Poland - Cities

Warsaw

Introduction
The polish capital of Warsaw/»Warszawa«, the largest city in the country at 1.7 million inhabitants, lies in eastern Masovia. Originating in the location of the ertswhile fishing village of »Warsawa«, this place developed into a lively centre of trade over the course of the 14th century. In 1596, the royal seat was relocated from Krakow to Warsaw. From this point in time, Warsaw continued to develop into a Polish cultural and political centre. During the second World War, Warsaw was almost completely destroyed. At the end of the war, large-scale reconstruction efforts were initiated.

Attractions
A glimpse into the past is what is unique to Warsaw which is characterised above all by its formative appearance: cultural-historical and modern elements were recreated after 1945 within the space of a few decades. Hence, a contrast-rich mixture of cultural-historical heritage and less spectacular post-war architecture was born. Exemplary thereof is the 232 meter (761ft) high cultural palace. The 30th floor offers a definitively rewarding panoramic view of Warsaw.

Reconstruction and resurrection of historical architecture have brought the city a new sheen, though other elements of cultural history have been lost forever. As a centre of Jewish life in Poland, many of these traces have been erased.

There are interesting seasonal world-class events. From May to September, for example, in Lazienki Park where the Chopin memorial stands, regular piano concerts take place. In October, the oldest jazz festival in Europe, the Warsaw Jazz Jamboree, takes place.

Accessibility
Warsaw is well-embedded within the international traffic network. The main train station lies in the centre of the city, the bus station west of the city's centre.
External airports located 10 km (6.2 miles) away are used for air connections carried out by national as well as international airlines.

Krakow

Introduction
Next to Warsaw, Krakow is notable as one of Poland's most important cities. As the historical capital housing the mountain fortress »Wawel«, today Krakow, along with Vienna and Prague, is among the most beautiful central European cities.

First mentioned as a centre of trade in 965, Polish kings and rulers resided in Krakow from the 11th to the 16th century. Today's Old Town is a product of the 13th century. Since 1978, the Old Town has been part of UNESCO's World Cultural Heritage List. Krakow is also significant as a scientific metropolis. It is the site of Jagiellonen University, the oldest university in Poland, founded in 1364.

Attractions
For many Poles, Krakow is indeed the most beautiful city in the country, especially because of the impressive Old Town. As a popular travel destination for culture and art lovers, it offers a rich selection of churches, common and noble homes, synagogues, magnificently constructed castles, plazas, and gardens.

For short-term visitors, it is worthwhile to explore the so-called »King's Way«, a tour through the Old Town area where the most important buildings are situated. From the gothic defense tower »Barbakan« and Florian's gate, significant as the remainder of medieval city defenses, it travels along Florianska Lane directly to the old central market, »Rynek Głowny«. It is the heart of the city and, after the Piazza San Marco in Venice, is the largest medieval square in Europe. It is lined with patrician houses and noble palaces from different stylistic eras.

Here also stands the imposing Renaissance architecture of cloth halls with its arcade passages. In the interior is a busy hubbub. General stores, art stands, and knickknacks make up the picture. In the marketplace are pubs, cafes, street performers, and musicians, while in the eastern part of the plaza, a Church of Our Lady and a gothic basilica with an impressive 17 meter high, three-part altar (56ft) tower toward the heavens.

A striking view is imparted by the mighty royal mountain fortress of Wawel with its cathedral and castle, the residence of Polish dukes and kings until 1596. Today it is also a burial site. In Wawel one can marvel at its three-storey arcade court, the king's chambers, the armoury, and a dragon's lair. From the castle fortress, one has a beautiful view of the New City districts.

Festivals steeped in tradition - from classical music, jazz, to theatre, dance, and film - have a wide variety to offer visitors during almost every month of the year.

Accessibility
In Krakow, the main train station is located a few minutes' walking distance from the Old Town.
The Krakow airport is located in Balice, about 18 km (11.2 miles) west of the city centre.

Gdansk

Introduction
On a historical tour of particularly impressive historical cities, Gdansk is worth a trip. Located on the Pomeranian Baltic Sea coast, this city has close to half a million inhabitants and, along with two other cities, forms the Tri-City urban centre or »Trojmiasto«.

As one of the oldest trade metropolises along the Baltic Sea, it was also a Hanseatic city and played an important role in the exchange of goods with the people of Europe. Distinguished by its dynamic history, Gdansk became a free city under the control of the League of Nations between the two World Wars. In the Second World War most of the city was destroyed but subsequently rebuilt.

Attractions
Among the most impressive corners of Gdansk is surely the »Główne Miasto« quarter, the so-called City of Law. Here, in the oldest part of Gdansk, the most important sights and signs of history are found.
Peace, freedom, and prosperity are announced by inscriptions on the Golden Gate, the most imposing of three access gates within the mighty fortress facilities. The Old Town gates lead to Gdansk's grandest street, the long lane »ul. Dluga«. Here lived the most important and affluent citizens of the city. From here one continues to the old port of Mottlau where the landmark of Gdańsk is found, the Krantor, which was erected in the 15th century.

Particularly noteworthy is the Old Town's city hall remodeled in the Dutch Renaissance style as well as an over 650-year old gothic Church of Our Lady, probably the world's largest brick church. Among the most beautiful streets of the city is St. Mary's Street. Here one finds many amber shops, where many unusual pieces and modern creations are sold.
Amber has been found on the beaches of the Baltic Sea for centuries. From the "Baltic Sea Gold", elaborate chests, prayer beads, and jewelry were created and traded as precious goods at high prices.
Special shopping and entertainment flair are offered every year in August at St. Dominik's annual fair. Distinguished through handicrafts and cultural offerings, it is held in front of the curtains of the Old Town.

Accessibility
There are land, water, and air connections to Gdansk. From the airport in Rebiechewo, west of Gdansk, is a regular bus transfer system into the centre.
Travel by automobile and by train are equal possibilities. The main train station is not far from the historic Old Town. Train connections exist from Scandinavia and Germany to Gdingen and Gdansk.