choose, everywhere you will be impressed by the unforgettable atmosphere.
Also read about the best and be inspired for your further travel across Europe!
A small selection of the best travel destinations will help you get to know the sights and popular places of Poland better.
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 in Poland and throughout Europe. Stunning wildlife and picturesque landscapes make this attraction an ideal getaway. Bieszczady is impressive with its beauty in the summer and autumn months, and in winter it welcomes ski lovers with open arms.
The attraction is the wildest corner of Poland. Picturesque mountain ranges are part of the Bieszczady National Park. Fascinating mountain meadows, the so-called "meadows", attract tourists from all over the world. The Bieszczady National Park of Poland is a landmark with a unique nature, which is part of the international biosphere reserve of the Eastern Carpathians. Tourists will be pleasantly surprised by the excellent conditions of this attraction for hiking and skiing. Equestrian sports and ecotourism can also be practiced here.
Czestochowa is a landmark of Poland
Czestochowa is a small Polish town located in the heart of the Krakow-Czestochowa Uplands. The region is characterized by picturesque cliffs from the Jurassic period. Czestochowa is associated with the Clear Hora Monastery, which is the largest sanctuary of St. Mary and one of the best attractions in Poland. For most Poles, this is a cult place 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 Yasnaya Gora monastery. 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 in Poland.
Gdansk - a resort town in Poland
Gdansk is a rich maritime city with many attractions. Located on the seashore, Gdansk has 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. The modern architecture of the city was formed as a result of a long path of formation and development. The reason for this was the government, which changed very often in Gdansk 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.
Nearby Gdansk is the famous small seaside town of Sopot - another famous resort in Poland. Usually tourists visit these two cities within the same tour.
Krakow - a treasure trove of landmarks in Poland
Landmark Auschwitz - Polish concentration camp
The humble provincial town of Auschwitz is home to a host of eerie sights. The most famous is "Auschwitz" - the Polish concentration camp. During World War II, about 1.5 million people died in the largest Nazi camps, and Auschwitz is a monument to that horror. In many buildings, it was decided to preserve the Nazi interiors and even allowed guided tours. However, most tourists come to Auschwitz not just to visit a historical site, but to once again comprehend the horrors of the Nazi system.
Tatra Mountains - landscapes of highland 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, and their sharp ridges, picturesque lakes and waterfalls make this attraction one of the most spectacular in Poland. About 250 km of piste and a wide range of slopes will satisfy even the most demanding skiers and extreme lovers who come to see this attraction from different parts of Poland.
Also in these places there is a small town of Zakopane, where Polish culture and traditions are passed from generation to generation.
Warsaw - the central city of Poland
- the capital of Poland, rebuilt almost from scratch after the Second World War. Warsaw boasts a large number of skyscrapers, business centers and ambitious plans to create grandiose new 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 is a tourist city with a special charm and Eastern European flavor. Don't forget to drop by the beautiful Old Town, walk the Royal Route, see the Chopin Museum, 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 of 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 more than 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 captivate tourists, forcing them to visit Wroclaw again and again. But what caused this 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.
Poland is of great interest to tourists, because this country has a large number of architectural and historical monuments, beautiful nature with lakes and ancient forests, the Baltic Sea, numerous balneological and ski resorts. That is why tens of millions of tourists come to Poland every year ...
Geography of Poland
Poland is located in Eastern Europe. In the west, Poland borders on Germany, in the south - with the Czech Republic and Slovakia, in the east - with Ukraine, Belarus and Lithuania, and in the north - with Russia (Kaliningrad region). In the north, Poland is washed by the Baltic Sea. The total area of \u200b\u200bthis country is 312,679 square meters. km
Poland is dominated by a low-lying landscape. Uplands and plateaus are located in the south of the country.
In the southeastern part of Poland, there is the Sudeten Mountains, in which the highest peak is Mount Sniezka (1,602 m). The south of Poland is occupied by the Carpathian Mountains and the Tatras, which are divided into the High and Western Tatras. The highest peak in Poland is Rysy in the Tatras, its height reaches almost 2,500 meters. In the east of the country there are the Pieniny and Bieszczady mountains.
The main Polish rivers are the Vistula, Odra, Vatra and Bug, flowing across the plain from south to north.
An important element of the Polish landscape are lakes, of which there are more than 9,300 in this country. Most of the lakes in Poland are located in the Masurian Lake District. The area is also home to the most beautiful majestic ancient forests, which are full of rare animals and unique plants.
Capital
The capital of Poland since 1791 is Warsaw, which is now home to more than 1.82 million people. Historians believe that human settlements on the territory of modern Warsaw appeared at the beginning of the 10th century.
Official language
The official language in Poland is Polish, which belongs to the West Slavic languages \u200b\u200bof the Indo-European language family. Now the Polish language has 4 dialects (Wielkopolska, Lesser Poland, Mazovian, and Silesian).
Religion
About 90% of the inhabitants of Poland are Catholics belonging to the Roman Catholic Church. Poles have always been considered the most zealous (i.e. devoted) Catholics. In addition, many Orthodox Christians and Protestants live in Poland.
State structure of Poland
Poland is a parliamentary republic. According to the 1997 Constitution, executive power belongs to the head of state - the President, and legislative power belongs to the bicameral parliament, the National Assembly, consisting of the Senate (100 people) and the Seimas (460 people).
The main Polish political parties are the liberal-conservative Civic Platform, the conservative Law and Justice, the social-liberal Palikot Movement, the social democratic Union of Democratic Left Forces and the centrist Polish Peasant Party.
Climate and weather
The climate in Poland is mostly temperate. The average annual temperature in Poland is + 8C and varies depending on the region and distance from the Baltic Sea. The average temperature in summer is + 18C, and in winter in January it is -4C.
Sea in Poland
In the north, Poland is washed by the Baltic Sea. The coastline is 788 kilometers long. The largest Polish port is Gdansk. Several islands are part of Poland. The largest of them are Volin and Usnam.
Rivers and lakes
Four large rivers flow through Poland from south to north - the Vistula (1,047 km), the Odra (854 km), the Warta (808 km) and the Western Bug (772 km).
Poland also has over 9,300 lakes. Most of the Polish lakes are located in the Masurian Lake District. This lake region includes such lakes as Sniardvy, Mamry and Niegocin.
In Polish rivers and lakes, there are trout, salmon, pike, pike perch, whitefish, tench, bleak, carp, roach, bream, crucian carp, catfish, etc. In the Baltic Sea, Poles catch herring, sprats, salmon, cod and flounder.
History of Poland
Greater Poland was founded in 966 BC. the first Polish king Mieszko I from the Piast dynasty. Then the tribes of southern Poland form Lesser Poland. In the middle of the 11th century, the Polish king Casimir I the Restorer managed to unite Great and Lesser Poland.
In 1386 Poland entered into a union with Lithuania (Polish-Lithuanian Union). Thus, the Polish-Lithuanian state was formed, which for several centuries became the strongest in Eastern Europe.
In the 15th century, Poland waged wars with the Teutonic Order, Muscovy and the Ottoman Empire. The famous Battle of Grunwald in 1410 ended with the defeat of the troops of the Teutonic Order.
In 1569, according to the Union of Lublin, the Rzeczpospolita was formed - a union state of Poland and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania.
Throughout the 17th century, Rzeczpospolita waged wars with its neighbors - Turks, Ukrainians and Russians. Suffice it to recall the campaigns of the Cossacks and Poles against Moscow and the uprising of Bohdan Khmelnitsky.
In the end, Poland suffered a series of defeats, and in 1772 the first division of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth took place between Russia, Prussia and Austria. The second partition of Poland took place in 1792, and the third in 1795.
After that, the Polish state did not exist for more than 100 years, although the Poles made several attempts to restore it (the uprisings of 1830-31 and 1861).
Only in October 1918 the independent state of Poland was restored. Marshal Jozef Piłsudski became the head of Poland, and the famous pianist Ignatius Paderewski was elected Prime Minister.
In 1926, as a result of a coup d'état, power in Poland was seized by Jozef Pilsudski, who ruled the country until his death in 1935.
In 1934 Poland and Germany signed a non-aggression pact. However, despite this, on September 1, 1939, a war broke out between these states, which led to World War II.
After the end of the Second World War, the Polish Republic was proclaimed, and in 1952 - the Polish People's Republic.
In December 1989, under the influence of the economic factor (Poland took too many loans, which it could not repay) and due to interference in the internal affairs of the Polish People's Republic of some Western states, the Polish Republic was formed, and the Communist Party was outlawed after a while.
In 1999 Poland became a member of the NATO military bloc, and in 2004 it was admitted to the European Union.
Culture
The unique character of Polish culture comes from the fact that Poland is located at the crossroads of East and West. The rich culture of Poland is manifested primarily in the local architecture. Many Polish palaces, fortresses and churches are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The most famous Polish painters are Jacek Malczewski (1854-1929), Stanislaw Wyspianski (1869-1907), Josef Mehoffe (1869-1946), and Josef Chelmonski (1849-1914).
The most famous Polish writers and poets are Adam Mickiewicz, Henryk Sienkiewicz, Boleslaw Prus, Stanislaw Lem, and Andrzej Sapkowski.
As for traditions, they differ in Poland depending on the region. A lot of ancient traditions are still preserved in the mountainous regions of the country.
Some of the Polish traditions originate from Catholicism, and some have their roots in paganism. The most important religious holidays in Poland are Christmas and Easter.
Poles, like other peoples, have their own legends and myths. The oldest and most popular of them are “The Legend of Boleslav and His Knights” (it turns out that Poland had its own king Arthur), “The Dragon of Krakow”, “Polish Eagle” and “Janusik” (Polish Robin Hood).
Polish cuisine
Polish cuisine has evolved under the influence of several cuisines. First of all, Hungarians, Ukrainians, Lithuanians, Tatars, Armenians, Italians, and French have influenced the Polish cuisine.
In northern Poland, the favorite dish is fish. In addition, traditional Polish dishes include duck, sauerkraut soup and cheese. Traditional Polish dishes - sauerkraut and meat bigos, kotlet schabowy pork cutlet, dumplings, and cabbage rolls.
Poland landmarks
In Poland, they have always treated their history with great care. Therefore, there are a lot of various sights here, and it is difficult to single out the best of them. In our opinion, the ten most interesting Polish sights include the following:
Cities and resorts
The largest cities in Poland are Warsaw (more than 1.82 million people), Lodz (790 thousand people), Krakow (780 thousand people), Wroclaw (640 thousand people), Poznan (620 thousand people). ), Gdansk (630 thousand people), and Szczecin (420 thousand people).
Ski resorts in Poland, of course, are less popular than, for example, Austria, Italy and Switzerland, but they are more affordable. Moreover, Polish ski resorts are notable for their beauty. Therefore, every year hundreds of thousands of foreign tourists come to Poland to ski in local ski resorts.
The most popular Polish ski resorts are Swieradow Zdroj, Zakopane, Kotelnica, Uston, Szczyrk, and Szklarska Poreba.
Poland is also famous for its healing spas with mineral water and healing mud. The most popular of them are Polczyn-Zdroj, Bysko-3dryj, Kolobrzeg, Сwinoujscie, Uston, Szczawno-Zdroj, and Krynica.
There are several excellent beach resorts along the Baltic coast of Poland - Sopot, Gdansk, Gdynia, Kolobrzeg, winoujscie, and Krynica Morska. In August, the average water temperature of the Baltic Sea off the coast of Poland is + 20C.
Opening hours of institutions
Bank opening hours:
Mon-Fri: 09:00 to 16:00
Sat: 09:00 to 13:00
Most grocery stores in Poland are open Monday through Friday from 07:00 to 19:00. On Saturday, some Polish shops are open until lunchtime. Supermarkets are open daily.
Visa
Choosing a good tour to Poland, every traveler, to one degree or another, is guided by the most beautiful cities. Of course, if possible, he wants to visit all popular centers in one trip and see their sights to the maximum.
In order for you to select such a tour as easy as possible, let's look at the most interesting centers in this country from the point of view of a tourist, so that you know where to get tickets.
Cities of Poland - excerpts for each
All tourists who managed to visit this amazing country, naming the most impressive cities, agree on the following:
- Warsaw - the capital of Poland, a city that combines ancient examples of architecture, as well as modern high-rise buildings. Despite the fact that now it is Warsaw that plays the role of the main administrative center, it manages to maintain its flavor. This city has a lot of attractions, which is why it often becomes the first place that visitors are advised to visit. It is no coincidence that it is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
- Krakow - the second center in terms of administrative burden, but not in importance. This is an old town, there are a lot of interesting objects, from the Market Square to small churches. Unlike Warsaw, this former capital of Poland was practically not damaged during the war, so the city managed to preserve its original architecture in full.
- Torun Is another wonderful Polish city that managed to survive the Second World War without loss. All architecture and unusual Polish flavor have also been preserved here. Now it is rightfully considered the center of Europe, of course, cultural. If you choose exactly what to focus on here, you should still pay attention to the old part. Although new cozy areas here are quite capable of charming a tourist.
- Katowice - this city is quite young, it is about two centuries old. However, today it is one of the coziest places in Poland. There is quite interesting original architecture here, there are original sights. It is worth choosing it mainly for those tourists who are already tired of the splendor of Warsaw and Krakow.
- Gniely. This city is the first capital of Poland. The most interesting thing that has survived here is the Market Square (in almost all cities of this country it is a special attraction), as well as several churches.
- Bydgoszcz Is a completely unusual city for Poland. Most of all, it resembles Venice. The main attraction here is the Bydgoszcz Canal.
- Wroclaw Is another ancient city where famous old cathedrals are concentrated. Included in the UNESCO heritage list.
- Poznan - history Center. A small but very cozy town, which should be visited by everyone who wants to know Poland and its history thoroughly.
- Wieliczka - the city where the best Polish balls are held to this day. It is recommended to go here only during the season, and only by invitation, otherwise there will be a risk of missing all the fun.
- Lublin Is another largest place in Poland, where there are a lot of historical museums, cultural centers and several interesting objects for tourists. And although this city no longer plays the role in the life of the state that it had several centuries ago, it is imperative to visit it.
There are several other small but curious cities in this country. These are Zakopane, Malbork and some others. But, unfortunately, they are not of such special interest for tourists as the above-mentioned ones.
The main attractions of the cities
Almost each of the presented cities has a number of special attractions, without which its understanding would be incomplete.
The most interesting of its kind may be Krakow. It is here that the Wawel Castle, Kazimierz, and the Bishops' Palace are located. Planty is a special area of \u200b\u200bthis city. This is a kind of park ring around the old center.
In total, Krakow accounts for a quarter of all museum art in the country. Therefore, those who go to this city can definitely say that they will find what to see here. It is imperative to visit the Czartoryski Museum here, without which the tour of the city would probably be incomplete. Those who like to spend time with more modern fun should definitely visit the local water park. He deserves the highest praise.
For those wishing to appreciate the state pomp of Poland, Warsaw will be the best place. Here you will have to see the Royal Square, visit several palaces at once: Wilanow, made in the Baroque style, the Royal Palace, as well as museums: the Museum of the Polish Army, the National Museum of Warsaw, the Chopin Museum and many others. Those wishing to appreciate the whole flavor of the city cannot do without the so-called Old Town, Rynok Square, as well as Krakowskie Przedmiecie.
In Lublin, if you choose this city for yourself, you should focus on the Crown Tribunal, the Krakow Gate, the Church of the Dominican Order. The most extreme tourists can also be invited to visit Majdanek. But those who do not want to remember the horrors of war should go down to the city dungeon. In Poland, this is one of the most popular such sites.
How to visit all cities in a few days
The easiest way to visit all cities in a few days is to choose a ready-made tour from those offered by agencies.
Today there are quite a few of them. They can include both the two main cities - Warsaw and Krakow, and several smaller ones in addition. Most often these are tours Warsaw-Krakow-Wroclaw, Warsaw-Krakow-Torun and others, depending on the main topic of the excursion.
Such excursions are designed in such a way that a person stays in one place for no more than a day or two. Overnight stays on such tours are mainly in hotels, which are booked by the same company that organizes the trip.
The only drawback of such excursions: they usually have a standard set of monuments, by default mandatory for every visitor.
They are very good for those visiting Poland for the first time. But if a person visits the country for the second or third time, you can either look for more exotic tours (thematic excursions, for example, dedicated to churches or castles of the country), or make a program yourself, which will correspond to the standard tour in duration, but will be different according to the list of places. So you can easily calculate the time and make an author's tour for yourself.
One way or another, you can choose for yourself the optimal program that meets all your tourist expectations. And who knows, maybe one of the cities will amaze you so much that you will certainly want to get to know it better, but already within the framework of a completely different tour.
