Probably no other European city experienced so many ups and downs, as Warsaw did during last 400 years. A proud capital of the biggest Central-European country changed into a provincial town on the border of Russian Empire, only to re-gain its independence then be annihilated by German Nazi’s. Warsaw raised from the ashes, persevered under the communist regime for half a century, and finally became again a vibrant capital of free Poland. The turbulent history of the city can be seen in its very structure, where palaces and churches mingle together with blocks and communist era buildings.
During the tour, you will be taken back in time and told a story starting from modern Warsaw to the city’s origins. You will begin with a visit to downtown where skyscrapers dominate the horizon. Among these business towers you will find a highest building in Poland – Palace of Culture, called a ‘gift of Stalin”, constructed only to prove a soviet domination. Palace of Culture remains one of the best examples of ‘socrealism’ architecture designed to spread communist propaganda. With the fall of the Soviet Union this controversial building lost its threatening factor and became a symbol of Warsaw complex history.
Walking north-east, pass through former Jewish district, where the only survived synagogue can be found. Before the II World War Jews accounted for 30% of the city’s population but almost whole community vanished because of the holocaust. You will hear about the vast Jewish heritage in Warsaw and the revival of Jewish culture in the city during recent years with Festival of Jewish Culture in Warsaw – “Singer’s Warsaw” and multiple events.
Continue walking along Krakowskie Przedmieście known as the most elegant Warsaw street with its beautiful palaces and churches. Finish the tour in the Old Town, where it all began. The Royal Castle, market square, Warsaw cathedral, and the medieval city walls will all await you there. Warsaw Old Town owes its revival to the devoted inhabitants that largely rebuilt this historic place with their bare hands. Great enthusiasm of the people of Warsaw and this very accurate reconstruction are appreciated globally and was included on UNESCO World Heritage List.
– Explore Warsaw’s historic old town which includes the Royal Castle, Market Square and baroque palaces
– See relicts from the former Ghetto area with only one survived synagogue
– Cast your eyes over the Palace of Culture – a great example of communist architecture
– Traverse the city’s business district with skyscrapers designed by world famous architects
Polski
