Travel Guide Lublin

Lublin, with 350,000 inhabitants, is the regional capital and one of the largest metropolises in eastern Poland. It boasts a pretty old town - its municipal charter dates back to 1317 - preserved from the destruction of war and communism and recently renovated. Although it can be visited quickly, it is very "atmospheric" and well worth a short stay (during the tourist season, in winter you'd think the apocalypse had swept the population away), especially as Lublin is the only somewhat dynamic city in the whole region. The tourist infrastructure is still modest, as in most other cities in the region, but it is developing rapidly and the quality is much better than in some older destinations. Often cited in history books, a number of events make it an important name in Polish history: the union signed in 1569 between Poland and Lithuania bears its name, the first government of independent Poland was formed here in 1918, the Soviets set up a provisional government here in 1944, and the 1980 strike movement that shook Poland was partly born here. The Catholic University of Lublin and the Marie Curie University are renowned for their lively daytime and nightlife. Lublin's highlights include its castle and Holy Trinity chapel, Brama Grodzka and Brama Krakowska, a café in the Market Square (Rynek) and a visit to its superb cathedral. Not to be missed: the magnificent promenade along the Vistula River.