Sightseeing in Warsaw - what to see. Complete travel guide

Warsaw is a city with long history and difficult destiny. After World War I around 85% of the city’s buildings were destroyed and all power was thrown into the development of the old city and its historical sites. The majority of sculptures, monuments and buildings were restored almost from nothing, making Warsaw even more miraculous and unique. The city is known as a cultural center of the country. There are 25 theatres, 43 museums and a philharmonic in the city. In order not to get lost in wide choice of sights, we should mention several main destinations that should be definitely included into a cultural program of any travellers who wants to know more about this wonderful city.

Old and new parts of the city are divided by a grandiose stone wall named Barbakan. The wall was built in the 14th century and it protected the center of Warsaw until the 18th century. The center of the old city is usually defined by Plac Zamkowy. On this square is installed the monument of Sigismund III – one of the oldest statues in Warsaw. Church of the Holy Cross is known as the most famous religious sight of the city. The church was built in the middle of the 16th century instead of a small wooden chapel that has stood there earlier.

One of the most beautiful city’s parks is named Lazienki Park and it’s located nearby the city’s center. When you decide to walk in this park, don’t forget to visit the Lazienki Palace or the Palace on the Water – one of the biggest cultural facilities of the city. In the palace guests will find magnificent greenhouses, an amphitheater, and several trading pavilions. The center of the modern culture – the Market Square – is the best place to see musicians and painters, see interesting shops and dine in one of the traditional restaurants of Warsaw. Among exhibition halls the biggest attention traditionally get Zacheta National Gallery, Art Gallery, and the Center of Modern Art. Travellers also like the Historical Museum, the Warsaw Archbishop Museum and the Royal Palace. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

The most beautiful architectural attraction is the Wilanów Palace, which was built in the 17th century for King Jan Sobieski and his wife. This luxurious Palace in the Baroque style impresses with its grandeur and elegance. Golden and scarlet color paint was used while finishing its facade, and the turrets of the Palace were painted in bright turquoise color. Already in the 19th century, the first museum of art in the city was opened on the territory of a huge palace, but during the war it was completely looted. Part of the masterpieces of the Museum was returned and today all visitors of Warsaw can admire them.

In the variety of religious attractions, it is worth noting the St. Anne’s Church. It has an incredibly beautiful design and the walls of this Cathedral house many unique religious relics and antiquities. Among which are stylish chandeliers, vintage icons, elements of decoration of gold and rare marble. This Church is considered one of the most beautiful in the city. Its bell tower today, is equipped with a great observation deck which offers panoramic views of the historic district of Warsaw.

Among the cultural centers of the city, the science Museum Copernicus especially stands out. It is aimed at children of different ages. In this interactive Museum, visitors can conduct interesting experiments and learn a lot of new and interesting things about the world around them. The opening of this scientific Museum was held in 2010. For the first two years of operation, it was visited by over two million people. Today, Copernicus is considered to be one of the most advanced and beautiful science museums in Europe. It offers its visitors halls of variety of subjects.

Fans of exciting excursions should definitely visit the Museum of Hunting and Riding. It is a complex of two historical buildings, which once housed barracks. Today, this amazing Museum is considered one of the most beautiful in Warsaw. Among its priceless artifacts are hunting trophies and antique weapons, as well as various devices used by hunters and riders. A very unusual component of the exhibition is a collection of antique carriages and wagons, and in the Museum, you can see ancient gold-plated horns that hunters used to attract animals. Preserved architecture of old buildings gives the museum a special charm.