Things to see and do Warsaw

The Basilian Church of the Holy Cross is located on Nowy Świat, the main street leading to the old town, its castle and ramparts. This religious building is emblematic. Built between 1679 and 1696, it is an impressive example of Ukrainian Baroque architecture, characterized by its onion-shaped domes and elaborate ornamentation. Its interior is equally remarkable, adorned with colorful frescoes and detailed carvings. This church is a place of worship and a historic landmark in the heart of the city.

Built in the first half of the th century, in a baroque style, it is first the property of King Stanislas Auguste, who installs a earthenware factory in the south, and then that of Prince J. Poniatowski. Between 1918 and 1922, he was the residence of J. Piłsudski, between 1922 and 1926, that of Presidents G. Narutowicz and St. Wojciechowski, between 1926 and 1935, again that of J. Piłsudski (a museum dedicated to him since his death). Today he represents national residence.

Situated on a small island in the middle of a lake, this little palace is a kind of Polish Petit Trianon. Built in the second half of the th century, the king welcomes the king.

Just a few metres from the entrance to Ujazdów. Today it contains a sculpture gallery.

On the other side of the Saxon Gardens, you'll see a memorial dedicated to the unknown soldiers who died on the battlefield for Poland's freedom in the ^20th century. A symbolic tomb has been erected in the ruins of the Saxon Palace, one of the most emblematic buildings of pre-war Warsaw, destroyed in 1944 (excavations are due to begin in 2022). Soldiers of the honor guard watch over the palace, and the official changing of the guard takes place every Sunday at noon.

This park is definitely worth a visit, especially when the weather's nice. It was sculptor Paweł Althamer, a native of the Praga district, who persuaded the local authorities to turn Bródno Park into an open-air museum, exhibiting sculptures by both Polish and foreign artists. Perhaps the most surprising piece is Althamer's reconstruction of part of the park based on children's ideas of the Garden of Eden.

The great physicist Marie Curie (Maria Skłodowska-Curie) was born in this ^18th-century house (a replica of the original) in the new town in 1867. Before she emigrated to France and took an active part in the life of Polish émigrés in Paris, particularly in the political struggle for the country's independence, Maria Skłodowska attended Warsaw University. Her birthplace has now been transformed into a museum that traces the life and discoveries of the physicist. An ideal opportunity to retrace the footsteps of this great female figure.

Inaugurated in 1984 to commemorate the ^45th anniversary of the event, this moving monument pays tribute to all the insurgents of 1944. August¹ is considered the anniversary of this desperate uprising, which ended in merciless Nazi repression and the almost complete destruction of the city. If you pass through Warsaw at this time, you'll see a multitude of candles and wreaths laid in front of the monument.

Opposite the castle, in the center of the square, this column was built in 1664, in memory of King Sigismund III Vasa, who transferred the capital from Krakow to Warsaw. Destroyed during the Second World War, it was rebuilt and the bronze statue, miraculously spared, was replaced at the top of the building. In his right hand, he holds a sword symbolizing courage, in his left a cross, symbolizing the eternal will to fight evil.

This very old zoo was opened in 1928 in the northern part of Praski Park, and today contains no fewer than 5,000 animals, proudly representing 500 species of the animal kingdom. The zoo is best known for its brown bears, bred here since 1949. Bear enclosures can be found in the southern part of Praski Park, and can be quietly viewed from Solidarności Street. The zoo is also famous for the fact that, during the war, many Jews from the Praga district took refuge here thanks to the help of the zoo's director, Jan Żabiński.

Situated at the foot of the Old Town, on the banks of the Vistula, this park is one of Warsaw's favorite summer spots. The key to its success? It's simple: on one side, two fountains and a paddling pool for children guarantee a cool haven even in the height of summer, while on the other side, 300 coloured spotlights create light shows, always accompanied by classical or pop music.

In summer, a beach a few hundred meters long is set up just a stone's throw from Praski Park, on the banks of the Vistula: sand, deckchairs, volleyball and badminton courts, and parties in the evening. The view of the old town is splendid. A popular beach restaurant is also located here. Just below Stadion Narodowy is Temat Rzeka beach. It's extremely popular, with a wealth of small bars and cultural events. In summer, a ferry links the beach to the other side of the Vistula.

The National Museum of Warsaw is one of the largest in Poland. It boasts a rich collection of ancient art, including Egyptian, Greek and Roman art, as well as a gallery of Polish and foreign paintings. Some of the paintings on display are from Adolf Hitler's private collection. The Oriental Art Department includes the country's largest collection of Chinese art. There is also a gallery dedicated to Polish and European medieval art.

Wilanów, 6 km south of Łazienki, shines like a jewel on the Royal Way. This charming ^17th-century castle, surrounded by a romantic park, was the summer retreat of kings and noblemen. The park, with its Baroque Italian and English gardens, is captivating in its detail. The ^18th-century orangery hosts concerts and exhibitions. The palace is a Baroque masterpiece housing the royal apartments and a collection of portraits. Also worth a visit are the neo-Gothic mausoleum and the church of Sainte-Anne.