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Being the capital and the largest city of Poland, Warsaw has plenty to offer. In fact, Warsaw only became Poland's capital in the 16th century, and it was almost completely destroyed during the World War II. Interesting to see how the city rebuild itself, without losing its historical value and its Polish culture.
The Łazienki Park, one of Warsaw's best gardens.
Near to one of its entrance is a monument of Frederic Chopin. Sculpted in 1908, the monument depicts the Poland's most celebrated composer sitting under a willow tree, seeking inspiration from nature. :)
The Łazienki Park is huge, it would be nice to take an afternoon stroll around the park. Just like how the people (especially the grannies) sit on the benches under the shades, enjoying the afternoon sun. Sadly, we were all rushing through the itinerary. Something I hate.
Nevertheless, we managed to walk past some key sights within the park, such as the Theatre on the Island, and the Palace on the Water.
The Palace on the Water was actually a bathing pavilion that was later converted into a royal summer palace. My guide book says that it is one of the finest examples of Neo-Classical architecture in Poland. Somehow I felt the many statues around and on the rooftops of the palace were more spectacular than the architecture.
But the park is really beautiful. Flowers and Neo-Classical buildings everywhere. Nice place for photoshoots. :)
The Royal Route of Warsaw is a must-go. It starts by the Castle Square, and runs along Krakowskie Przedmieście and Nowy Świat (New World Street).
Krakowskie Przedmieście is one of Warsaw's most historic streets, featuring many buildings from the 17th and 18th centuries, particularly churches and palaces. There was one church that stood out, and it was the Holy Cross Church.
The exterior of the church is magnificent, and the entire building is just too huge to be captured nicely into a photo. I suppose the interior would be as grand, but a pity that we didn't get to see it, as there were wedding celebrations going on.
Notice the car plate? :)
Next to the Holy Cross Church is the apartment where Chopin lived during his childhood years.
Perhaps that is why Chopin's heart is being contained in one of the side pillars of the nave in the Holy Cross Church. Close to home.
Interestingly, the adjacent building has been 'modernised' by graffiti. I suppose as long as it's not a state-owned building, it's fine to doodle on the wall. hahah..
Along Krakowskie Przedmieście are some important and significant buildings, such as the President's Palace, with a monument of Prince Józef Antoni Poniatowski right in front of it.
St Anna's Church was initially a Gothic church, but destructions to the building during Warsaw's turbulent years made the church undergo various facelifts into Baroque and then Neo-Classical design.
I realised that there are many blooming bright red flowers in Poland. Why are flowers in Europe so much prettier?
I spotted a tombstone along Krakowskie Przedmieście. Not sure whom it belongs to, but there was a flag placed there, so perhaps he/she was a historical icon, or a war soldier.
There were interesting sights along the Royal Route, that somehow portray the different facets of life.
Pity.
Happy.
Further down the Royal Route into the Old Town, the Zygmunt's Column stands in the centre of the Castle Square. This 22 m tall monument is the oldest non-religious memorial monument in Warsaw, dedicated to King Zygmunt III Waza.
You won't be able to miss the Royal Castle, unless you don't get to go to the Old Town. The Baroque architecture and the imposing façade is brick red, and is 90 m long. How to miss that? haha..
When we were there in Warsaw, the weather was hot, I think Poland was experiencing heat wave then. Maybe it's a brisk business selling shades. :)
The Old Town was an interesting sight to behold. All the unique buildings and houses seem to congregate into one small area.
All the portals of the Old Town Burgher's houses are in different architectural styles, from Gothic to Renaissance, from Mannerist style to the Baroque. None of them seem to be identical!
And you will never fail to find an artist in any of the Old Towns in Europe. And they can draw well, very well!
There is a statue of the Warsaw's mermaid as the centrepiece of a fountain in the Old Town Market Square. The mermaid, feminine yet ferocious (armed with a sword and shield), is said to be the perfect symbol for a city in which so many battles have been fought.
And when there's a fountain and water, you will find kids there. :)
While kids are fun to look at (I love their playful expressions), old people would just be in their peaceful world, as if they are telling me that we should take things slow in life.
Somewhere in a corner of the Old Town on Freta Street, there's the Marie Skłodowska Curie Museum, where she was born in that apartment.
I didn't buy any postcards during this trip, because I wasn't into writing postcards. Besides, I didn't spot any nice ones. haha..
As the sun was setting, our day tour around Warsaw was coming to an end. I was looking forward to the free time after dinner, because I knew I would have much more freedom, much more space to explore. :)
Opposite the hotel we stayed in (Hotel Intercontinental!) is a huge monolithic building. The Palace of Culture and Science was a 'gift' from Soviet Russia to the people of Warsaw, whom have extreme reactions over the building. Some admire it, some wish to demolish it.
It measures at 230 m tall, and serves as an office space, a cultural centre with theatres, a museum, a cinema and a congress hall. There are also 28 statues around the building, representing themes such as Science, Art and the Collective Economy.
I also took a walk down to the train station, a short distance away from the hotel. I think I would need a guide if I ever need to buy train tickets in Warsaw. Look at all the schedules!
Warsaw serves more as a business centre than a tourist attraction, hence there aren't as many tourists as compared to cities like Prague and Vienna. There are many beautiful buildings and unique places within Warsaw, and yes, it's a pity we didn't have enough time for that.
Perhaps the view of the sunset from the hotel's window could compensate for that. :)
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