20-08-2011
After World War II, Warsaw rose from the ashes to welcome you today with open arms. It is deservedly considered a cultural, business, educational and tourist centre. Walk through the green parks, listen to Chopin’s music, and taste Polish cuisine. When it’s time to leave, you won’t say goodbye, but see you soon.
Although the beginnings of Warsaw go as far back as the 12th and 13th century Warsaw was forced to completely rebuild after the near-total destruction of the city during World War II. The symbol of the capital’s rebirth was an unprecedented post-war re-creation of the Old Town, which in 1980 was put on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites, as an example of a nearly complete reconstruction of the original settlement using original town plans and architecture.
The Old Town is a bustling tourism hub, with cobblestone lanes and medieval buildings reconstructed after WWII. At its heart is Rynek Starego Miasta, a busy square lined with burgher houses and upscale Polish eateries. Nearby, St. John’s Arch cathedral dates back to the 14th century and hosts summer concerts. The area is also home to the restored apartments and manicured gardens of the Royal Castle, with cobblestone streets, ornate tenement facades and picturesque plazas. the Old Town is Warsaw’s top tourist area. A window into the ‘once-upon-a-time’ of Warsaw’s golden days as one of the country’s architectural pearls in addition to being its cosmopolitan capital, the Old Town represents much more to Warsaw’s citizens than UNESCO accolades, the Old Town is also symbolic of Warsaw’s rise from the ruins of WWII and of Varsovians’ pride in their city.
Fortified Outpost Barbican
This part of the city’s wall was built in the 16th century however during World War II, nearly the entire Barbican was completely destroyed. After the war it was decided to rebuild the walls surrounding the former Old Town, together with the Barbican. This is a must-see site when you visit.
Both the Old Towns of Krakow and Warsaw have been inscribed to UNESCO World heritage sites, respectively. At the same time, Warsaw historic district was considered as a near-perfect reconstruction of a city destroyed during WWII. Krakow, is known for its well-preserved medieval core and Jewish quarter. Its old town – ringed by Plenty Park and remnants of the city’s medieval walls – is centered on the stately, expansive Rynek Glowny (market square). This plaza is the site of the Cloth Hall, a Renaissance-era trading outpost, and St. Mary’s Basilica, a 14th-century Gothic church.
