Warsaw Things to Do Tips by MichaelFalk1969

Warsaw Uprising Museum Monument to the Ghetto Uprising Review

This was a fantastic and moving museum, despite its bitter historic theme. The museum documents the history of the Uprising of the Polish Home Army in 1944 against the German forces (not to be confused with the Ghetto Uprising in 1943). After initial successes against all odds, lack in weapons and supplies and the failure to take key positions within the city began to tell, even more so as there was no support by the Russian Red Army on the opposite bank of the Vistula. The incredibly brave Home Army soldiers were finally subdued after two months of bitter fighting, and lots of military and civilian casualties. Hitler then decided to raze Warsaw to the ground as a punishment and ordered the complete destruction of the city, and the deportation of its surviving citizens. A must-see museum - whatever you do, don`t miss it if you go to Warsaw. A good book to prepare the topic would be "Rising 44" by Norman Davies.

Directions: tram Lines 1 and 22 stop right in front of the museum.

Historic Powazki Cemetery Powazki Cemetery Review

In the north-west of Warsaw the oldest cemetery of the city (created in 1790) is well worth a visit. One enters the cemetry by the historic St. Honorata Gate which is guarded by a statue modeled in the fashion of a Roman legionary. Inside, it has a park-like character and a really "ancient" feel due to a multitude of grave monuments in different styles (neo-classic, neo-gothic, art deco etc.). Warsaw rightfully advertises this beautiful cemetery as a major sight.

Jan Matejko: The battle of Grunwald

This painting by the famous 19th century artist Jan Matejko is truly monumental. I had seen the painting before in history books but was not aware that the canvas covers a whole wall in the National Museum in Warsaw, with life-size knights and horses. This painting alone is well worth the entry fee to the National Museum in Warsaw - you will be overawed by the dynamic and violent battle scenes. The theme of the painting is the historic battle in Grunwald (in German: Tannenberg) 1410, which ended with a complete Polish-Lithuanian victory over the Teutonic Crusader Knights. It was the first step for Poland to emerge as a major power in Europe. If you are interested in a good historical novel on the Battle of Grunwald, read Henry Sienkiewicz "The Crusaders".

Address: National Museum Warsaw

Church of the Holy Cross Church of the Holy Cross Review

On the staircase in front of this pretty baroque church (built at the end of the 17th century, destroyed in WW2 and rebuilt after the war) is a statue of Christ bearing the cross, therefore the name "Church of the Holy Cross". The interior is spectacularly beautiful.

Directions: Located opposite of the Kopernikus Monument on Krakowskie Przedmiescie Street

President`s Palace President's Palace Review

This palace on Krakowskie Przedmiescie street was built in the middle of the 17th century - later it belonged to the powerful nobles of the Radziwill family. Among the true historic events this palace witnessed was the founding of the Warsaw Pact 1955 and the negotiations in 1989 between Solidarity and the communist government leading to the peaceful transition of Poland into a democratic political system. (Among the minor events a visit by Michael Jackson comes to mind). Since 1994 the seat of the Polish President. The Palace square features a monument to the famous Polish military commander Poniatowski (who served in the campaigns of Napoleon Bonaparte).

Address: Krakowskie Przedmiescie 46/48

Lazienki Park: Palace on the Water Lazienki Park and Chopin's Monument Review

The splendid Lazienki Palace or "Palace on the Water", built in 1772 by the last Polish king, is named so because it was built on an artificial island within Lazienki Lake, connected by two bridges to the rest of the park. The interior can be visited (but check for opening times - it was closed in January when we went there).

Address: Agrykola 1

Lazienki Park: The greek-roman amphitheatre Lazienki Park and Chopin's Monument Review

Close to the "Palace on the Water", a theatre in the fashion of greek-roman amphitheatres from antiquity, situated on an island, is still in use for theater performances and concerts in summer.

Address: Agrykola 1

Lazienki Park: Chopin Monument Lazienki Park and Chopin's Monument Review

The monumental Frederic Chopin statue, unveiled in 1926 in honor of the great Polish composer, was destroyed by the Nazis but reconstructed after WW2. If you enter the park through the entrance near the bus stop Al. Ujzadowskie, it is the first sight you will notice in Lazienki. In summer, concerts are held in Lazienki Park.

Address: Agrykola 1

Lazienki Park Lazienki Park and Chopin's Monument Review

A wonderful historic landscape park & French Garden with plenty of statues including the Chopin monument, historic buildings, artificial lakes and canals, an amphitheatre in greek-roman style and the grand "Palace on the Water". Concerts and Theatre performances are held here in summer. The Lazienki Park was created in the 17th century as a Royal Park and has been popular ever since. It is easy and worthwhile to pass several hours here.

Directions: From Warsaw centre, take Bis Line 180 direction Wilanow and stop at Lazienki Park.

St. Anne`s Church St. Anna's Church Review

This interesting church dates back to 1454, when it was built in the Gothic style - later war-time destructions during the Swedish "deluge" led to a rebuilding of the interior in the baroque fashion - in the 17th century, a neo-classic front was added. So each century some important contribution to St. Anne`s church has been added. Once you enter you will be awe-inspired by the colourful ceiling paintings. The Belfry of the Church has a viewing platform with excellent vistas over the Castle Square.