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Warsaw Poland

INTRODUCTION

Located on the Vistula River near the Baltic Sea coast and the Carpathian Mountains, Warsaw is home to many industries, such as manufacturing, steel, electrical engineering, and automotive.

HISTORY

During the end of the 13th century, a settlement was established by the royal castle of the Mazovian Dukes on an embankment of the Vistula River. Its name was Warsaw. This city became the capital of Mazovia in 1413. In 1569 the Sejm of Lublin Union brought Poland and Lithuania under one rule under the name of Republic of Two Nations and made Warsaw its capital. From 1764 to 1772 the city experienced its second "golden age". The city became a growing modern urban city, developing into the unquestionable center of political, economic, commercial and industrial life of the country and the capital of Polish Enlightenment.

This was not to last. 1795 saw Poland splintered and its land divided between the governments of Russia, Prussia and Austria. Warsaw fell to the Prussians and the town was relegated to the status of a provincial centre. After the Vienna Congress in 1815, Warsaw became the capital of the Polish Kingdom, a quasi-state politically dependent on Russia, but managing to keep considerable autonomy for some years to come. Poland regained its independence in 1918, and Warsaw became the capital of the Second Republic.

After World War II, from 1945 to 1989, Poland lived in socialism under the influence of the USSR. In 1981 the beginning of the Solidarity Movement developed, which contributed to the fall of communism. Poland had free, democratic elections in 1989, which marked the end of the communist regime. Poland, and in turn Warsaw, was once again free.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Tour the city in style with the Warsaw Tourist Card. The card offers you discounts or free passes to various museums, art galleries, accommodations, physical recreation facilities (swimming, skiing, squash, tennis, etc.) sightseeing tours within Warsaw and the area, restaurants, shops and car rentals. You also receive a public transport ticket to make commuting between the sites easier. 24-hour and three-day cards are available, and you are required to sign the card and state the length of validity. For more information contact Warsaw Tourist Information Offices.

ATTRACTIONS

Old Town?

Royal Castle?

King Sigismund III Column?

St Jonh's Cathedral?

Łazienki Par?

RESTAURANTS

99 - The restaurant features a modern Californian theme and the "best foccacia in Warsaw". The wine list is extensive, featuring some real classics. Dine on delicious starters, salads, pastas and their specialty, grilled dishes.

Bagatela - This is a stylish basement restaurant club that serves Mediterranean/Polish food. Since it is rather new, you don't have to wait for a table and can drop in for a bite and be served immediately. Choose from salads, soups, sandwiches, pastas and meat dishes, all reasonably priced. Set lunches available every day from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. offering a two course meal for 25zl (eg tomato soup and roast beef).

Cafe Rhytm Club - This trendy cafe consists of two levels, with the ground floor decorated with contemporary art and old long-playing records, which are also used as place mats. Downstairs is another magical room full of 1920s Polish memorabilia, from old photos to menus to kitchen utensils. There is a excellent selection of salads and sandwiches, along with some more traditional Polish dishes such as borscht and pierogi.

LODGING

Radisson Sas Centrum Hotel Warsaw - A newly built five-star hotel in the middle of the city, residents can easily walk to the business, administration and shopping areas of downtown Warsaw. The luxurious rooms are designed in Italian, Maritime and Scandinavian styles including Business Class rooms, suites and accessible rooms.

Babka Tower Suites - Located in downtown Warsaw, Babka Tower Suites provides bicycle trails, heated indoor pools, fitness and aerobic rooms. The top floors affords the visitor an excellent view of the Warsaw panorama. Across the street is the Poland Arkadia Shopping and Recreation Center with over 220 shops, 20 malls, 19 restaurants, 15 cinemas and more.

Hotel Felix - This inexpensive hotel is located in the quiet and green neighborhood of the Praga Poludnie District. Guests can use a wide range of additional services including catering, conference rooms, a pub, a beer garden in the summer season, a sauna, a hairdresser, billiards, safes and enclosed parking. The in-house restaurant offers traditional Polish cuisine in old Polish style. Handicapped-accessible rooms are also available.