A collection of texts on Warsaw's major highlights and their history: an indispensable compendium for guides and an absolute must for visitors!
Explore Warsaw: The Oft Unjustly Overlooked Gem of Poland
As well as being the capital of Poland, Warsaw is the key
commercial centre of the country and strongly competes with Krakow in
terms of its cultural landmarks and attractions. This all combines to
make a day
trip from Krakow to Warsaw a vital choice for
the astute visitor. Embark upon a Warsaw sightseeing tour, and view
famous monuments, including the Royal Castle, as you traverse the
Royal Route.
The Old Town of Warsaw is undeniably charming, and the Royal
Castle and the Royal Route are its special highlights. The Royal
Castle was the domicile of the Polish president in 1918 and served
as the residence of monarchs from 1596 to 1795. Walk along the scenic
Royal Route, which connects the Royal Castle with the Lazienki
Palace.
Take a ride around the city in a traditional
method of transportation – a droshky, otherwise known as a horse
carriage. Perhaps visit the Polish Theatre and watch an authentic
Mazowsze folk dancing show, or look for intriguing antiques and
relics at the Kolo flea market. A
visit to Warsaw will be sure to bestow you with unique memories and
charming recollections.
abridged version; source: [http://www.globetrips.com/travelblog/2011/09/warsaw-tour-from-krakow/]
Stalin's Empire State
This gargantuan, Gotham
City-like tower shoots up from the centre of Warsaw. Built after the
Second World War during the era of Soviet domination, it remains one
of the most controversial buildings in Poland, and it was only a
whisker away from being pulled down when the Berlin
Wall
fell in '89.
Built between 1952 and 1955 as Joseph Stalin's "gift" to Warsaw, it was to resemble the Seven Sisters of Moscow, although to frustrated Varsovians it merely resembled the ugly reality of Soviet domination. After the "thaw" of 1956, the name of the building dropped Stalin's moniker and became merely the Palace of Culture and Science (Pałac Kultury i Nauki), though it was occasionally referred to as "Peking" (from the Polish abbreviation, PkiN).
Built between 1952 and 1955 as Joseph Stalin's "gift" to Warsaw, it was to resemble the Seven Sisters of Moscow, although to frustrated Varsovians it merely resembled the ugly reality of Soviet domination. After the "thaw" of 1956, the name of the building dropped Stalin's moniker and became merely the Palace of Culture and Science (Pałac Kultury i Nauki), though it was occasionally referred to as "Peking" (from the Polish abbreviation, PkiN).
Today, the Palace of Culture
(Pałac Kultury) still stands as the tallest structure in the city, as
well as in all of Poland. With 42 floors and over 234 metres (with 43
metres of spire alone), this epic still has the upper hand on all of
its modern neighbours. At the moment, the building serves as an
exhibition hall and office complex, as well as an FM and television
broadcasting centre and cinema, theatre, museum, bookshop, and
conference hall fitting 3,000 people.
Perhaps the highlight of the
Palace of Culture for tourists is its observation deck on the 30th
floor, from which you can see the whole city and the Vistula
on a clear day. An old joke goes that the best views of Warsaw are
available from the building - it's the only place in the city from
where it could not be seen. In case you're having difficulty finding
this megalith on Marshal Street (don't know how you could!) try
asking for Plac Defilad (Plahts deh-FEE-lahd) - the largest square in
Europe.
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