Poland: A country that enchants.
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Poland is a country with centuries of history, diverse culture and almost outstanding nature. From medieval castles to modern art galleries, everyone will find something to their liking here. We will recommend a few sights and places that are definitely worth visiting during your trip to Poland.
Krakow: the heart of history
Krakow is the pearl of Poland, attracting tourists from all over the world. The medieval Main Market Square (Rynek Główny) is the main market square of the Old Town in Krakow – an impressive 40,000 square meters. It was founded in 1257 and at that time was the largest medieval square in Europe.
Be sure to visit St. Mary’s Church (Kościół Mariacki), famous for its incredible Gothic interior and the hourly melody which is called – “heinal”, and is played daily from the tower.
Also do not miss Wawel Castle – a symbol of Polish statehood and the true soul of Krakow. This architectural complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it combines elements of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque, and also contains a treasury of royal relics.
On the territory of the complex you can find the Sigismund Bell (Dzwon Zygmunt) – the most famous bell in Poland, one of the five bells located on the Sigismund Tower. It weighs 11 tons and has a diameter of over 2 m. The Sigismund Bell rings on certain Catholic and national Polish holidays. It is considered one of the national symbols.
It says that whoever touches the Sigismund Bell in Wawel Cathedral and makes a secret wish, it will definitely come true. However, for this you need to have a truly pure heart and good intentions.
Another landmark of Krakow is the Jagiellonian University. This is the oldest university in Poland and one of the oldest in Europe – the charter of the university was issued on May 12, 1364 by Casimir III, it became the second in Central Europe after the University of Prague (founded in 1348).
Warsaw: A reborn city
Warsaw, the capital of Poland, is a fascinating blend of ancient and modern. The Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was completely rebuilt after the devastation of World War II.
Art lovers will certainly appreciate the Museum of Modern Art – founded on April 29, 2005. The construction of the building with an area of about 30,000 square meters was completed in 2012-2016 – according to the design of the Swiss architect Christian Kerez.
Also interesting to visit is the Copernicus Science Center – an interactive science museum located on the banks of the Vistula River. There are over 450 interactive exhibits in the science center and you can spend a whole day exploring and recreating various scientific experiments. The center is the largest institution in the field of scientific experiments in Poland and one of the most advanced in Europe.
Gdansk: City of Ports and Amber
Located on the Baltic Sea coast, Gdansk is known for its rich maritime history.
The Long Market Square (Długi Targ) is a place where the past meets the present. Here you will find the Green Gate of the Main Town (Brama Zielona) – probably the oldest water gate in Gdansk, first mentioned in 1357.
Together with the Golden Gate (Złota Brama) and the High Gate (Brama Wyżynna), the Green Gate borders a part of Long Street with the Long Market, called the Royal Way (Droga Królewska).
Among the sights, also visit the Main Town Hall (Ratusz Głównego Miasta) and the famous Neptune Fountain – the oldest operating fountain in Poland.
Gdańsk is home to the Church of the Virgin Mary (Bazylika Mariacka), the second largest in Europe (after Cologne Cathedral) and the largest brick church in Europe. Built in the 13th-16th centuries in the strict Gothic style.
Little-known gems of Poland
- Książ Castle: one of the largest and most beautiful castles in Poland, located in a picturesque park. The castle impresses with its architecture and legends about hidden treasures.
- Colored Lakes (Kolorowe Jeziorka): four lakes with unique different colors are a phenomenon that fascinates with bright shades of water due to the content of various minerals.
- Białowieża Forest (Puszcza Białowieska): is the largest remnant of a relict primeval lowland forest that grew in prehistoric times in Europe. Along with the wolf and the lynx, the largest population of free-ranging bison in the world lives here. Since 2010, Białowieża Forest has been included in the list of important ornithological areas of the IBA and is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Polish cuisine
Polish cuisine is a separate reason to visit this country. National Polish cuisine was formed under the influence of gastronomic traditions of different regions of the country, which have their own characteristic features.
Polish cuisine is nutritious and high-calorie, with a rich bright taste. It has a lot of meat, cereals, cabbage and potatoes, as well as various sauces and spices.
Be sure to try the top 3 most famous dishes:
- Pierogi – This is one of the most famous dishes in Poland, very similar to Ukrainian varenyky. Pierogi can be boiled or fried, stuffed with meat, vegetables, cheese, fruits and even chocolate. Pierogi are served with sour cream or just with butter.
- Żurek – one of the oldest soups in Polish cuisine. It is prepared with rye sourdough, and marjoram and garlic, boiled egg and sausage or fried bacon must also be present.
- Bigos – there are many options to prepare the dish, but the main ingredients are traditionally stewed cabbage, mushrooms, smoked meats, and spices. The ideal bigos should be slightly spicy, have a sweet and sour taste and the aroma of smoked meat.
Polish cuisine is a real gastronomic art that combines the traditions and taste preferences of many centuries. Each dish is a small journey into the past, where cooking became an important part of Polish culture.
Poland is a country that knows how to surprise. Whether you are passionate about history, nature or gastronomy, you will find unforgettable experiences here. Pack your bags and set off on an adventure, Poland is waiting for you!
