Poland ranks ninth among European countries in terms of its size. There are mountains and forests, sea and picturesque lakes, castles and palaces, health centres and sanatoriums. In short, there are more than enough opportunities for recreation and tourism. Today we want to tell you about ten interesting places and sights of this amazing country, which everyone who lives in Poland should see.
Wroclaw
A flower on the water, the pearl of Europe, the Venice of Poland, the city of singing water - there are many poetic epithets to describe this place. Who else but you and me, the inhabitants of this city, to tell about the beauty of Wrocław. It is the fourth largest and one of the oldest cities in Poland. Wroclaw is located on 12 islands connected by bridges. By the way, this city is called the greenest and most environmentally friendly in Poland. The main tourist feature of this place is the small sculptures of gnomes located in the streets of the city.
Krakow
It is the ancient capital of Poland and one of the most attractive and interesting cities in Europe. According to some reports, Krakow is home to the charam, one of the seven magic stones with mysterious energy. But the main magic of the city lies in its stunning architecture. In 1978, Krakow's Old Town was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. But the most beautiful monument of the city is the residence of Polish kings and bishops, Wawel Castle, located on a hill above the Vistula River.
Salt mines in Wieliczka
The intrepid salt miners were not only workers but also artists. They turned the underground mines left behind into unique temples with salt sculptures, grottoes and chapels. The main mine is located on nine levels and its depth reaches 327 metres. The Wieliczka mines are called the first wonder of Poland. In the same year, 1978, they were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Malbork Castle
The pinnacle of medieval German architecture and engineering, the capital of the Crusaders, the fortress city of Malbork has been impressing everyone who has visited this impregnable citadel for over 700 years. This castle became the heart of the Teutonic Order. Knights in white cloaks with a black cross kept the Slavic peoples at bay for centuries and created their own state here. It was one of the powerful states on the map of medieval Europe. Everyone from the Pope to the Byzantine Emperor reckoned with its interests. Of course, it is also worth visiting because it is the largest castle in Europe.
The Black Madonna of Czestochowa and the Jasnohorskie Monastery
The monastery in Czestochowa is the spiritual capital of Poland and the centre of the cult of the Virgin Mary. The miraculous icon of the Mother of God kept here attracts millions of pilgrims travelling hundreds of kilometres every year.
Tatras
The Tatras cover an area of about 750 square kilometres and are the highest part of the Carpathians. The mountains are known for their picturesque slopes, peaks and valleys. Lakes and waterfalls, located mainly in the High Tatras, endow these places with a special magic. The largest lake in the Tatras is the Sea Eye and the deepest lake is the Big Lake. These mountains are sheltered by larch and pine forests, which are home to wolves, lynxes, bears and deer. In spring, the valleys are covered with a purple carpet of crocuses.
Masurian Lakes
It is a large group of lakes spread across the north-east of the country.
A quarter of Poland's water resources are concentrated here, and it is here that the largest lake in the country, Snyardwy, resembling a sea, is located.
Monastery in Kalwaria Zebrzydowska
It is an outstanding spiritual sanctuary, created in the early 17th century and representing a complex of prayer places symbolising the events of the life of Jesus and the Mother of God. The monastery complex was built by the Krakow voivode Nicholas Ziebrzydowski, inspired by the landscapes of Jerusalem. About 40 chapels were built on the territory, which covers more than 300 hectares. The structure of the complex fully corresponds to the structure of Jerusalem in the pre-Christian period.
Trehradie or Gdańsk, Sopot and Gdynia
Whether you are going to the Baltic Sea or just decided to go travelling around the country, in any case find time to visit the place, the name of the resort in Russian sounds so fabulous - Trekhgorie.
These three cities, which appeared in different eras and for different reasons, have grown over time and practically merged into one, retaining their atmosphere and charm. This mysterious Tri-City appeared on the Polish map in the 20th century - history-breathing Gdansk, charming resort Sopot and industrial Gdynia.
Toruń
"Touch the Gothic" or "Feel the Gothic with your hands" - this is how the main tourist slogan of modern Toruń can be translated into Russian. This city, like a grandmother's chest, is rich in all sorts of values and sights. By the way, it is in this city that one of the most prominent medieval scientists, Nicolaus Copernicus, was born. But this is not the only thing Torun is famous for. The city is also proud of its gingerbread, which entered the European market in medieval times.
You will learn even more interesting things on Polish language courses at our Litera Centre. For more information, please call +48 883 773 773
*based on materials of the leisure publication "Poland"
