Life has not
been easy for Poland, an eastern European country that has been invaded and
destroyed many times over the centuries. The country suffered mightily in World
War II when many of its citizens, including its large Jewish population, were
hustled off to Nazi concentration camps. The Polish spirit, however, refused to
die and today the country combines medieval architecture with lively cultural
activities to meet the needs of modern tourists. An overview of the best places
to visit in Poland :
10
Best Places to Visit in Poland
10. Malbork
The medieval
town of Malbork, perhaps better known by the German name of Marienburg, is most
well-known for its castle, which was ordered built in the 13th century by the
Knights of the Teutonic Order as their headquarters, Europe’s largest Gothic
fortress is named after the Virgin Mary, the patron saint of the city and
castle. The castle is actually three castles, making it the world’s largest
brick castle. It took 230 years to build the castle, a majority of which was
destroyed during World War II. Much of the castle has been restored since then.
9. Lublin
Lublin,
located east of the Vistula, is another ancient city with a market place that
may have dated back to the sixth century. Because it is located on Poland’s
eastern border, it became, early on, a line of defense against various invaders
that destroyed the city over the centuries. It also was home to one of the
largest Jewish communities in Poland. Evidence of Lublin connecting Western and
Eastern cultures can be found at the Holy Trinity Chapel that blends Catholic
and Russian-Byzantine styles. But don’t be fooled by the cobblestone streets
and medieval architecture of the Old Town, as it boasts a lively arts and
nightclub scene.
8. Bialowieza
Forest
The
Bialowieza Forest is a large remnant of the primeval forests that once covered
much of Europe. The forest straddles the border between Poland and the Republic
of Belarus, and there are border crossings for tourists on foot or on bicycles.
The Bialowieza Forest is the only place where European Bison still remain free
and living in the forest as they once did throughout Europe. Wolves, Lynx, Red
Deer, Wild Boar, Elk and Roe Deer are among its other inhabitants. While the
bison are kept within fenced areas, guided tours are available either on foot
or in horse-drawn carriages.
7. Torun
Torun,
located on the Vistula River, is best known, perhaps, as the birthplace of
Copernicus, but it’s just as well known for its old market place and Gothic
town hall that the National Geographic Polska put on its list of the 30 most
beautiful places in the world. As Torun escaped bombing during World War II,
the city still boasts numerous buildings that date back to the Middle Ages.
Construction on the town hall started in the 13th century, with many churches,
including the Cathedral of SS. John the Evangelist and John the Baptist, dating
back to the 14th century. This church is a must-see for travelers interested in
Gothic paintings and sculptures, and Baroque altars.
6. Tatra
National Park
Travelers
who crave scenic beauty will find it in Tatra National Park, located in
southcentral Poland. Established in 1954, the park is mainly forests, meadows
and numerous rock formations covering the Tatra Mountains. Spelunkers may enjoy
touring six of the park’s 650 caves that are open to the public. The park also
offers more than 30 alpine lakes as well as the Wielka Siklawa waterfall that
is 70 meters (230 feet) high. Tatra, the most visited national park in Poland,
will delight hikers with its 270 km (170 miles) of trails. There is a similar
national park in the neighboring part of Slovakia, also called the Tatra
National Park.
5. Poznan
Student
travelers wanting to meet their Polish peers might want to visit Poznan, long
known as an academic center and home to Poland’s third largest university. The
city hosts many international events, including the Malta International Theatre
Festival that takes place every summer. Major sites are easily accessible by
strolling the Royal-Imperial Route, a walk set up especially for tourists.
Athletes may enjoy a visit to the artificial lake of Malta, home to a ski
slope, ice rink, and swimming pools.
4. Wroclaw
Located on
the Oder River, Wroclaw is the largest city in western Poland. Over the
centuries it has been governed by Prussia, Poland, Germany and Bohemia, but has
been part of Poland since 1945. The former capital of Silesia is still less
well-known as some of the other places to visit in Poland but can definitely
compete when it comes to amazing architecture. Main attractions include the
market square and the impressive Old Town Hall, St, Elizabeth’s Church with its
observation deck overlooking the city, and the largest zoo in Poland. Sailing
on the Oder River is a relaxing way to get a feel for this medieval city.
3. Gdansk
Also known
as Danzig, Gdansk is the largest city in northern Poland and its main seaport
since it lies on the Baltic Sea. Founded around the 10th century, it has a
mixed political history; at different times it belonged to Germany and Poland,
and was a free state before permanently becoming a part of Poland after World War
II. The city rebuilt itself after the war, restoring its Old Town, which is
famous for the Royal Road that Polish kings traveled on when visiting this
historical city. The city also is home to St. Mary church, the largest brick
church in the world.
2. Warsaw
The capital
of Poland might aptly be compared to a Phoenix rising from the ashes. Founded
around the 12th century, Warsaw was pretty much destroyed during World War II,
but has rebuilt itself into a thriving historical and cultural center, complete
with a restored Old Town. Once known as the “Paris of the North,” it also is
famous as the home of classical composer Fryderyk Chopin. Another famous
citizen was Renaissance astronomer Copernicus, who was born in Poland. Travelers
of all ages will enjoy a visit to the Copernicus Science Center where hands-on
activities abound.
1. Krakow
Krakow might
be described as a rags to riches city, since it went from being a seventh
century village to the second most important city in Poland, being known for
its cultural, artistic, academic and economic activities. During World War II,
the Nazis herded Poles and Jews alike into the Krakow Ghetto where they were later
sent to concentration camps; the movie Schindler’s List centered around one
man’s efforts to save the ghetto residents from extermination. Located on the
Vistula River, this former Polish capital is easy to get around, since
attractions radiate out from Old Town, considered the best Old Town in the
country.
Reference :
Touropia
About PRABISH BISHUNGKHE
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