Monuments to visit Warsaw

Built in the ^13th century, this castle was home to the kings of Poland from the ^16th century onwards. In 1944, it was dynamited by the Nazis and remained in ruins until 1971, when the decision was taken to rebuild it identically. The work was financed by a fund-raising campaign, which was very popular in the country. The work was completed in 1984, and since then the castle has been open to the public, allowing them to discover its superbly decorated interiors and the works of great artists.

Built between 1952 and 1955, this Socialist Realism-style edifice, although purportedly not inspired by New York's Empire State Building (in fact, the similarity is striking), is one of the tallest in Poland. It was donated by Stalin when Poland joined the Soviet Union. It hosts cultural events, concerts and fairs. With its theaters, cinema and panoramic terrace on the thirtieth floor, it is a place of leisure and culture.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.