Warsaw, Poland: The Odyssean Past Part 2



The Polish capital today is like a sculpture carved and polished through time and experience. The modern metropolis today provides a glimpse of the rich history of Poland and the Polish nation. From the period of monarchy, to the partition and dissolution of Poland, the reestablishment and independence of the Republic of Poland, to the occupation of the Nazi Germany, to the liberation in the Second World War, to being under the influence of the Soviet Union during the Cold War, Warsaw the Polish capital is a reminder of the progress that has been done to make Poland one of the most progressive country in Eastern Europe today. This has caught my interest as a visiting tourist in Warsaw. This is the second part. Click here for the first part.



1.  Teatr Maskarada dla dzieci



The Masquerade Theatre exhibits performances for school chuldren and presschool with the use of visual presentations, choreography and puppets.

2.    Plac Zamkowy



The Castle Square is located in front of the former residence of the Polish monarchs.  This is also the venue of dramatic scenes in Polish history from the 18th century to the modern times.

3.    Zamek Królewski w Warszawie



The Royal Castle is the former residence of the Polish monarchs until the several periods of partitions of Poland. After Poland has gained independence, it served as the residence of the Polish president until during the occupation of Nazi Germany when the German Governor-General resided here. The palace was destroyed during the Second World War.

4.    Kolumna Zygmunta III Wazy



Sigismund’s Column was built in commemoration of the Polish King, who moved the Polish capital from Krakow to Warsaw. During the Warsaw uprising against the invading Nazi-Germans, the statue was demolished by the latter.

5.    Grodzka



This is a street leading to the Castle Square. It was named after a Polish politician, who was the first openly transgender member of the Polish Parliament.

6.    Kościół Akademicki św. Anny



St. Anne’s Church is one of the oldest buildings in Warsaw. It is the main church parish of the academic community in the Polish capital.

7.    Kanonia



This square was an area of the former church cemetery. It is located at the back of the Cathedral of John in Warsaw.

8.    Bazylika Archikatedralna w Warszawie pw



This is the cathedral of the archdiocese of Warsaw and one of the oldest churches in the capital. It is one of the most important places of Polish culture and tradition. It was almost completely destroyed during the German occupation.

9.    Rynek Starego Miasta
  


The Old Town Market Place is the heart of the Old Town and one of the most popular tourist destination in Warsaw. It was systematically destroyed by the German Army during its occupation before it was rebuilt after the Second World War.

10. Barbakan Warsawski



This is a semi-circular fortified post between the Old Town and the New Town. It was supposed to protect the Old Town from any invasion or any threats before.



11. Kościół Paulinów Św. Ducha i św. Pawła



The Pauline Church of the Holy Spirit is located in the New Town. The first church was built of wood with a hospital nearby. It witnessed the Swedish invasion during the Northern Wars.

12. Kościól Dominikanów pw. św. Jacka



This Baroque church was built in the 16th century. During the cholera epidemic, the Dominican church and monastery of Sts. Jack was deserted.

13. Kościół Sakramentek pw. św. Kazimierza



St. Kazimierz Church is a Roman Catholic church in the New Town. It was used before as the residence of the court, and was later purchased by the Polish queen to be transformed into a church.

14. Rynek Nowego Miasta



The New Town Market Square was built in the 14th century. It was burned down by the Swedes before it was rebuilt thereafter. It was destroyed and rebuilt again during and after the Second World War.

15. Kościół św. Benona



The Church of Sts. Benon was a church of the Redemptorists, who were accused of favoring Austria and the French authorities before they have been expelled from Warsaw. It was transformed into barracks, then school, military storage, house and factory before it was rebuilt as a church again after the Second World War.

16. Kościół Nawiedzenia Najświętszej Marii



The Church of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary is located in the New Town. It was the site of a pagan temple in the 14th century before a Gothic church was built on the site. It stands on the banks of the Vistula River, running along the Polish capital.

17. Veturilo Kościelna



Veturilo is a recreational area along the banks of Vistula River. It connects the New Town Market Place to the fountain park.

18. Multimedialny Park Fontann



The Multimedia Fountain Park is a complex of four fountains located within a 12-hectare park. The fountain commemorates the 125th anniversary of the Municipal Water and Sewage.

19. Skwer 1 Dywizji Pancernej WP



Square 1 Armoured Division of the Polish Army is the park surrounding the Multimedia Park Fountain located in the New Town of Warsaw.

20. Kościół Franciszkanów, Stygmatów św



The Church of St. Francis of Assisi is an Franciscan Roman Catholic church located in the New Town. It was bombed during the Second World War.

21. Pomnik Małego Powstańca



The Little Insurgent Monument is a commemoration of the youngest participants of the Warsaw Uprising against the Nazi Germany. The monument was set on the remains of the towers of the outer perimeter of the Old Town.

22. Pomnik Jana Kilińskiego



This is one of the few monuments in the Old Town, which was not destroyed during the Second World War. It was built in commemoration of the shoemaker and one of the colonel against the Russians during the 17th century.

23. Teatr Wielki Opera Narodowa



The Grand Theater in Warsaw is one of the largest theatres in Europe. It was built in the 18th century and was nearly destroyed during the Second World War.

24. Ogród Saski



The Saxon Garden is the oldest public park in Warsaw. It is also one of the oldest public accessible parks in the world. It was part of the fortifications protecting the Old Town of Warsaw.



25. Grób Nieznanego Żołnierza



The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Warsaw is dedicated to the unknown soldiers who have lost their lives for the Polish nation. It is where most official military commemorations take place and where foreign representatives lay wreath when visiting Poland.


Poland perhaps had a painful history under the influence of the stronger neighboring countries, but it stood strong, as evidenced by the multiple attempts of the Polish nation to assert and fight for their freedom and independence. Today, Poland is still a country with a lot of geographical, ideological and political significance. It has been part of a community of European nations, respected as a nation and a people with a rich history and tradition.

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