Gdańsk
Gdansk's past has several characteristic features: a long tradition of
being a free city,
the multinational mix of Polish and German cultures and close relations with Western Europe as one of the main ports of the Baltic region. The first records of this town date back to 997, when
St. Adalbert, the bishop of Prague, visited it as part of his Christian mission in Pomerania. Gdansk, originally ruled by the dukes of Pomerania, was soon settled by Germans. From the 14th the town was occupied by the Teutonic Knights, who turned it into a major trade centre, renamed Danzig.
The real prosperity of Gdansk dates from 1361, when it joined the Hanseatic League, a mercantile organisation that controlled the whole area of the North and Baltic Sea. The favourable position on the route from Krakow to the sea enabled the rapid development of the city, making it one of the most powerful Hanseatic centres. From here grain and wood were exported to other parts of Europe. After Poland defeated the Teutonic Knights in the 15th century, Gdansk became Polish once more. It enjoyed a remarkable degree of political independence and many privileges to support its economic growth. It attracted many foreigners, including merchants and the refugees enchanted by its religious tolerance (a large Scottish community arrived in Gdansk during this period). The Golden Age of the city continued into the 17th century.
In 1793 Gdansk became part of Prussia for over a hundred years, with the short break in 1807-1815 when the Free City of Danzig was founded during the Napoleonic era. In the 19th century it became further Germanised, and the economy and industry continued to grow. After World War I, under the Treaty of Versailles, Gdansk became a Free City again, this time under the protection of the League of Nations.
During the 1930s it witnessed the growing influence of Nazism, described by Nobel Prize winner Gunter Grass in his novel The Tin Drum. The Nazis demanded greater control over Pomerania and Gdansk, using it as a pretext for starting World War II: in 1939 the Germans attacked Westerplatte,
a Polish military position near Gdansk. After six years of Nazi occupation, the Red Army arrived in 1945, with Gdansk suffering great destruction during the resulting battle. The surviving Germans began to leave the city, being replaced by Poles predominantly from Wilno (now Vilnius, Lithuania) after the latter became part of the Soviet Union. The Old Town was rebuilt in the 1950s and 1960s.
1970 was marked by riots in the streets of Gdansk, starting with the shipyard workers protesting against government policy. The demonstrations led to the resignation of the communist leader, Wladyslaw Gomulka, but the price was high: the army killed over 80 people. The strikes were repeated in 1976 and again in 1980, when the workers of the shipyard founded the Solidarity trade union, the first legal opposition to the communist rule. It was the first step to the independence of Poland and to the end of Communism in Central and Eastern Europe.
the multinational mix of Polish and German cultures and close relations with Western Europe as one of the main ports of the Baltic region. The first records of this town date back to 997, when
St. Adalbert, the bishop of Prague, visited it as part of his Christian mission in Pomerania. Gdansk, originally ruled by the dukes of Pomerania, was soon settled by Germans. From the 14th the town was occupied by the Teutonic Knights, who turned it into a major trade centre, renamed Danzig.
The real prosperity of Gdansk dates from 1361, when it joined the Hanseatic League, a mercantile organisation that controlled the whole area of the North and Baltic Sea. The favourable position on the route from Krakow to the sea enabled the rapid development of the city, making it one of the most powerful Hanseatic centres. From here grain and wood were exported to other parts of Europe. After Poland defeated the Teutonic Knights in the 15th century, Gdansk became Polish once more. It enjoyed a remarkable degree of political independence and many privileges to support its economic growth. It attracted many foreigners, including merchants and the refugees enchanted by its religious tolerance (a large Scottish community arrived in Gdansk during this period). The Golden Age of the city continued into the 17th century.
In 1793 Gdansk became part of Prussia for over a hundred years, with the short break in 1807-1815 when the Free City of Danzig was founded during the Napoleonic era. In the 19th century it became further Germanised, and the economy and industry continued to grow. After World War I, under the Treaty of Versailles, Gdansk became a Free City again, this time under the protection of the League of Nations.
During the 1930s it witnessed the growing influence of Nazism, described by Nobel Prize winner Gunter Grass in his novel The Tin Drum. The Nazis demanded greater control over Pomerania and Gdansk, using it as a pretext for starting World War II: in 1939 the Germans attacked Westerplatte,
a Polish military position near Gdansk. After six years of Nazi occupation, the Red Army arrived in 1945, with Gdansk suffering great destruction during the resulting battle. The surviving Germans began to leave the city, being replaced by Poles predominantly from Wilno (now Vilnius, Lithuania) after the latter became part of the Soviet Union. The Old Town was rebuilt in the 1950s and 1960s.
1970 was marked by riots in the streets of Gdansk, starting with the shipyard workers protesting against government policy. The demonstrations led to the resignation of the communist leader, Wladyslaw Gomulka, but the price was high: the army killed over 80 people. The strikes were repeated in 1976 and again in 1980, when the workers of the shipyard founded the Solidarity trade union, the first legal opposition to the communist rule. It was the first step to the independence of Poland and to the end of Communism in Central and Eastern Europe.
Kraków
Probably the most beautiful and fascinating city in Poland. The
attraction is not just the splendid architecture and the treasures of
art – reminders of the times when Krakow was a royal capital city – but
also the unique ambience of the former Jewish district and the
masterpieces of Polish Art Nouveau. However old and beautiful it is,
Krakow is not limited to its monuments and museums. Thanks to an amazing
density and variety of bars, pubs, clubs and restaurants, Krakow
sparkles with life. Anyway, there is no point in merely talking about
its attractions – everyone should see Krakow with their own eyes.
Krakow, with a population of over 755,000 people, is Poland’s second
largest city. Although it ceased to be a capital city in 1596, it still
plays the role of cultural centre for Poland. Fortunately, it escaped
World War II with no major fighting or bombing, and it remains almost
unscathed even after fifty years of communist rule while concrete blocks
of flats were built outside the city centre.
Krakow is also an important academic city, famed for its ancient university of consistent and continuing repute. But above all, the city is known as the most popular tourist destination in Poland, with the former royal Wawel castle being rated among its major attractions. The majority of monuments are situated in the Old Town, framed by the ring-shaped park, known as “Planty”. In the centre of the Old Town there is Europe's largest market square, with the “Sukiennice” (the Cloth Hall) dating from the 14th century and one of the best-known landmarks of Krakow. The charming and exuberant atmosphere of the city attracts visitors in every season
Krakow is also an important academic city, famed for its ancient university of consistent and continuing repute. But above all, the city is known as the most popular tourist destination in Poland, with the former royal Wawel castle being rated among its major attractions. The majority of monuments are situated in the Old Town, framed by the ring-shaped park, known as “Planty”. In the centre of the Old Town there is Europe's largest market square, with the “Sukiennice” (the Cloth Hall) dating from the 14th century and one of the best-known landmarks of Krakow. The charming and exuberant atmosphere of the city attracts visitors in every season
Pszczyna
Pszczyna Castle
This grandiose former residence (which looks more like a palace) dates
back to the 12th century, when the Opole dukes built a hunting lodge
here. It has been enlarged and redesigned several times, most recently
in 1870. Today the palace houses the Castle Museum, with about a dozen
rooms open over three floors.
The Hochbergs, who owned the Pszczyna Castle (Zamek w Pszczynie)
until 1945, furnished their home according to their status – they were
among the richest families in Europe, ruling vast swathes of land from
their Silesian family seat, the castle at Książ. Priceless works of art
completed the scene, but most were lost during WWII.
The castle’s
interiors feature bedchambers, drawing rooms and salons filled with
tapestries, ceramics, paintings and hunting trophies. Unforgettable are
the library, panelled entirely in walnut, and the stunning Mirror
Chamber, which hosts occasional chamber music concerts. Some of the
palace’s rooms also contain themed exhibitions, including a collection
of armour in the basement and one of minuscule portraits in the Cabinet
of Miniatures on the 3rd floor. Behind the castle is the extensive
English-style Castle Park along the Pszczynka River.
Pszczyna's elongated and leafy market square is lined with old burghers’ houses dating mostly from the 18th and 19th centuries. On its northern side is the Protestant church and, next to it at number 2, the town hall, both remodelled last century. Behind the town hall is the 14th-century parish church, extensively rebuilt over the years, with a typically lavish interior featuring a ceiling painting of the Ascension. To the west of the square sits Pszczyna Castle, now a museum .
The charming Old Town of Torun is of such international importance that it has been added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. Its red-brick Gothic architecture resembles the historic district of Gdansk, but with a much different atmosphere as Torun proves to be much friendlier, cosier and less spoilt by the influx of visitors. Its lively centre is full of diverse cafes and pubs, offering a refreshing stop after sightseeing. Torun specialises in a traditional gingerbread that will give your stay an additional, spicy flavour.
After the Second World War this calm medium-sized city in northern Poland became a huge centre of industry, specialising in producing artificial fibres. Nowadays most of the factories have closed and the city instead has grown into a popular tourist destination. The Old Town boasts a large number of sights, predominantly dating from the Middle Ages, such as St Mary's Church, the Cathedral of St John and the Town Hall. The panorama of the historical quarter as seen from the left bank of the river or the bridge, especially when illuminated in the evenings, is really stunning.
As with most Polish cities, Torun has a tangled history. It is characterised by the several hundreds of years it was ruled by the Teutonic Order of knights and its participation in the Hanseatic League. Over a hundred years of German administration left also traces on the urban and architectural nature of the city.
Torun, while being the hometown of the astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus, also continues its tradition of being a strong scientific centre, especially in astronomy through one of the leading departments of the local university. In the Old Town you may visit a planetarium, while in Piwnice near Torun is an observatory containing the biggest telescope in Poland.
Apart from playing its role of tourist destination and academic centre, Torun is a place full of a vibrant cultural and artistic life, hosting important festivals like the Kontakt festival of theatre and the Probaltica festival of music.
Slupsk, a pleasant town in the north of Poland, is not an obvious tourist draw, even though it has rich history dating back to 8th and 9th century with traces still preserved in numerous buildings and monuments. The architectural attractions are reason enough to visit Slupsk, but what really makes the city special is its unique blend of history and present. Slupsk ought to be described as a musical city, with its annual International Festival of Organ and Chamber Music as well as the Polish Piano Festival
As Slupsk is favourably located close to the seaside and major transit roads, most travellers pass through the city in the summer months on their way to the Baltic resorts of Leba, Ustka, Darlowo, Jaroslawiec and Rowy. Yet those who decide to stay longer are not in for a disappointment. Indeed, in the opinion of many people, Slupsk is the most beautiful city of northern Poland.
It is a pleasurable experience to explore the remnants of its tumultuous past: Gothic and Secession tenement houses, the Renaissance-Gothic town hall, the 14th century town gates, the Old Town with its bourgeois abodes and interesting monuments - or the best-known of all of Slupsk’s landmarks, the 16th-century Castle of the Pomeranian Dukes on the Slupia River, now housing Museum of Mid-Pomerania. It has the Poland's largest collection of paintings by the artist Witkacy, an avant-garde artist and playwright (1885-1939).
Slupsk also offers welcome quiet places - green spots in the centre and along the banks of the river, perfect for strolling and relaxing. In the old part of Slupsk, do not miss the scenic Nowobramska Street that was recently modernised to improve its historical and aesthetic values. This historic city has a well-developed tourist infrastructure, which includes hotels, hostels, restaurants, cafes and bars at prices to suit every budget.
market square
Pszczyna's elongated and leafy market square is lined with old burghers’ houses dating mostly from the 18th and 19th centuries. On its northern side is the Protestant church and, next to it at number 2, the town hall, both remodelled last century. Behind the town hall is the 14th-century parish church, extensively rebuilt over the years, with a typically lavish interior featuring a ceiling painting of the Ascension. To the west of the square sits Pszczyna Castle, now a museum .
Toruń
The charming Old Town of Torun is of such international importance that it has been added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. Its red-brick Gothic architecture resembles the historic district of Gdansk, but with a much different atmosphere as Torun proves to be much friendlier, cosier and less spoilt by the influx of visitors. Its lively centre is full of diverse cafes and pubs, offering a refreshing stop after sightseeing. Torun specialises in a traditional gingerbread that will give your stay an additional, spicy flavour.
After the Second World War this calm medium-sized city in northern Poland became a huge centre of industry, specialising in producing artificial fibres. Nowadays most of the factories have closed and the city instead has grown into a popular tourist destination. The Old Town boasts a large number of sights, predominantly dating from the Middle Ages, such as St Mary's Church, the Cathedral of St John and the Town Hall. The panorama of the historical quarter as seen from the left bank of the river or the bridge, especially when illuminated in the evenings, is really stunning.
As with most Polish cities, Torun has a tangled history. It is characterised by the several hundreds of years it was ruled by the Teutonic Order of knights and its participation in the Hanseatic League. Over a hundred years of German administration left also traces on the urban and architectural nature of the city.
Torun, while being the hometown of the astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus, also continues its tradition of being a strong scientific centre, especially in astronomy through one of the leading departments of the local university. In the Old Town you may visit a planetarium, while in Piwnice near Torun is an observatory containing the biggest telescope in Poland.
Apart from playing its role of tourist destination and academic centre, Torun is a place full of a vibrant cultural and artistic life, hosting important festivals like the Kontakt festival of theatre and the Probaltica festival of music.
Słupsk
Slupsk, a pleasant town in the north of Poland, is not an obvious tourist draw, even though it has rich history dating back to 8th and 9th century with traces still preserved in numerous buildings and monuments. The architectural attractions are reason enough to visit Slupsk, but what really makes the city special is its unique blend of history and present. Slupsk ought to be described as a musical city, with its annual International Festival of Organ and Chamber Music as well as the Polish Piano Festival
As Slupsk is favourably located close to the seaside and major transit roads, most travellers pass through the city in the summer months on their way to the Baltic resorts of Leba, Ustka, Darlowo, Jaroslawiec and Rowy. Yet those who decide to stay longer are not in for a disappointment. Indeed, in the opinion of many people, Slupsk is the most beautiful city of northern Poland.
It is a pleasurable experience to explore the remnants of its tumultuous past: Gothic and Secession tenement houses, the Renaissance-Gothic town hall, the 14th century town gates, the Old Town with its bourgeois abodes and interesting monuments - or the best-known of all of Slupsk’s landmarks, the 16th-century Castle of the Pomeranian Dukes on the Slupia River, now housing Museum of Mid-Pomerania. It has the Poland's largest collection of paintings by the artist Witkacy, an avant-garde artist and playwright (1885-1939).
Slupsk also offers welcome quiet places - green spots in the centre and along the banks of the river, perfect for strolling and relaxing. In the old part of Slupsk, do not miss the scenic Nowobramska Street that was recently modernised to improve its historical and aesthetic values. This historic city has a well-developed tourist infrastructure, which includes hotels, hostels, restaurants, cafes and bars at prices to suit every budget.
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