Warsaw, Europe’s unique capital Explained

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We all heard about Warsaw, Poland, but how much do we know about it?

This city is like a deeply rooted tree that had to fight against axes and thunderstorms and every time It could win and grow strongly.

Let’s get to know this wonderful city.

Recent history of Warsaw

Poland has a strategic location in Europe, a bridge between eastern and western European nations. For this reason, this country has been subjected to wars within its borders a few times and the most recent ones are WWII and becoming a USSR state.

During WWII, Poland was occupied by Nazi Germany and Warsaw was one of the main altars for slaughtering Jews. About 400,000 Polish Jews were killed and only a small percentage survived.

During the war, Warsaw got ruined both physically and mentally. Nazis closed the universities and the students had to attend underground universities. more than 3000 students graduated from home to home universities during the war.

There’s a very interesting movie called “Schindler’s list” which is about Polish Jews during the war. If you haven’t watched the movie, close this tab and start it right away!

Communist Soviet Union made Poland a satellite member before allowing them to recover themselves from their previous war. They didn’t help the country to rise as a nation either.

Now, there are some museums dedicated to these two events in the city’s history such as POLIN which is about the Jew citizens during the Nazi occupation or MZPRL that’s about life under Communism.

Warsaw Old Town

This part of the city is home to buildings and alleys which were built during Medieval. WWII destroyed most buildings but they could manage to rebuild them exactly as they were before, even the colors.

There are also a lot of monuments to see.

The whole Old Town became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980.

Thriving economy of Warsaw

Although Warsaw was subjected to mass destruction in recent history, the citizens didn’t use it as an excuse to do nothing. They rebuild the whole city and soon their economy boomed.

The city is home to several luxury shopping malls with creative designs as well as modern high-rises.

What to do in Warsaw

Museums

There are remarkable museums in Warsaw, reflecting its history and society.

Besides the war-related museums, there are some other ones like the Neon Museum and the Museum of Modern Art.

Palaces and Churches

Poland used to be a monarchy, like most other European nations and they left some gorgeous buildings behind. some of them got damaged during WWII but they repaired them just like the original ones.

They are mostly located in the Old Town like Royal castle at the southern entrance to the old town.

Łazienki Palace is so cool to visit too. It has a breathtaking view and lots of old beautiful paintings on its walls.

Wilanów Palace is the only castle that did not even get scratched during the war. It was a summer escape for King Jan III Sobieski towards the end of the 17th century.

St Anne’s Church is one of the oldest landmarks in Warsaw. It has spectacular architecture inside and you can have a good view of the old town through its bell tower. you got to climb up 147 stairs but the view is well worth it. It’s called Taras Widokowy, right beside the church.

Old town Market place

Right in the center of the Old town, there’s a square that has a mermaid monument in the middle of the fountain which means a lot to people in Warsaw because it’s been there for several decades, protecting the city.

You can sit at one of the restaurants’ tables in the square and enjoy watching people while having your lunch.

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