Things to see and do Poland

The Wieliczka-Bochnia rock salt deposit has been in existence since the 13th century. The extraction of "white gold", a block of salt worth several years of crops of a large estate, was one of the main sources of wealth of the Polish kings, allowing, among other things, the construction of the Jagiellonian University. A wooden staircase will lead you to a depth of 64 meters. Only the first three levels, located between 64 and 135 meters deep, can be visited. A section of about 3 kilometers allows you to walk through the different tunnels that connect the rooms. Sculptures, bas-reliefs, artificial salt lakes and shafts await the visitor. The unvisited part of the mine, entirely underground, is much larger and extends over 9 levels for a total of 300 kilometers of galleries, the deepest of which reaches 327 meters.

The visit allows to see underground lakes, galleries, and especially a chapel cut in the salt, that of the blessed Kinga (Kaplica Blogoslawionej Kingi), whose legend will be told to you. The galleries that can be visited were drilled by hand between the 17th and 19th centuries. During the visit you will pass through several thematic rooms: Nicholas Copernicus, the Dwarfs' Cave, legends and chapels decorated with hand-carved statues. The chapel of St. Kinga, patron saint of miners, is undoubtedly the highlight of the visit. Excavated between 1895 and 1927, this incredible underground cathedral of 54 meters long and 12 meters high is decorated with salt crystal chandeliers and numerous bas-reliefs and sculpted altars. The finesse of the sculptures is remarkable. This incredible work required the extraction of 20,000 tons of salt blocks. Its exceptional acoustics allow the organization of concerts. Renowned for its microclimate, the mine has a sanatorium to treat respiratory diseases, located at a depth of 211 meters.

In addition to the classic tour, there is also the "mining tour", a real expedition in which visitors, accompanied by a guide and dressed and equipped as miners, descend into the mine through the Regis shaft, the oldest of the existing shafts.

The visit is exhausting and you don't really enjoy it, squeezed between two groups in a small tunnel for 3 hours. For a truly authentic experience, go to mass in the main chapel every Sunday.

Located in the heart of the old city, the point of convergence of all the tourist arteries, this vast quadrilateral of 200 meters on each side is one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. Dating back to 1257, it is a rare example of a preserved medieval urban layout (if we exclude the many shanties, stores, cemeteries and other facilities that were jumbled together in the square and have since been destroyed). In the summer, an incredible crowd enjoys the numerous café terraces, which compete for the spotlight, and the street animations. In winter, life goes on and the crowds gather for its superb Christmas market or the various ceremonies that punctuate the city's calendar. 47 houses now frame the square, built in the 14th and 15th centuries, they were remodeled in the mid-19th century in a neoclassical style that ensures an architectural homogeneity to the whole. Most of the buildings that encircle the square have their own history. No. 6, "the gray house", housed the first elected king of Poland, Henry of Valois. No. 7, called the Montelupi Palace, became the first post office of Poland under King Sigismund. At No. 9 the Gothic Bonerowska Palace was the home of the painter Stanislas Wispański. At no. 20 the Potocki Palace with its loggia-lined courtyard is a model of classical Krakow architecture, as is the 16th-century Pod Baranami Palace at no. 27, which today houses a cultural center.

This museum occupies an important place in the Polish "ecosystem". Very modern, it has innovated in its presentation and is highly interactive, making it a model that all major museums today tend to follow as they renovate. It continues to create a sensation and is one of the city's most exciting museums. It tells the story of the 1944 uprising and the activities of the Polish underground state during the Second World War, which are often little-known in the West. Even if you're not keen on historical tours, you'll enjoy wandering through this eye-catching exhibition. The museum was opened in 2004 to mark the ^60th anniversary of the Warsaw Uprising, which began at 5 p.m. on August¹, 1944 and lasted 66 days. The museum is housed in the city's former tramway power station. A true place of national remembrance, dear to the Kaczyński brothers, this museum glorifies the national heroes who tried in vain to liberate their city from the Nazis. The museum is based on an interactive concept, whose patriotic and sentimental aspect may annoy you. However, a visit is a must if you want to understand how contemporary Poles relate to history, nation and religion.

Numerous multimedia documents are collected and arranged with dramatic music and the sound of tanks, in a nightmarish atmosphere that seeks to emotionally recreate the darkness of the period. Some of the panels are not classic museum objects, but rather places of worship, such as the list of the killed, before which Polish visitors come to meditate. If you're a history buff looking to understand the chronology of events, this museum will help. However, it can be easy to get lost in the details presented, as well as in the message the museum wants to deliver, so be sure to concentrate if your aim is to assimilate every detail of this historic event. In fact, if that's your goal, it's a good idea to read up on the insurrection before your visit. This will help you understand the museum's perspective. We recommend Debacle in the camp of the victors - Polish military action 1939-1945 by Wojciech Roszkowski; The Capital of Freedom by Andrzej Kunert, V - symbol of victory; Symbols, signs and patriotic manifestations of fighting Europe 1939-1945 by Tomasz Szarota.

The facts: In 1944, Polish underground authorities decided to launch an uprising in Warsaw against the German occupiers, known as the Warsaw Uprising. Following the uprising, a Polish state operated for 2 months in the capital. The ensuing struggles cost the lives of around 18,000 insurgents and 180,000 civilians. Around 80% of the capital's buildings were razed to the ground by the Germans, both during the uprising and in the subsequent campaign to destroy the city. For a long time, the Communist authorities denied the legitimacy of the uprising and the very existence of the Polish underground state. With democracy established in 1989, the Warsaw Uprising took its place in official memory. That's why one of the main aims of this museum is to promote information about the uprising and to recall its historical reality, long obscured by the Communists.

This magnificent red-brick wall was built in 1548, then dismantled in the 19th century before being rebuilt along with the old town after the Second World War. This complex surrounds almost half of the historic center. Walking west along the walls from the castle, a statue of a little boy dressed as a soldier, with an oversized German helmet (Pomnik Małego Powstańca z 1944 r.), pays tribute to the young insurgents.

A true symbol of the city, the Cloth Hall stands in the center of the Rynek. Built in the 14th century, it was destroyed by fire in 1555 and then remodeled during the Renaissance by the Italian Giovanni il Mosca. The building has since retained this appearance except for the neo-Gothic side arcades, added between 1875 and 1879. On the second floor there is the Gallery of Polish painting of the nineteenth century and a bar perfectly located to admire the view of the basilica.

Łazienki Park reveals itself as an oasis of tranquility in the heart of the capital. In summer, the park and botanical garden offer superb scenery. The park's key attractions include: the Palace on the Water, a jewel on an island in the middle of a lake and its adjoining Military School; the Myslewicki Palace, the king's summer residence; the Orangery; the Court Theater; the White House, a royal residence that recalls the exile of Louis XVIII; and the Belvedere Palace.

This building, built between the ^13th and ^16th centuries in Gothic style, shines in the middle of Wrocław's central square. The seat of the German bourgeoisie for centuries, it has been miraculously spared destruction. Small sculptures depicting the daily life of Breslau's bourgeoisie can be seen on its southern facade. Inside, you'll find the Museum of Bourgeois Art, whose rooms and artifacts have been wonderfully preserved; the highlight of the show is the sumptuous Knights' Hall. Access is from the west.

Symbolically located in the heart of the old Jewish quarter, the museum is comparable in size and historical and cultural importance to Yad Vashem in Jerusalem. Its inauguration, in October 2014, by the Polish and Israeli presidents, was a colossal event for Poland, which is thus reconnecting with an important page in its history: that tracing the links between Poles and Jews, from the Middle Ages to the tragedy of the Shoah. Designed by Finnish architect Rainer Mahlamaki, the building is one of Warsaw's finest. It features several symbolic elements, including a large breach evoking the passage of the Jews through the Red Sea. Its facade is covered with glass plates featuring Hebrew and Latin letters forming the word Polin, which in Hebrew means "Poland", but also "You will rest here" Persecuted throughout Europe in the Middle Ages, the Jews who arrived in these lands interpreted this word as a good omen, prompting them to settle here. From the ^16th to the end of the ^18th century, Poland was an exceptional haven of tolerance, welcoming up to 80% of the world's Jewish population. The permanent exhibition is extraordinarily rich. Covering an area of over 4,200^m2 and featuring an interactive approach, it tells the story of what was once the world's largest Jewish community, from the year 1000 to the present day, including its most dramatic aspects, such as the anti-Semitism of Polish society, the pogroms and the Shoah. Touch screens, films, reproductions, photographs, archive documents, testimonials and spectacular reconstructions, such as the polychrome dome of the Gwozdziec synagogue, make the chronological narrative dynamic, captivating and utterly moving. Organized into 8 sections, the tour retraces the settlement and flourishing of Jews in medieval Poland, thanks to legislation guaranteeing freedom of worship and autonomy. It then looks at Jewish life in the country from the 16th^{to the 18th} century, as well as the rise of anti-Semitism which, from 1772 to 1914, was amplified under Russian domination. We then discover the immense richness of Jewish culture in Warsaw at the beginning of the ^20th century, erased by the Nazis (who exterminated 3 million Polish Jews) and by the post-war Communist regime. The museum organizes temporary exhibitions, lectures and workshops, and boasts a superb restaurant.

Built between 1677 and 1679 for King Jan III, at the beginning as Italian style Country Villa. His name comes from Villa Nuova. Then many owners impose many changes on it. It remains one of the most beautiful buildings of Polish Baroque architecture and one of Poland's oldest museums. The interiors, where three large architectural styles coexist: Baroque, th century or th century, with splendid decorations, King and queen apartments and a superb collection of portraits.

This is the heart of the old town. The surrounding houses, rebuilt in their Baroque style, have superb facades that ensure the homogeneity of the square. These colorful houses contrast with the Communist architecture of the new town. The north side is considered the most beautiful part of the square, with its marble-framed houses, fittings and niches. Today, its center is occupied by the statue of the Mermaid, the symbol of Warsaw, erected in 1855.

The Rynek is spacious (it's the second largest in Poland after Krakow, at 173 m by 208 m) and elegant, and well worth several tours.

Some ^13th-century facades remain, and while others have been restored to their original appearance, you'll find the Church of St. Elisabeth, nicknamed Jaś i Małgosia (Hans and Gretel). On the Rynek you'll also see some of the bronze gnomes that nestle in the town. The tourist office has a brochure with a map to help you discover them all.

Located on Tumski Island, it stands on the site of the former Romanesque cathedral, built around the year 1000, destroyed by the Bohemian Bratoslav around 1035 and rebuilt in the ^12th century. The present ^13th-century building was badly damaged during the Second World War, but has since been superbly rebuilt. A typical Wroclaw feature, colorful Baroque chapels have been added to the Gothic body. You can climb to the top of the north tower and enjoy the beautiful panorama.

In the past, the port of Gdańsk was located along the Motława, at the foot of the town. The perpendicular streets leading to the port opened onto the river through fortified gates in the medieval enclosure. In the ^17th century, as maritime traffic increased, a long wooden quay was built to facilitate the transshipment of goods. By the ^19th century, the port had grown so much that it was permanently relocated to the Vistula River and its lateral canals. Today, this quay is the last vestige of the old port that made the city so rich, and is now a magnificent promenade on fine days, lined with beautiful houses with carved gables and doors that open onto perpendicular streets.

Leaving the Porte Verte, take the Long quai on the left. The first gate you come across is the Bread Gate (Brama Chlebnicka). Built in the ^15th century, it marks the entrance to Chlebnicka Street. Its coat of arms - two crosses without crowns - testifies to the town's attachment to the Teutonic Order at the time.

Turning onto Chlebnicka Street, the Schlieff House (Dom Schlieffów) stands at no. 12. This sublime ^16th-century house was dismantled in 1820 at the request of Prussian Emperor Wilhem III, and taken to Potsdam. It has since been rebuilt exactly as it was, and can still be admired today.

At no. 16, the English House (Dom Angielski) was the largest house on the street when it was built at the end of the ^16th century. It bears witness to the city's close trading links with England at the time. Returning to the quay, a little further on you'll find the Mariacka Gate (Brama Mariacka), which leads to the picturesque Mariacka Street.

Coming out onto the quay again, at no. 26, stands a house with a turret that once served as an observation post for ships and was later converted into an astronomical observatory. In 1845, it became the home of the Society of Naturalists (Dom Towarzystwa Przyrodniczego), frequented by the great scientist Humboldt, and since 1962 has housed the Archaeological Museum.

Next up are the Great Crane Gate (Brama Żuraw), the Holy Spirit Gates(Św. Ducha),Świętojańska(Brama Świętojańska) and Straganiarska(Brama Straganiarska). The latter three, built in the ^15th century, open onto the streets of the same names. Afterwards, we reach the Old Fish Market Square (Targ Rybny) and the Swan Belfry (Baszta Łabędź), a vestige of the vanished medieval wall.

The "Wolf's Den" (Wilczy Szaniec) in Gierłoż, Poland, is a historic site that was Adolf Hitler's main headquarters during the Second World War. Located in the woods near the hamlet of Forst Görlitz, it attracts many tourists drawn by its history and gloomy atmosphere. The site boasts 80 structures, including 50 bunkers, all well camouflaged and surrounded by barbed wire and mines. In 1945, the Germans blew up the fortress before withdrawing, leaving behind only ruins accessible to the public. The headquarters included a power station, railway station, airport, casino and cinema. Guided tours are available for visitors wishing to learn more about the history of this iconic site.

East of the city centre, with a very large botanical garden and a zoo.

Located north of the city center and truly impossible to miss, lies Łodź's largest forest, which is also one of Europe's largest urban parks! If you're staying in Łódź, you really must make an excursion here. The forest here is beautiful and calm, far from the industrial bustle of its city, and is home to a superb ^18th-century Franciscan Baroque convent, with a famous depiction of St. Anthony. You can get there easily by public transport from the city center, as well as by VTC or car if you're motorized.

Throughout the year, crowds of pilgrims flock to the entrance of the house where Karol Wojtiła lived with his family. The house is located on the rynek and the main entrance, right next to the statue made in his honor. His birthplace unveils a state-of-the-art, four-story exhibition tracing Wojtiła's life and work in Poland until his departure in 1978. On display are photos, documents, personal items as well as clothing worn during his pontificate.

Located in Parc Wilson, on the other side of the station, this giant greenhouse, comprising 8 pavilions covering some 3,700 m², has been housing an exceptional collection of tropical plants since the early ^19th century, one of the largest in Europe (17,000 different species). A large aquarium, founded in 1922 (Poland's first public aquarium), has also been installed. It still boasts 37 tanks with 170 species of fish from all over the world and 40 species of aquatic plants. Last but not least, you'll find a friendly café, with a tropical atmosphere that's much appreciated in winter.

The earliest records of the church date back to the ^14th century. The present building, built in the ^16th century in Gothic architectural style, was a monastery for penitent women. It was completely destroyed during the war and had to wait until 1973 to be rebuilt. In 1980, striking workers took refuge in the church, which was used as a backdrop for demonstrations broadcast by TV stations around the world, and became one of the centers of the Solidarność trade union. It can be visited subject to payment of an entrance fee of 5 zł.

Slightly to the west of the Rynek, this superb square has been faithfully rebuilt, with red and blue Baroque facades. Formerly the town's salt market square, it now houses a 24-hour flower market. The square was built in the ^13th century and, until 1827, was known as the "Polish Market". The name was changed to Blücherplatz in the ^19th century, when a monument to Field Marshal von Blücher was erected on the square. Beneath the square, a large WWII bunker houses a cinema theme park.

Its classical frontal architecture and stucco facade are the signature of the Jesuits who founded it. In keeping with their credo, the interior is absolutely grandiose and contrasts with the façade: it is one of the most beautiful Baroque churches in Central Europe, made of pomp, marble, swirling woodwork and missionary frescoes. It was built at the end of the ^16th century as a university church on the site of the former Piast castle.

Located to the north of the Rynek, this superb ^18th-century Baroque university is well worth a visit, with its fantastic exterior and wooden and wrought-iron portals. It was founded in 1702 by the Austrian Emperor Leopold II. German until 1945, it trained many Nobel Prize winners, including the physician Alois Alzheimer, who discovered the disease. After the war, the entire University of Lwów was relocated to replace the academics in Breslau.

Founded in 1865, it is the largest zoological garden in Poland in terms of the number of animal species present, indeed one of the largest in Europe. Do not miss the magnificent neon sign, a legacy of communist Poland. The zoo has recently been enriched by a new space called Afrykarium, a unique oceanarium presenting different ecosystems related to the water environment in Africa. Coral reefs from the Red Sea, hippos, freshwater fish from lakes Malawi and Tanganyika, rays, sharks, crocodiles and manatees.

This square is located on the other side of St. Barbara's Church and behind the Church of Our Lady. Although it is close to the main square, it is surprisingly quiet here. In the past, it was used for the trade of products that did not "smell good", mainly meat and fish. The construction of the tramway lines in 1902 marked the end of its commercial vocation. It was here that the Merkuriusz Polski, the oldest Polish newspaper, began to be printed in 1661.

Some 30 km west of Warsaw stretches a large forest, Poland's largest national park, surprisingly close to the capital (it starts directly after the suburbs). It is a popular place to hike from the Varsoviens to the beautiful season. Rich in fauna and flora typical of the forests of north-eastern Europe (elk, lynx, wild boar, conifers and marshy plants), it was a humid environment that was once covered by the Vistula waters. A beautiful ecosystem easily accessible from Warsaw.

Leszno, and Kampinos 12 km north, are located in the park. One can, for example, randonner from one village to another. There are several other proposed and marked circuits. The centre of the park is located in Granica, 5 km north of Kampinos, with a museum on the fauna and flora of the park. So, if you have good legs and if you get up early, take a complete route from Leszno, go to Kampinos, take a detour to Granica and take the bus back to Kampinos.

You can reach the villages of Kampinos or Leszno by bus from Warsaw station Zachodnia (west), frequent until the end of the day in both directions. Check back times before you leave, although you can return by taxi to the capital. The two villages are on the road to Baptized Wola, if you are motorized, you can easily combine the two excursions.

On a surface of 186 km ², this natural park is the largest in Pomerania. It extends from Łeba to more than 30 km west along the sea coast. Created in 1967, the park has been inscribed in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve List since 1977. It contains, in addition to a few small villages, coastal dunes, forests, lakes, lanterns and peatlands. One quarter of its area is occupied by forests, one quarter by a set of four lakes, including Łebsko and Gardno lakes. Łebsko Lake, the largest in Pomerania (70 km ²), houses over 250 species of birds, migratory or non-migratory, posing as a true ornithological paradise. The most impressive part of the park is its sand dunes.

In Łeba you can get a detailed map that allows you to visit the park, whose entrance is located in Rąbka, 2-3 km outside Łeba. The park can be traveled by bike (on time), by bus (single or round trip) or by foot. In Rowy you can also rent kayaks (++48 607 512 740, 10 zper per hour). In summer, boats turn around Łebsko Lake (++48 +48 59 86 19 12, www.lebskiserwisturystyczny.pl, 14 zl). From the main road to the dunes, paths allow you to reach the beach. It is possible to swim. Think of your swimsuits before entering the park to enjoy some of the most beautiful beaches in the country.

The Park Centre maintains the forest and organizes events related to the park. It also provides documentation on possible routes. Located in Izabelin, you will have little chance of going there if you go to Leszno and Kampinos and his visit is not so necessary to go to the forest. 

This agency organizes thematic excursions in French and in most European languages throughout the city, according to the client's wishes. Its main activity remains the logistical organization of transfers and transportation: whether you want to go from the airport to the city, visit the salt mine or Auschwitz, go to Zakopane, this agency takes care of the reservation of accommodation, train and bus tickets, etc. The team is very professional and is available by phone 7 days a week and 24 hours a day.

Considered to be the most beautiful of the region. In the summer, animations are offered, such as concerts (classical music or popular songs), in the open air or in the pijalnia, beautiful building housing the fountains from which the right waters flow in the iron of Kudowa.

Located north of the Rynek, this permanent exhibition shows the works by Zdzisław Beksinski, a contemporary painter, native of Rite, truly worthy of attention. It is the largest collection in the world of works by Beksiński.

Built at the end of the 19th century, this park has a lake, the sculpture of gladiator P. Weloński and the monument of Ignacy Jan Paderewski, a pianist and nationalist composer who contributed to the construction of the Polish independent State of inter-war period.

Located next to the National Museum, in the same building, this museum traces the history of the Polish army from its origins to the Second World War, with a display of uniforms and weapons. In the garden, you'll find an impressive collection of heavy equipment: tanks, armored vehicles and even aircraft, all in a state of near-abandonment. It's an opportunity to discover life-size war vehicles. Admission to the open-air exhibition is free.

Just before Stary Rynek from Piotrkowska, this garden was created in 1953. In the park, a monument to the Decalogue commemorates the coexistence of two peoples, Poles and Jews.

To the south of the city (access to buses No. 50 and No. 68) with a pond and a hill from where you memises the view over the whole city of Łodź.

This beautiful seventeenth-century palace owes its name to the fourteenth-century statue of St. Christopher that adorned its façade. It is the seat of the Historical Museum of the City of Krakow, which includes documents and memorabilia related to the history of the city, a collection of paintings by Krakow artists, as well as old clocks and armor. Its main attraction is its collection of szopkis, the famous Christmas cribs which are the subject of a competition every December, the winner of which joins the ranks of those exhibited here.

The heart of Kazimierz used to be called "Jewish Square". At its center stands a circular hall built in 1900 for the ritual kosher slaughter of poultry. Today, the hall houses a multitude of kiosks selling the famous zapiekanki. Lined with a multitude of bars, cafés and restaurants, in the evening the square becomes the center of the nightlife. On Saturday and Sunday mornings, there's a small flea market that mixes trinkets and artifacts from the Second World War. Public toilets are located on the corner of Rue Estery.

Founded in the early 17th century by Mikołaj Zebrzydowski, this complex consists of a shrine and a Calvary whose location on the hills and structure were meant to recall Jerusalem. The paths of the Way of the Cross are lined with about forty chapels, most of which date from the first half of the seventeenth century, and evoke Golgotha. These monuments are set in a beautiful natural setting that has remained almost unchanged since the 17th century.

The interiors are superb, and mainly the auditorium (sala rycerska), which covers a surface of 450 m ².

The history of this beautiful ten-hectare park is closely linked to the Cistercian presence in Oliwa. It was the last Cistercian abbot of Oliwa, Jacek Rybiński (1701-1782), who commissioned Kazimierz Dębinski to design formal gardens, which even today occupy the southwestern part of the park, while to the north lie the English gardens. With its paths, rivers, grottoes and waterfalls it provides an enchanting setting for a picnic or a brief nature getaway on a sunny day.

The building was constructed in the ^17th century by Antoni Van Obberghen in pure Flemish style. The facade decorations were designed by Wilhelm Van Der Meer and Abraham Van Der Block. Decorative elements include the Gdańsk coat of arms and a statue of the Roman goddess Minerva.

The large arsenal was used for its intended purpose until the ^19th century. The building was almost destroyed during the bombing of Gdańsk in 1945. Rebuilt in 1965 in supposed ^17th-century forms, it now houses the Academy of Fine Arts.

This magnificent Baroque complex painted in bright red impresses and is sublime in summer when the golden sun hits its wide windows. Today, it houses the Ossolineum Library, an impressive collection of manuscripts and documents that is virtually sacred in terms of Polish cultural history. The collection, assembled from 1817 onwards by the great philosopher Józef Maksymilian Ossoliński, curator of the Imperial Library in Vienna, precursor of Slavic studies and a great name in Polish Enlightenment.

This tourist information center is ideal for finding all the tourist information you need for your stay, as well as information on the activities on offer in the area. Brochures and maps are available from the office. And there are plenty of them, both in summer and winter, given the superb natural setting in which the Carpathian town lies. In short, a must when you arrive in Krynica-Zdrój!

You can take the funicular to the top of Góra Parkowa (741 m), from where you have a superb view of the whole region, including the Beskid Mountains and the Tatras. It is possible to walk back down to the town. At the top, there are cafés with terraces, also at high prices. Of course, don't forget to bring your wool, sunglasses and sun cream, in summer as well as in winter!

Located in a neo-Gothic water reservoir dating from 1893, this new multimedia museum is dedicated to water. Divided into eight thematic sections, the subject matter sounds boring, but its state-of-the-art museography is enough to entice and make it one of the city's great attractions. The visit begins with a film projected on a circular screen that takes you from the Big Bang to the formation of the planets and the origin of water on Earth. Very informative and absolutely impressive, this museum is worth a visit.

To get there, take streetcar no. 3 from the "Rynek" stop.

Located just across the Tumski Bridge, which overlooks the University Island on the Oder River, this church welcomes you on your way to the cathedral. Although it is visible, you will not immediately find the entrance to this small, beautiful but very soberly decorated church, dating from the 15th century. In fact, you have to pass by the building located just nearby, the Orphanotrophaeum, a former orphanage for children of the nobility, built in the early 18th century.

This university was the third to be founded in the Lithuanian-Polish Commonwealth. Inaugurated on March 15, 1595, it quickly became the most prestigious and sought-after university in the country, surpassing even the University of Krakow. Its activity was supported by that of its publishing house, a system that was very rare at the time. However, its decline accompanied that of the city and the university was closed by the Austrians in 1784. It then housed secondary schools, until today. Unfortunately, it has lost its beautiful decorations and arcades.

Very well documented tourist office, pleasant welcome. Guided tours also available. Bicycle rental. You can buy the Zamość tourist card(Zamojska Karta Turysty). Valid for three days from the day of purchase, it gives free access to various tours, as well as discounts in restaurants, hotels and stores. It is normally on sale from the end of April to the end of October and can be used during this period. It costs 80 zł.

Above the castle, a small mountain continues its ascent to the sky. As a reward, it has been planted with three crosses in honor of the population of Kazimierz Dolny, decimated by the plague in 1708. This is the highest point in the city, and from here the view that stretches across the Polish countryside and the small town below is most impressive. A very good spot to watch the sun gently set over the roofs.

This square takes its unusual name from a water reservoir called Zalewa wielka , which was used to prevent access to the fortress from the south side. Originally, the square had a square shape and was bisected by Moranda Street and surrounded by the houses of the city's rich merchants. Today, the square is occupied by a picturesque garden with a fountain in the middle, which is very popular on hot days in the Polish East. The beautiful mansions around it date from the end of the 19th century.

This impressive structure was built in the second half of the ^14th century under the orders of the Teutonic Grand Master Winrich von Kniprode, as part of the city's new defense system. In 1838, a fire destroyed the roof, which was subsequently rebuilt with a new structure including a clock tower. Completely destroyed by fire and riddled with bullet holes at the end of the Second World War, the gate was finally rebuilt in the mid-1960s in its present glorious form. A monument worth discovering!