Warsaw

The Castle Square owes its name to the Royal Castle located there — the seat of former Polish rulers. The centre of the Square is occupied by one of the city’s most important monuments, the Column of King Sigismund III Vasa. It was erected on the initiative of King Władysław IV in honour of his father, who moved the capital of Poland from Krakow to Warsaw. The Column is an excellent point of departure for a stroll down the Royal Route and a favourite meeting place for local residents.

Nature lovers should definitely visit this place. There are some 10,000 plant species growing here. A walk down the aisles of blooming lilacs, the enchanting magnolias, or the rose garden is a great idea of how to rest from the hustle and the bustle of the city.

The vast park surrounding the summer residence of the last Polish king, Stanisław August Poniatowski, is where Varsovians like to go for longer walks. The park is home to a winter garden, an amphitheatre, and even a Chinese garden. The biggest attraction, however, are the park’s permanent residents: the squirrels and peacocks. Another site worth seeing is the classicist Palace on the isle, with its enchanting interior design and gallery of paintings. The park is famous for its Chopin concerts, which take place from mid-May to the end of September every Sunday at noon and 4 pm. Come lounge on the grass and enjoy the music.

Wilanów Palace is a true pearl of Baroque architecture in Warsaw. Learn about King Jan III Sobieski, who successfully fended off the Turks in the battle of Vienna and who lived in Wilanów with his beloved Marysieńka. Take a walk in the park and tour the palace interiors; see the portrait gallery and listen to stories of great romances. The building and the park have both kept their original form, despite the partition, war, and occupation. Wilanów Palace is a must-see when visiting Warsaw. In the wintertime, the venue, illuminated with thousands of lamps, transforms into the Royal Garden of Lights.