Things to see and do Poland

St. Lawrence Church, located in the heart of Malbork Castle, is a ^14th-century Gothic masterpiece. With its soaring vaults, detailed carvings and magnificent stained glass windows, it bears witness to the grandeur of the Teutonic Order. Once the spiritual center of the fortress, it continues to attract visitors from all over the world with its history and majestic beauty. Its interior is adorned with detailed sculptures, religious frescoes and richly decorated altars, testifying to the skills of the craftsmen of the time.

Built between 1824-1833 and in 1859, the salt works and the graduation building in Ciechocinek, used to drain the water from the salt works, constitute an admirable architectural ensemble. The buildings are arranged in a horseshoe shape, based on 7,000 wooden panels wedged into the ground over a total length of 1,741.5 meters. During the salt production process, healing particles naturally diffuse into the surrounding area, which is known for its remarkable microclimate, rich in iodine and bromine, allowing for natural inhalation.

Built in 1325, this Gothic castle faces Czorsztyn Castle. The interiors are of little interest, but from the upper terrace there's a superb view of the Pieniny National Park, the man-made lake and its dam, and the ruins of Czorsztyn Castle. At the entrance to Niedzica Castle, a sign warns of the danger of ghosts... This medieval castle was used as a set for the filming of The Witcher series.

The Collegiate Basilica in Poznan is dedicated to Our Lady of Perpetual Help, St. Mary Magdalene and Bishop Stanislaus of Szczepanów. Built between 1649 and 1705, it forms part of a gigantic religious complex in the flamboyant Baroque style. The monumental exterior of the building, 55 m long, 35 m wide and 27 m high, is fully decorated. In summer, daily organ concerts are held here.

This beautiful church in the characteristic Gdańsk style was built towards the end of the 17th century over a few years (more precisely from 1678 to 1681) on the initiative of King Jan III Sobieski and Primate Andrzej Olszowski. It was commissioned to provide a new place of worship for Catholics after the loss of Our Lady, granted to the city's Protestants. As a result, it is also the only Baroque church in Gdańsk, but unfortunately it can no longer be visited and can only be seen at the time of masses and other religious episodes.

Originally built in the ^13th century, it was first remodeled in the late ^14th century in a two-storey Gothic style, with an inner courtyard. In the early ^17th century, it was rebuilt in a Dutch Mannerist style. Since 1958, it has housed the Regional Museum(Muzeum Okręgowe), where you'll find mainly Polish paintings from the ^18th, ^19th and ^20th centuries, as well as objects of art and everyday life from Toruń in the Middle Ages. Once you've enjoyed the museum, be sure to visit the tower.

Erected in the middle of the city, this skansen takes the form of a small rural village that gives a glimpse of the traditional countryside architecture in the Toruń region in past centuries. There are farms, forges, beehives, water and windmills, as well as objects and utensils of everyday life. In the summer, extras in traditional costume bring the past to life a little more. To add to the immersion, a bastion of the 19th century fortifications and a Prussian arsenal from 1824 guard the entrance.

This beautiful church built at the end of the 16th century, under the direction of Bernardo Morando, has a splendid interior. It is considered one of the most beautiful religious monuments of the Renaissance in Poland. Its vaulting is typical of Polish mannerism.

The monumental silver tabernacle is in rococo style. In the choir, there are four paintings depicting the life of St. Thomas, the patron saint of the city. From the top of the bell tower, there is a beautiful view of the city.

This imposing building, whose construction began at the end of the 16th century on a project by Bernardo Morando, was the residence of Jan Zamoyski, his family and his successors. Unfortunately, it was rebuilt in the 19th century by the Russians, who installed a military hospital there, and lost its delicate Renaissance splendor, leaving only its imposing silhouette. Since 1918, it has housed the city's court. In front of the palace stands the equestrian statue of Jan Zamoyski, built in 2005 for the 400th anniversary of his death.

Largely gone today, the walls that once surrounded Zamość have preserved the remains of a bastion and some walls, east of the city. Taking Grodzka Street eastward, one can access a gate of the fortress, the Lviv Gate (Stara Brama Lwowska) and walk along its walls for a few hundred meters. It is also possible to make a route from the postern on Łukasińskiego Street through the shooting galleries (for more information, see www.nadszaniec.zamosc.pl).

This solid medieval building in Gothic style is a precious testimony of the ramparts that surrounded the city in the 14th century. Over the centuries it has been remodeled: the clock dates from the 16th century and the baroque roof from the 18th century. In its tower is the Lublin Historical Museum (Muzeum Istorii Miasta Lublina), which exhibits for visitors a collection of engravings and photos tracing the history of the city. From the top of the gate, you can enjoy an interesting view of the old city, of which this point marks the main entrance.

The Market Square is the heart of the Old Town. It is built in the shape of a square, 100 meters on each side, with two straight streets intersecting in the middle: Grodzka Street and Ratuszowa and Moranda Streets, which connect the Wielki Rynek with the other two squares, Wodny Rynek and Solny Rinek. All around the square there are beautiful bourgeois houses with richly decorated arches. They belonged to rich merchants, professors and noblemen of Zamoyski's entourage. Originally, the facades of all the houses on the square were covered with decorative parapets, which, however, were removed in the 1820s. Only the parapets on the houses in the northern part of the square were restored. These houses, called "Armenian houses", belonged to rich Armenian merchants. At No. 30 Ormiańska Street is the Wilczkowska House, which houses the Zamojskie Regional Museum. On Bartoszewiczowska Street there is the "house under the lion" at No. 26, the "house under the couple" at No. 24 and the "house under the Virgin" at No. 22. These houses are topped with attics and painted in bright colors. The portals are also worth seeing. Sculpted and richly decorated, they are often original. The Rynek is dominated by a magnificent town hall (Ratusza), built in 1651. The Rynek is a lively and busy place, so don't hesitate to venture into the arcades, access the cellars and discover its bars and restaurants.

This beautiful square takes its name, you guessed it, from salt. That's because, after the founding of the city, it was brought and stored here from the mines in and around Wieliczka. A true white mineral gold, vital for the preservation of the city-fortress' food supplies, this stock was better guarded than the city's treasury! Unfortunately, the original parapet walls and facade decorations have not been preserved, except on the house called "the rabbi's house" on the northern part of the square.

Built on a small island in the heart of Wrocław, this ^14th-century church was originally one of the country's oldest Gothic churches in the German period. Its appearance shows architectural trial and error, as well as a plan halfway between the Romanesque style and the Gothic canons. Serving as HQ for the German army desperately trying to resist the Soviet advance on the Reich border, it was destroyed before being rebuilt after the war.

The Błonia is one of the favorite places for walking for Kraków's citizens. Until 1965, there were vast pastures here. It was from here that the first airplane took off from Krakow in 1910. Nowadays, folk festivals, meetings and concerts are held here. The 2016 World Youth Day was held here in part. In winter, Błonia hosts an outdoor ice rink. Right next door is Jordana Park, designed as an English landscape garden. There are large playgrounds and sports fields, as well as bike paths.

Official guide of the city of Krakow, guide-lecturer of the Wawel castle and recommended by the historical Museum, Magdalena is independent guide and has 14 years of experience with the French tourists.

Józef Mehoffer (1860-1946) was one of the greatest artists of the Polish Secession movement. In the 1930s, he bought this absolutely magnificent building and turned it into a musical and literary salon, the atmosphere of which can be clearly perceived during the visit. During the Second World War, he produced several works here, as the Nazis had forbidden him access to his studio at the Academy of Fine Arts. Some of his stained glass windows, paintings, projects and drawings can be seen here. The house has a pleasant garden and a café with terrace.

The shrine houses the relics of St. Faustina, canonized in 2000 by John Paul II. Saint Faustina lived here from 1925 until her death in 1938 and one of her visions inspired the creation of a painting, a copy of which can be seen in the chapel. A modern basilica has been built next to the chapel and its tower with an elevator offers one of the most beautiful views of Krakow. On the first Sunday after Easter, pilgrims arrive from all over Poland for the Divine Mercy.

Located in front of the Episcopal Palace, this church was founded by one of the bishops of Krakow who sat there at the end of the 12th century. Originally built in Romanesque style, it was rebuilt in the 17th century and has been modified several times since then to create a striking result dominated by the Baroque style. Inside, there is a Gothic triptych dating from 1490, an ornamented tomb in a Renaissance style dating from 1553.

In the north of the old town, this neighbourhood was founded in the th century outside the ramparts. Poorer than Warsaw, this city had its own municipal structure, which made it an independent municipality. It goes through barbacane.

The Kraków Tourist Card is a great option if you're planning to do a lot of sightseeing. The system is simple: with this card, you benefit from free city transport, free admission to 40 of the city's museums (including some of the most important), and numerous discounts in the list of partner restaurants. The card is available from tourist offices, hotels and travel agencies throughout the city, as well as online. For more information, visit the website.

One of the city's must-see monuments, it is a fabulous place of remembrance and an important symbol. It is the largest Jewish cemetery in Europe, covering its 14 hectares with tens of thousands of tombstones, for a total of some 180,000 remains. Founded and consecrated in 1892, the cemetery remained in operation for only a short time. It miraculously escaped Nazi exactions and war damage, allowing us to admire the site in all its splendor. Some of the tombs are true architectural masterpieces, such as the vault belonging to the Pozńanski family, the city's immense tycoon. Part of this immense cemetery has been left abandoned, so it exudes a unique atmosphere, with some steles covered in moss and grass. The immense cemetery is a veritable city of tombs, inviting visitors to reflect on the fate of the Jews of Central Europe and their world engulfed by Nazism. Next to the cemetery is the sordid ghetto field, where some 45,000 victims of the Nazis were hastily buried. In 1944, torturers forced 800 Jews to dig their own graves before murdering them. The cemetery is a memorial not only to the ghetto, but also to a time when Jewish life in Poland was vibrant (perhaps even the most vibrant, as the vaults of the textile magnates testify).

The offices of the tourist office, recently relocated to the corner of the railway/road station, are a mandatory stop for anyone who wants to visit the Tatra Park without getting into trouble. Although very touristy, the city is above all oriented towards the locals and nothing is indicated: neither the buses, nor the entrances of the different hikes, nor their duration, their difference in altitude, etc. In short, to get information about Zakopane, maps and advice, go here.

This ethnographic park, or skansen, is a superb reconstruction of a rural village divided into four sections, each dedicated to the architecture and ethnic groups that inhabit the region. There's an ^18th-century wooden Orthodox church, farmhouses, a manor house and examples of gypsy encampments. Folklore events are held regularly during the summer months. Also worth seeing is the reconstruction of an Eastern Galician village (same opening hours, 16 zl).

This open-air museum is a collection of preserved old houses, most of which date from the 17th century. Over the years, authentic reconstructed buildings have been added, transforming the hamlet into a very successful and atmospheric traditional village. In spring and summer, Skansen hosts folk festivals and re-enactments of old-fashioned rural life that are well worth a visit. We recommend it.

Bydgoszcz's oldest church is a remarkable example of Gothic architecture. Its interiors are exceptional and impressive. Its walls and ceilings are covered in vivid colors, polychromes painted between 1922 and 1925 by Henryk Jackowski, inspired by the modernist ideas of the Młoda Polska art movement. The combination of color, Gothic architecture and Baroque altars is breathtaking. A must-see.

This magnificent wooden villa built by Stanisław Witkiewicz in 1894, in the Zakopane style, is today an art gallery. It traces a very interesting period in the history of Polish art through the work of artists who, between 1880 and 1939, lived in Zakopane. Linked to the artistic current of Młoda Polska, Zakopane became the "Athens of Poland", the place of free exchange of ideas and reflections around the country's independence.

This eighteenth-century Baroque basilica is a bit out of the way, but it is immediately noticeable if you walk along the banks of the Vistula River, the way it majestically stands out from the river, in the middle of a park. It is one of the most popular places of worship in the city, because of its special relationship with St. Stanislaus, the patron saint of Poland. After his murder, the martyr and bishop was installed here and celebrated before he was canonized and later exhumed and transported to the Wawel. The memory of the saint continues to keep alive the basilica, which is one of the richest in the city. Its interior is a true Baroque jewel that should not be missed: pastel colors, golden ornaments, statues of angels and saints. Above all, the chapel dedicated to St. Stanislaus. Inside, you can see the trunk on which the drops of blood of the bishop fell. The miraculous water in the basin near the church, with a statue of St. Stanislaus, is said to have healing powers, especially for skin and eye diseases.

Every year since the 13th century, on the first Sunday after May 8, the faithful carry the relic of the Bishop of Wawel to Skałka. The start of the grand procession is marked by the ringing of Sigismund's bell. This is one of the highlights of the country that is a must see. Under the basilica is the Crypt of the Meritorious, where "great men" who have distinguished themselves in the field of culture, science and art are buried.

One of the best examples of church architecture in southern Poland, where Roman Catholic architecture meets the Slavic Orthodox church, richly decorated inside. The church's mural painting is priceless: a 15th century Gothic-Renaissance polychrome in 33 colors with 77 different designs, including Persian and Chinese. The church is a Unesco World Heritage Site.

This exceptional archaeological site was discovered in 1922. It is a vast Neolithic mine for striped flint, in operation between 3900 and 1600 BC, and comprising some 700 shafts 5 to 8 metres deep linked by a network of galleries. A visit to the mine shows how this semi-precious stone was extracted, and a workshop on the surface shows how it was worked. A simply fascinating visit not to be missed.

This lovely vintage train runs on a narrow gauge railroad built by Austrian soldiers in 1915. Consisting of a steam locomotive and open-air cars (without roof), it runs through the beautiful landscapes of the Ponidzie region and the Nadnidziański Nature Park, with a possible stop in Umianowice for a picnic (on request). Formed by the meandering Nida River, this nature reserve offers a charming landscape, rich in marshes and rural scenery.

Jędrzejów is about 30 kilometers south of Kielce

The Old Synagogue, one of the oldest in the country, was built in its Gothic style at the end of the 15th century when the Jews settled in Kazimierz and was restored in 1959 when it was decided to turn it into a museum. Since then it has housed the Museum of Jewish History and Culture. A separate room is dedicated to the history of the extermination of the Jews, including a series of photographs of life in the Jewish quarter before and during World War II.

The Cité des Sciences is one of Europe's most modern institutions. On the program: educational experiments, and one of the interactive devices. Highlights include a fire tornado, an earthquake simulator and a magic carpet! On the roof you'll find a panoramic garden, in the park an art gallery and a climbing wall. There's also a planetarium on site.

The invasion of the Tatars in 1241 showed that Krakow, surrounded only by earthen embankments and wooden palisades, was unable to defend itself

the invasion of the Tatars in 1241 showed that Krakow, surrounded only by earthen embankments and wooden palisades, was unable to defend itself, which proved the need to provide the city with solid fortifications. In 1285, Krakow was granted the right to build a city wall. A 4-kilometer-long system of walls was built between the end of the 13th and the beginning of the 16th century. It included 7 doors and 47 towers. However, at the beginning of the 19th century, the Austrian authorities decided to demolish the fortifications, which had become obsolete and unable to cope with enemy sieges. They were replaced by the Planty "plantations", following the example of the Viennese Ring. Only the St. Florian Gate, the Barbican and three towers were spared thanks to the efforts of Feliks Radwański, who managed to convince the Austrians that the towers and the gate could have protected the city from draughts, winds and snowstorms coming from the north! A green oasis completely surrounding the old town, the planty is an excellent starting point to understand the topography of the city, to get an idea of its size in the Middle Ages and to get a glimpse of some beautiful monuments. Today, this park is decorated with numerous fountains, statues, as well as plaques marking the location of the old gates. A real blessing that opens the city center, it is very popular with Krakow residents who come here to read, jog or meet up with their loved ones.

This museum engages visitors in an immersive experience, with recordings, videos, installations and thematic rooms. It presents a rich and detailed account of Chopin's life. In the basement, a listening room with digital books allows visitors to discover wonderful recordings of the master's work. The museum, located a stone's throw from Nowy Swiat, is housed in the superb Ostrogski Palace, which in the ^19th-20th centuries was the seat of the Conservatory.

This square is steeped in history, thanks to the various elements that take pride of place here. First and foremost, there's the statue of Charles de Gaulle, symbolizing the general's commitment to training Polish soldiers during the Second World War. Near the statue, an artificial palm tree (an artistic device) highlights the Jewish community's past. Finally, the Warsaw Stock Exchange, housed in the former headquarters of the Polish Communist Party, completes the space.

Built in the ^mid-17th century and remodeled in the early ^19th, it is Warsaw's largest palace. It has long served public functions. In 1955, the Warsaw Pact was signed in its halls, and in 1989 the famous "round table" was held between Communist and Solidarność leaders. Since 1994, it has become Poland's Elysée Palace, and although it's not open to visitors, you can still go up to the front and take a look at the building.

Lined with some of the town's most beautiful houses, Rue du Long Marché is the very heart of the historic town. Roughly in the middle of the street, in front of the Cour d'Artus, stands the superb Fontanna Neptuna (Neptune Fountain). Created by Flemish artist Abraham Van Den Block in 1633, it symbolizes the close relationship between Gdańsk and the sea. The facades of the buildings that make up the complex are splendid, meticulously painted and colored. Don't hesitate to admire them and look for the little details hidden inside!

Apart from the mine, you can also visit the Wieliczka Castle, which between the 13th century and 1945 was the historical seat of the mine's management board. Today it houses three permanent exhibitions devoted to the archaeology and history of the town, and a huge collection of... salt shakers. In short, not the most exciting visit but it at least gives a little life and understanding of the history and experience of the miners, a part that is not at all emphasized when you venture into the bowels yourself.

Small, all made of pine wood, charming, its interior decoration is typical of the mountain churches of the Tatras. Some services are still held here. Just behind the church is an incredible cemetery (Cmentarz na Pęksowym Brzysku), filled with wooden sculptures, all masterpieces. In particular, it has a number of seated Christs, in the manner of Rodin's Thinker, a recurring motif in Polish folk art and the result of a legend, unique in the Christian world. Among the tombs, that of Stanisław Witkiewicz. Not to be missed!

The park presents itself as an Italian baroque garden on two levels, situated between the palace and the lake. Following the French-style gardens in the south, a romantic English-style park includes beautiful buildings, sarcophagi, columns and obelisks. It was created in the th century. In these parks you will find charming details of kitsch architecture, such as the waterfall over the Roman Bridge in the English garden, the solar dial, work of the great Polish astronomer Jan Heweliusz, inventor of the telescope, and the sculptures "love" in the French park. The latter symbolize the four stages of love: firstly, fear during the meeting; then the first kiss; secondly, indifference (represented by the two figures who do not look); finally, the first dispute.

The monument to Marshal Józef Piłsudski is an impressive statue dedicated to one of Poland's greatest leaders. Erected on Piłsudski Square, this bronze monument symbolizes the strength and determination of the Marshal, a truly historic figure for the country. It is an important place of national remembrance and celebration: a reminder of Marshal Józef Piłsudski's essential role in the struggle for Polish independence and freedom.

The only authorized pharmacy in the ghetto was run until the last deportations by Dr. Tadeusz Pankiewic who, refusing to leave the neighborhood, was the only non-Jew living and working in the ghetto. Thus, from 1941 to 1943, he helped the Jews of the ghetto. He delivered medicine and food, brought news from outside, provided false papers and hiding places. He died in 1993 and was honored by Israel with the title of Righteous.

The museum is located in the birthplace of this giant of the national spirit and honorary citizen of the city. It provides an opportunity to see the apartments/workshops where the great master of national romanticism lived and worked until 1893, when he died. The permanent exhibition includes unique works by Matejko, family memorabilia and antiques, especially oriental and western weapons collected by the painter during his lifetime and which he used for his art. It is a nice visit just a stone's throw from the Rynek.

The museum is located in the Górka family palace, built in 1545-1549, and remodeled several times following destruction. The original Renaissance portal of the palace is well preserved. The museum presents objects from Polish prehistory, reconstructing scenes of everyday life (hunting, fishing, war, housing...), an exhibition on ancient Egypt and temporary exhibitions. More than 42 000 exhibits, one of the best ancient museums in the country.

This animal is the main tourist attraction in the Bialowieźa Forest. In this zoo-like reserve, you will have the opportunity to learn more about this animal and its way of life. Here, too, you will come across other singular animal species, such as the tarpan and the Żubroń, a cross between the bison and the ox. For children, a more modern area will allow to know everything about this animal around video games and other fun attractions.

This imposing basilica was built in Gothic style in the 14th century. There is a legend about the small bridge that connects the two towers of the church at the top. Sometimes, on this bridge, walk the spirits of women who have never married: as a punishment, their souls wander and are condemned to clean the bridge for eternity! We go there for the photo more than for the interest of the visit. A tower is open to the public, count 10 minutes of climbing.

Located south of the Rynek opposite the Bishops' Palace, this enormous church dates from the 13th century. In the 19th century, it was enriched with beautiful stained glass windows and Art Nouveau murals by Stanisław Wyspiański: the one above the door, God the Creator, is a true masterpiece. During Lent, every Friday around 4:30 pm, men dressed in black carry a skull to the Passion Chapel, where they then lie on the floor. In the adjacent cloister(klasztor), there is an amazing collection of portraits of all the bishops of Krakow.

Tucked away in a courtyard, the Fotoplastikon is a good introduction to your discovery of Warsaw. Sitting on wooden stools in front of small binoculars, you watch images of the city since 1901 scroll by, to a background of classical music with the crackle of a phonograph. All this adds to the magic of the place. Entirely period and miraculously spared by the wars, it is one of the last stereoscopes of Europe in activity. An original and playful museum that offers a beautiful 20-minute journey in the Warsaw of the beginning of the century.