Tag: Royal Castle Warsaw

Tag: Royal Castle Warsaw

Top 10 things to do in Warsaw

What to see, what to do

Things to do – updated 17 January 2023.

There’s a lot to see and do in the city. Here’s our list of the Top 10 things to do in Warsaw. Click on the links for further information or to book a tour.

1. POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews

This fascinating historical museum presents over 1,000 years of Jewish life in Poland. It allows visitors to explore past and present Jewish culture, providing a counterpoint to the stereotypes, xenophobia, and nationalistic prejudice threatening today’s societies. POLIN promotes openness, tolerance, and truth, contributing to the mutual understanding and respect between Polish and Jewish people.

Further information & book tickets

2. Wilanów Palace

Wilanów Palace is a former royal palace located 10km south of the city centre. It’s managed to survive Poland’s partitions and two World Wars and is one of Poland’s most important monuments. It was commissioned by King Jan III Sobieski in 1677 and serves as a reminder of the culture of the Polish state as it was before the misfortunes of the 18th century. The palace is one of Warsaw’s top tourist attractions.

3. Palace of Culture & Science

Love it or hate it, you can’t not see it. At 237m tall, it’s the second tallest building in Poland after Varso Tower. Since 1955, this socialist realist palace has dominated the city of Warsaw and today it houses various public and cultural institutions such as cinemas, theatres, libraries, sports clubs, university faculties and authorities of the Polish Academy of Sciences. Known as PKiN (the abbreviation of its full Polish name) and a lot of other less friendly names, the palace was a gift of friendship from the Soviet Union. Check out the 30th floor observation terrace for great views of the city.

4. Royal Castle

Royal Castle Warsaw is an exceptional copy of the original red-brick castle, which was destroyed by the Germans in WWII. The very first version of the castle was actually a wooden stronghold dating back to the 14th century built for the dukes of Mazovia and since then it has been the residence of Polish kings in addition to being the home of the president and also the seat of parliament. Back in the 17th century Royal Castle Warsaw was one of the most splendid royal palaces in Europe and today; it is filled with authentic furniture from that period and many original works of art. The highlights of the tour are the Great Apartments, which includes the Great Assembly Hall and lavishly decorated Throne Room and the King’s Apartments.

Further information

Lazienki Palace

5. Lazienki Park & Palace

Lazienki Palace is located in the beautiful Łazienki Park in Warsaw. This is the biggest and most popular park in the city, and it provides visitors with many things to explore. During a walk around the 76 hectares park, you’ll see the Art Nouveau Chopin monument, a classicist amphitheatre, summer houses, pavilions, cafes & restaurants, lakes, the English garden, an Old Orangery, palaces and much more. There’s so much to see that it is possible to spend the full day in the park. Lazienki Palace is a lovely neoclassical building originally built in the 17th century and is the former residence of King Stanisław August Poniatowski who was a great patron of the arts.

Further information

6. Historic Centre of Warsaw

The Historic Centre of Warsaw (Warsaw Old Town) is the oldest part of Warsaw. The heart of the area is the Old Town Market Place, which is very popular with tourists and contains many restaurants, cafés, bars and shops. Surrounding streets feature medieval architecture such as the city walls, St. John’s Cathedral and the Barbican which links the Old Town with Warsaw New Town. In excess of 85% of the historic centre of Warsaw was deliberately destroyed during World War II by Nazi Germany. A meticulous restoration of the Old Town took place after the war and this included its important religious buildings, the Royal Castle, Old Town Market, townhouses, and the circuit of the city walls. It is an outstanding example of a near-total reconstruction of a span of history covering the 13th to the 20th century.

Further information.

7. Żabińskis’ Villa

The story of Jan and Antonina Zabinski is one of extraordinary bravery, decency and humanitarian spirit at enormous personal risk in the most challenging circumstances possible. The largely accurate portrayal captured in Diane Ackerman’s book and subsequent 2017 Hollywood movie, The Zookeeper’s Wife, reached millions. But a great many more remain completely unaware of the extraordinary tale of personal heroism, bravery and human kindness that took place within the grounds of Warsaw Zoo during World War II, and their enormous legacy and lessons for wider humanity in rescuing more than 300 people, mostly Jews smuggled out of the Warsaw Ghetto, at enormous personal risk. Even fewer are aware that the little zookeeper’s villa at the centre of the story, in the middle of the Warsaw Zoo, still stands today. A powerful but hidden and relatively neglected symbol of human unity and shared purpose, cared for over the years by a small group of people associated with the zoo and with the Zabinski family, on something less than a shoe-string budget. The villa, where the Żabińskis lived and risked their lives by hiding Jews, is open for a guided tour, which is well worth doing.

8. Warsaw Rising Museum

The single largest military effort taken by any European resistance movement during World War II happened during the Warsaw Uprising, which was fought for 63 days with little outside support. The Uprising was led by the Polish Resistance Home Army in an attempt to liberate Warsaw from German occupation. If you are ever in Warsaw, a visit to the Rising Museum is highly recommended. The museum traces the history of the doomed Uprising using personal accounts, photos, film and interactive displays. If you want to do the museum and surrounding Freedom Park justice, you’ll need to put aside a whole day.

Further information.

Teatr Wielki

Image: Teatr Wielki

9. Teatr Wielki

The Grand Theatre is a theatre and opera complex situated on the historic Theatre Square. It is home to the Polish National Opera and Ballet companies and is one of the largest theatrical venues in the world, with a seating capacity of over 2,000. The building was destroyed during WWII and rebuilt to the original design in 1965.

Further information.

10. Copernicus Science Centre

Copernicus Science Centre is a science museum standing on the bank of the Vistula River containing over 450 interactive exhibits that enable visitors to single-handedly carry out experiments and discover the laws of science for themselves. The Centre is the largest institution of its type in Poland and one of the most advanced in Europe. In 2018, since its opening, it had been visited by over 8 million people.

Further information.

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Historic Centre of Warsaw

Warsaw Historic Centre

Historic Centre of Warsaw – updated 10 January 2023.

The Historic Centre of Warsaw is the oldest part of the city. The heart of the area is the Old Town Market Place, which is very popular with tourists and contains many restaurants, cafés, bars and shops. Surrounding streets feature medieval architecture such as the city walls, St. John’s Cathedral and the Barbican which links the Old Town with Warsaw New Town.

Historic centre Warsaw

World War II

In excess of 85% of the historic centre of Warsaw was deliberately destroyed during World War II by Nazi Germany. A meticulous restoration of the Old Town took place after the war and this included its important religious buildings, the Royal Castle, Old Town Market, townhouses, and the circuit of the city walls. It is an outstanding example of a near-total reconstruction of a span of history covering the 13th to the 20th century.

Where possible, original bricks and decorative elements found in the rubble were reused during the reconstruction, which was not entirely accurate to pre-war Warsaw but more of a mix between pre-war Warsaw and an earlier period. The objective was to reconstruct but at the same time, try to improve on the original.

Historic centre Warsaw

Old Town Market Place

The 13th century Old Town Market Place was the true heart of the Old Town and until the end of the 18th century it was the heart of all of Warsaw. Prior to the great fire of 1607, the buildings around the square were Gothic in style, after the fire, they were rebuilt in late-Renaissance style.

Castle Square

When approaching the Old Town from the centre of Warsaw, your first view of the reconstructed Old Town is Castle Square, dominated by Zygmunt’s Column, which towers above the beautiful Old Town houses.

Historic centre Warsaw

Royal Castle

Royal Castle Warsaw is an exceptional copy of the original red-brick castle, which was destroyed by the Germans in WWII. The very first version of the castle was actually a wooden stronghold dating back to the 14th century built for the dukes of Mazovia and since then it has been the residence of Polish kings in addition to being the home of the president and also the seat of parliament.

FAQ

Here are some common questions and answers that you might find helpful:

Q: Where is the Historic Centre of Warsaw located?
A: The Historic Centre is located in the heart of the city of Warsaw, Poland. It is situated between the Vistula River and the Old Town.

Q: When was the Historic Centre of Warsaw designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
A: The Historic Centre of Warsaw was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980.

Q: What is the history of the Historic Centre of Warsaw?
A: The Historic Centre has a long and complex history. The Old Town, which is a part of the Historic Centre, is one of the most well-preserved examples of medieval architecture in Europe. The Old Town was almost entirely destroyed during World War II but was rebuilt in the 1950s and 1960s to resemble its pre-war appearance. The Royal Castle, which sits on the Castle Square, is one of the most important buildings in the Historic Centre of Warsaw, and it served as the residence of Polish kings. The Old Town Market Place, surrounded by burgher houses, merchants’ tenements and the city walls is a heart of the Old Town.

Q: What can I see on a visit to the Historic Centre of Warsaw?
A: Visitors can explore the charming streets and squares of the Old Town, admire the many beautiful buildings and churches, and visit museums and galleries. Some of the must-see sites include the Royal Castle, the Old Town Market Place, St. John’s Cathedral, the Barbican, the Royal Route and the Warsaw Rising Museum. Visitors can also take a stroll along the Royal Route, which is a historical and architectural route that connects the Royal Castle with the Wilanowski Palace.

Q: Is the Historic Centre of Warsaw open to visitors?
A: The Historic Centre is open to visitors year-round, but please check the official website for current opening hours and any potential restrictions.

Q: How long does a visit to the Historic Centre of Warsaw last?
A: A visit can last anywhere from a few hours to several days, depending on how much you want to see and do.

Q: Are there any special requirements to visit the Historic Centre of Warsaw?
A: There are no special requirements to visit the Historic Centre, but visitors should be aware that many of the buildings and museums have limited accessibility for people with disabilities.

Q: Are there any other things to do in the area?
A: Warsaw is a vibrant and culturally rich city with many things to see and do beyond the Historic Centre. Some popular attractions include the Lazienki Park, the Chopin Museum, the Warsaw Uprising Museum, the National Museum, and the Wilanowski Palace. The city also has a vibrant nightlife and delicious cuisine, with many great restaurants and bars to choose from.

Warsaw Tours & Experiences

Royal Castle Warsaw

Warsaw Royal Castle

Royal Castle Warsaw – updated 10 January 2023.

The Royal Castle in Warsaw is a beautiful palace located in the heart of the city. It has a rich history and is considered to be one of the most important cultural and historical sites in Poland.

The castle was originally built in the 14th century as a residence for the Dukes of Mazovia. It was later expanded and renovated over the centuries, and became the residence of the Polish kings in the 16th century. The castle was the seat of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth’s government and the residence of the Polish monarchs for several centuries.

World War II

The castle was heavily damaged during World War II, and the palace was rebuilt in the 1970s and 1980s to its former glory using old plans, drawings, paintings and photographs. Today, the castle serves as a museum and cultural center.

Wooden stronghold

The very first version of the castle was actually a wooden stronghold dating back to the 14th century built for the dukes of Mazovia and since then it has been the residence of Polish kings in addition to being the home of the president and also the seat of parliament.

Royal Castle Warsaw

17th century

Back in the 17th century Royal Castle Warsaw was one of the most splendid royal palaces in Europe and today; it is filled with authentic furniture from that period and many original works of art.

Reconstruction

Reconstruction of the castle did not start until 1971 and took 13 years to complete at immense cost with the majority of the funds having been donated from exiled Poles. During the reconstruction, bricks and rubble from the original structure were used.

Interiors

The castle’s interiors are particularly impressive, with ornate rooms, including the Great Apartment, which features frescoes and stucco decoration, and the Royal Chapel, which is home to a beautiful Baroque altar and frescoes. The castle also has a number of art galleries and exhibition halls.

Guided tours

The Royal Castle is a popular tourist destination and is open to visitors year-round. Visitors can take guided tours of the castle to learn more about its history and see its many rooms and features. The Castle Square, where the Royal Castle is located, is also a vibrant part of Warsaw’s Old Town, and it’s a great place to start exploring the city.

The highlights of the tour are the Great Apartments, which includes the Great Assembly Hall and lavishly decorated Throne Room and the King’s Apartments.

Royal Castle Warsaw

Rembrandt

Within the King’s Apartments is the Canaletto Room where you will find 22 paintings by Bernardo Bellotto, an Italian urban landscape painter who was known in Poland as Canaletto. This room also houses the Lanckoroński Collection, which includes two portraits painted by Rembrandt.

The King’s Apartments are adorned with many paintings depicting famous Polish events which hang alongside maps depicting a golden time when Poland stretched from the Baltic Sea to the Black Sea.

Tadeusz Kościuszko

During the tour, you will also visit the chapel with an urn containing the heart of Tadeusz Kościuszko, a Polish hero.

Ghost story

As is the case with many castles in Poland, there is a ghost story. In this case we have a White Lady who appears from time to time in some of the castle halls. Legend states that her appearance is linked to imminent danger.

The French Baroque Royal Gardens are delightful and can be found at the rear of the castle near the river.

It’s also worth mentioning that the Royal Castle is one of the most important symbols of Poland and Warsaw and it played a significant role in the country’s history, both in its past and its modern history, it is definitely a must-see location when in Warsaw.

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