About Poland

LOCATION

Poland lies in the heart of Europe on the Baltic Sea. The geometric centre of Europe is in Poland (Suchowola).

CLIMATE

The dominant climate in Poland is temperate.

RELIGION

Roman Catholics make up more than 80% of Polish population.

NATIONAL SYMBOLS

Coat of arms – a white eagle wearing a crown and turned to the right on a red shield.

National anthem – Dąbrowski’s Mazurek https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uOEU0mLkBnU

TRADITIONAL POLISH CUISINE

Pierogi, casha, noodles, stuffed cabbage leaves – (http://www.kwestiasmaku.com/kuchnia_polska/golabki/przepis.html), pork cutlet, meat patty, bigos – cabbage http://www.kwestiasmaku.com/zielony_srodek/kapusta/bigos/przepis.html), meat jelly, golonka (pork knuckle), żurek – (http://www.kwestiasmaku.com/kuchnia_polska/wielkanoc/zurek/przepis.html, sour cabbage soup, barley soup, red borscht, chicken soup, tomato soup, sour cucumber soup, mushroom soup, chłodnik, cabbage and potato dishes. The typically Polish popular dessert is angel wings (faworki), eaten chiefly on Fat Thursday. Other sweets are poppy seed cake, cheesecake, gingerbread and doughnuts.

HISTORY – IMPORTANT DATES

966 Baptism of Meszko I, the official beginning of Poland’s history. 972 Battle of Cedynia, the victory of Poles over Germans 1000 Congress in Gniezno, the meeting of German emperor Otto III with Bolesław the Brave. 1025 the crowning of Bolesław the Brave, the first king of Poland. The country gains 1138 The fragmentation and weakening of Poland. 1226 Introduction of Teutonic Knights to Poland by the Duke of Masovia, Konrad. 1241 Tartar (Mongol) invasion, battle of Legnica, defeat of Poland and further march of Mongols in Europe. 1327 Beginning of war against the Order of Teutonic Knights 1385 Polish-Lithuanian Union 1410 Battle of Grunwald (germ. Tannenberg) – victory of joint Polish and Lithuanian army over the army of the Order of Teutonic Knights 1411 Toruń Peace Treaty (the First Peace of Thorn), the end of wars against the Teutonic Order 1409-1411. 1454 – 1466 another war against the Teutonic Order. 1466 II Toruń Peace Treaty (The Second Peace of Thorn), the decline of the Order. 1519 – 1521 the last war between Poland and the Order of Teutonic Knights. 1525 Prussian Homage – the act of submission of Teutonic Prussia to Poland. Prince Albert recognition and independence. of Brandenburg (the Grand Master converted to Protestantism) became the vassal of the Polish king Sigismund the Old. 1569 Lublin Union, establishment of Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth 1573 Warsaw Confederation, the beginning of legally guaranteed religious tolerance. 1600 beginning of war against with Swedish invasion (the Swedish Deluge) 1629 the Alltmark peace treaty between Poland and Sweden. 1609 – 1618 Polish-Russian war, Polish occupation of Moscow. 1620 – 1699 Polish-Turkish wars 1672 Turkish invasion 1673 battle of Chocim – victory of Poles over the Turkish army 1683 Battle of Vienna – the battle which saved Europe from Turkish invasion, Polish king 1768 – 1772 Bar Confederation, a pretext for the partition of the Commonwealth (of Poland and Lithuania) 1772 I partition of the Commonwealth by Russia, Austria and Prussia. 1788 – 1792 The Great Sejm (parliament) tried to recover the sovereignty of Poland and speed up 1791 3 May Constitution, the first modern constitution in Europe  1792 Targowica Confederation, the plot of a group of influential Polish nobles against the 1793 II partition of the Commonwealth by Russia and Prussia. 1794 Kosciuszko Uprising, the last attempt (led by Tadeusz Kościuszko) at saving Poland, 1795 III partition of the Commonwealth by Russia, Austria and Prussia. 1807 the founding of the Duchy of Warsaw – as a result of a treaty between Napoleon I 1816 the founding of the Congress Kingdom of Poland, which was part of the Russian 1830 November Uprising 1863 January Uprising 1914 – 1918 World War I, the biggest military conflict in Europe since the times of Napoleon. 1918 Poland regains independence (the officially accepted date is11 November) 1918–1919 Greater Poland Uprising – the uprising of the Poznań Province against the German John III Sobieski was commander-in-chief of the Polish-Austrian-German army. the economic development of Poland. Great Sejm and 3 May constitution famous battle of Racławice and Alexander I of Russia. Dissolved after the defeat of Napoleon. Empire until 1918. Reich. Poland demanded that the territory of Prussian partition should return to Poland. 1919 the passing of Small Constitution, which introduced committee government. 1919 –1921 Silesian Uprisings – military conflicts between Polish and German people in Upper 1919 – 1921 Polish-Soviet war the war between the new Polish Republic and the Soviet Russia. 1920 Battle of Warsaw 15-25 August – the key battle which decided about Poland’s 1921 Riga Treaty – setting up Polish borders. 1921 March Constitution, the first modern-day constitution of Poland. 1926 May Coup – the coup organised by Piłsudski. The aim was to halt the deterioration of 1939 Outbreak of World War II. The attack of Germany on Poland on 1st September. Silesia. independence. political and economic situation in the country. 1939 The attack of the Soviet Union on Poland on 17th September 1939 – 1945 Establishment of the Underground State, the only one of its kind in Europe with its 1940 Katyń massacre – the execution of Polish Prisoners of War, including the officers, 1943 Uprising in the Warsaw ghetto. The armed rebellion of Jews against the Germans. 1944 Warsaw Uprising – started on 1st August, lasted 63 days, ended with the 1945 end of WWII, Jalta conference (acceptance of Soviet supremacy over Poland by the 1945 the beginning of communist rule in Poland 1947 – 1956 The Stalin period – the age of terror. 1980 foundation of NSZZ ”Solidarność” (Independent Workers’ Union ‘Solidarity’) 1981 The beginning of Martial Law in Poland (lasted from 13 December 1981 to 22 July 1989 negotiations of the Round Table, the end of communism in Poland, beginning of III 1999 Poland joins NATO on 12 March 2004 Poland joins the European Union on 1 May 2010 Smoleńsk crash – the plane crashes in Smoleńsk, killing 96 passengers, including the administration, army and even degree-awarding universities. following the decision of the Soviet authorities. annihilation of the city. Allies’ leaders). Capitulation of Germany, Potsdam conference. 1983). The aim was to stifle the Solidarity movement. Republic of Poland President of Poland and many other key civilian and military officials.

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN POLAND

Lower Silesian voivodeship Wrocław ZOO – founded in 1865 is the biggest ZOO in Poland. Ostrów (Island) Tumski – old fortified settlement surrounded by water, home to many splendid examples of architecture. St Adalbert Church in Wrocław – in the Old Town of Wrocław, one of the largest and oldest Gothic temples in the city. The Old Town Hall in Wrocław – built in the late Gothic style, is one of the best preserved town halls in Poland, a real jewel of old architecture. The Water Tower in Wrocław – built in 1903 – 1904, height 62 metres, in the Borek area. Hala Stulecia (Centennial Hall) in Wrocław – a multi-purpose sports and entertainment venue, erected in 1911, on the UNESCO World Heritage List Japanese Garden in Wrocław – set up in the period of 1909-1913, it is a unique example of Japanese culture in Europe. Grunwaldzki Bridge in Wrocław – a suspension bridge over the Oder, height 20 metres, built in the period of 1908-1910. Botanical Garden in Wrocław – set up in 1811. National Park of Table Mountains – one of the most picturesque national parks in Poland. Jaskinia Niedźwiedzia (BearCave) in Sudety Mountains – discovered in 1966 and believed to be the most beautiful in Poland. Bolków – a 13th century castle on a hill overlooking a river. Currently home to a museum, A Brotherhood of Knights and Castle Party – the biggest gothic/dark wave festival in Eastern Europe. Milicz Ponds – the largest nature reserve in Poland Karpacz – the most popular tourist resort in Sudety, a starting point for climbing the Śnieżka top. Śnieżka – the highest mountain top in the Sudety Mountains, with a famous astronomical observatory in the shape of flying saucers. Szklarska Poręba – the second largest tourist resort in the Sudety Mountains. Polanica Zdrój – a popular 19th century spa Kudowa-Zdrój – one of the oldest Polish spas (since 16th century), with a beautiful and a famous skull chapel Góry Stołowe (Table Mountains) – flat mountain tops with labyrinths of cracks, fairytale landscape Książ – Castle built in the years 1288 - 1292. Now houses a hotel and the Museum of Textiles. Chojnik – a picturesque castle atop a mountain bearing the same name. Built in the years 1353 – 1364, considered by many to be the most beautiful Piast Castle. Grodno Castle – in the northern part of the Sowie Mountains, known for being haunted by a mysterious White Lady. Ślęża (mountain range) – a pre-Christian cult place, 40 km from Wrocław. Place of several nature reserves (Góra Ślęża, Góra Radunia, Łąka Sulistrowiecka) and many prehistoric mysterious granite sculptures. UWAGA – informacja o wieży widokowej na Ślęży była nieaktualna; wieża jest już zamknięta. Castle of Bolesław III Wrymouth , Jelenia Góra – built in the years 1108-1111. Cistercian Monastery, Trzebnica – a complex including, among others, a late-Romanesque church from 13th century, St Hedwig’s Chapel with her tomb. Ducal Castle, Oleśnica – built in the early 14th century, with later modifications. Kuyavian-Pomeranian voivodeship Bydgoszcz Venice – the most picturesque part of the Old Town The Town Hall in Toruń – a monument of European secular architecture. Castle of the Teutonic Order in Toruń – built since 1255. The first fortress of the Order in the Chełmno Land. Old Town in Toruń – a must-see for all interested in Gothic architecture Gingerbread Museum, Toruń – set up in the reconstructed 16th century bakery. Production follows old recipes. Visitors can make their own gingerbread. Toruń Fortress (Festung Thorn) – 19th century Fort, the military-representative district St Mary Church – monumental 14th century church. St John Cathedral – the oldest temple in Toruń Biskupin – fortified settlement in Biskupin; contains full-scale fragments of defence rampart, breakwater, gates, streets and cottages dating back 2500 years. There is a living museum, in September it holds the famous Archeological Festival. The town of Setidava, Żnin – on the Amber Trail. NIE ZNALAZLAM TEGO JAKO ATRAKCJI NA stronach turystycznych z angielskim. Bory Tucholskie (Tuchola Forest) – one of the largest forest areas in Poland with 17 natural reserves Mysia Wieża (Mice Tower), Kruszwica – according to legend, the fictitious evil King Popiel was eaten alive by mice there. The tower is part of the mediaeval castle built by Casimir (Kazimierz) the Great. Nadgoplański National Park (Nadgoplański Park Tysiąclecia), Kruszwica – the area where the dawn of Polish history blends with unique attractions of nature . 18th century Baroque manor in Osowiec St Mary’s Church, Inowrocław – a 12th century church. The largest church without a transept. St Nicolaus Church, Inowrocław Ciechocinek Spa– founded in 1824, famous for saline springs and Graduation Towers. Teutonic castle, Radzyń Podlaski – a 14th century castle. Teutonic castle, Świecie – a 14th century castle with the tallest leaning tower in Poland Vistula Landscape Park – covers the area notable for landscapes of the largest wild European lowland river (the Vistula) combined with historical settlements. Lublin voivodeship St Stanislaus Church of the Dominican Order, Lublin – founded by Casimir the Great in 1342, the pearl of the Lublin’s beautiful Old Town. St John the Baptist and St John the Evangelist Jesuit church, Lublin – a 16th century Baroque church, now an archcathedral. Kazimierz Landscape Park – founded in 979. The first landscape park in Lublin voivodeship. Kazimierz Dolny – a famous historical town on the Vistula river, favourite destination for short trips from Warsaw and Lublin Firlej Castle, Janowiec –an 18th century castle, ruined since 19th century. According to legend, its owner, Marcin Lubomirski lost it playing cards. Temple of Sybil, Puławy – known as Temple of Memory, built in the years 1789 – 1801 and modelled on the ancient Vesta Temple in Tivoli. The first national museum in Poland (since 1801). The palace and park complex,’ Kozłówka’ , Lubartów – a baroque palace from the 18th century, houses the museum of socrealism. Roztocze National Park (Roztoczański Park Narodowy) – famous for rare and endemic species of flora and fauna Polesie National Park – covering the wetlands (peat and bog reserves) of Polesie Majdanek Concentration Camp - covered the area of 270 hectares, with 280 objects. Lubuskie voivodeship Gothic cathedral, Gorzów Wielkopolski – a 14/15 century building. St Hedwig church, Zielona Góra – a late Gothic church, one of the few surviving historical buildings in the city. Łagów Landscape Park (Łagowski Park Krajobrazowy) – with post-glacial lakes, beech forest , meadows and alder copses. Drawa Forest (Puszcza Drawska – an old forest with rivers and lakes. Ideal for kayaking trips. Drawa National Park (DrewieńskiPark Narodowy) – covers the area of Drawa Plain and Drawa Forest. Żagań Palace – also known as ‘devil’s palace’, considered by many to be the most beautiful Baroque palaces in Poland. Bat Reserve (Rezerwat Nietoperek), Kaława - set up in 1980 to protect the colonies of bats. In winter there are around 30 thousand bats. Kożuchów Castle – with the Brotherhood of Knights and summer fight demonstrations. Promnitz Palace, Żary – built in 1710-1726 by the famous Italian architect Giovanni Simonetti. Łódź voivodeship Historical Museum of Łódź – in a former palace of one of the owners of Łódź factories Piotrowska Street, Łódź – the longest and the best known street in the older part of Łódź St Francis church and monastery, Łódź-Łagiewniki –the oldest Baroque building in Łódź Geyer’s Textile Factory (White Factory) – the largest surviving example of 19th century industrialism, now houses the Museum of Textiles Film Museum, Łódź – the chief museum of cinematography in Poland, in the old Scheibler palace Bishop’s castle, Skierniewice – built in the years 1610 – 1619 Baroque Cathedral Basilica, Łowicz – originally a Gothic church, later rebuilt in the Baroque style. Residence of bishops who in the times of Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth acted as primates and acted as heads of state during the time before the election of a new king. The most interesting part is Chapel of St Victoria. The Basilica houses the Museum of Polish Baroque. Holy Spirit Church, Łowicz – a 15th century church built in the Gothic style Museum of the Łowicz Land (Muzeum Ziemi Łowickiej) – has a rich exhibition of the local folk culture (the dominant folk tradition of central Poland) Arkadia, Nieborów – a landscape park representing early Romanticism, founded by duchess Radziwiłł. Notable for false ruins, temples and other buildings inspired by ancient and mediaeval architecture Nieborów palace – a palace complex built in the years 1694-1697. Old Slavonic settlement, Łęczyca Pilicka/Spalski Forest (Puszcza Pilicka/Lasy Spalskie) Książ – a Polish bison breeding farm near Smardzewice. Lesser Poland voivodeship Cracow – former capital of Poland (until 1596) Sukiennice, Cracow – a mediaeval market/shopping mall, still operating Barbican, Cracow – part of mediaeval fortifications Iagiellonian University (originally: Akademia Krakowska) – the oldest Polish university, founded in 1364. Wawel Castle, Cracow – formal residence of Polish kings for over 6 centuries, coronation site. Lantern of the Dead, Cracow – near St Nicolaus church in Cracow. The light informed the passers-by that there was a cemetery nearby and reminded about prayer. Old Synagogue, Cracow – the oldest (15th century) surviving synagogue in Poland. Tatry – the highest mountain range in Poland and in the Carpathia mountains Giewont (mountain top) – the symbol of Zakopane. According to legends, inside the mountain there is a cave where a team of knights sleep, ready to wake when the country needs them). Zakopane – dubbed ‘the winter capital of Poland’, the most popular Polish tourist mountain resort (in the heart of the Tatra (Tatry) mountains) Niedzica Castle – a legendary hiding place of an Inca survivor, Inca scrolls were found there (later lost and never recovered, as well as the mythical Inca treasure). Babia Góra National Park – a natural reserve in the Polish mountain, set up in 1954. Krynica Zdrój – one of the most important Polish spa resorts combining good climate and other natural resources providing health benefits (e.g. mineral water), outstanding infrastructure for patients and tourists and the charm of a historical spa with old wooden villas and pre-war boutique hotels. Concentration and Extermination camp Auschwitz-Bierkenau, Oświęcim – a Nazi German concentration and extermination camp, operated in the years 1940-1945. The only former extermination camp to be entered into the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage list. Wieliczka Salt Mine – One of the wonders of Poland. Considered to be the oldest and still operating salt mine in the world. Comprises 9 underground levels, with the deepest at 327 m below ground. Several tourist routes, catering to different interests and fitness levels, underground hotel and spa, several chapels, a strict nature reserve (Cristal Caves), etc. Benedictine Abbey, Tyniec – built in 1705. Masovian voivodeship Castle Square (Plac Zamkowy), Warsaw – with the statue of King Sigismund Vasa, who moved the capital of Poland from Cracow to Warsaw, a starting point for tourists visiting the Old Town and the Royal Castle, also a popular meeting place of Warsaw residence. Royal Castle, Warsaw – built in the Baroque style, destroyed completely during WWII, rebuilt from scratch in the years 1971 – 1984. Now, a museum. Krakowskie Przedmieście, Warsaw – one of the most beautiful streets in Europe. St John’s Cathedral, Warsaw – the oldest and the most important church in Warsaw, with tombs of many famous Poles in the crypt. Arcades of Saxon Palace, Warsaw – remnants of one of the most distinctive pre-war Warsaw buildings. Now there is a monument z grobem Nieznanego Żołnierza. Wilanów Park and Palace, Warsaw –an English-type garden on most of the area and a beautiful Baroque palace built by John III Sobieski. Belweder Palace, Warsaw – traditionally, the residence of the President of Poland Ujazdowski Park, Warsaw – in the French style Palace of the Republic, Warsaw – acts as the place where old prints and manuscripts of National Library are stored. Palace of Culture and Science, Warsaw (Pałac Kultury i Nauki w Warszawie – a ‘gift’ of the Soviet nation to the Polish nation, at present a cultural centre with cinemas, theatres, museums, etc. Łazienki, Warsaw – a park and palace complex, with old trees, old open-air theatre, ponds, canals, the famous Palace on Water and many other attractions. Ostrogski Palace, Warsaw – a mysterious building with underground tunnels. According to a legend one of these tunnels led to a cave with a pond and the Golden Duck. Kampinoski Park Narodowy (Campinos National Park) – dubbed ‘the green lungs of Warsaw’; the second biggest national park in Poland. Famous for large patches of forest, dunes and wild animals (elk, wolf, lynx, wild boar). Żelazowa Wola – the birthplace of Chopin Kadzidło – a village with the collection of historical houses built and equipped according to the Kurpie folk tradition Czarnolas, Jabłonowski Manor (Dworek Jabłonowskich) – place of residence of the biggest Polish Rennaissance poet, Jan Kochanowski, now a museum Płock – the first historical capital of Masovia. Has many magnificent buildings, e.g. a castle, a cathedral, Romanesque houses, churches etc. Polonia Castle, Pułtusk – on the bank of the Narew River, Combines elements of Renaissance, Baroque and Classicist styles. Opole voivodeship Opole, open-air theatre – famous for the annual Festival of Polish Songs Moszna, palace – a fairy-tale palace combining fancy elements of architecture, comprises 37 towers and pinnacles, 365 rooms, an orangery and a beautiful park. Landscape Park Góry Opawskie – famous for old mines’ shafts Landscape Park Park Krajobrazowy Góra Św. Anny – Franciscan Monastery with a sanctuary housing a statue of St Anne from the 15th century. Brzeg Castle – dubbed ‘the Silesian Wawel’, a 16th century castle, now a museum of the Silesian Piast Dynasty. Gothic church, Strzelniki – a mediaeval church with original Gothic painting. Basilica of St Jacob and St Agnes, Nysa – from 1424 – 1430 Bishop’s Palace, Nysa – built in the manner of city palaces in Rome. Has 4 wings which surround the internal yard. Bishop’s Gothic Renaissance Castle, Otmuchów – famous for the ‘horse stairs’ which allowed to enter the rooms on horseback. Maedieval fortifications, Paczków – one of the few completely preserved systems of mediaeval fortifications in Europe. Subcarpathian voivodeship Monastery of St Bernard Order,Rzeszów – from 17th century Town Hall, Rzeszów – from 16th century. Kołacznia nature reserve – the only place in Poland with Yellow Azalea Museum of Folk Architecture, Sanok – covering the cultural heritage of all major ethnic groups living in the area in historical times – Lemkos, Boykos, and Polish Uplanders Magura National Park (Magurski Park Narodowy) – with lush nature, mainly forest, rocks (Magura sandstone) and numerous cemeteries from World War I Łańcut Castle (also known as Potocki Palace) – built in the years 1628 – 1641 by Stanisław Lubomirski, famous for the collection of old carriages Bieszczady National Park (Bieszczadzki Park Narodowy) – part of the UNESCO East Carpathian Biosphere Reserve. Park and palace complex, Krasiczyn – from 16th-17th century, founded by Stanisław Krasicki. Icon trail – 25km from Sanok. On the trail there are 2 museums and 14 old Orthodox churches. Basilica and Bernardine Convent, Leżajsk – 17th century complex, famous for magnificent organ. Odrzykoń – ruins of 14th century castle. Podlaskie voivodeship Branicki Palace, Białystok – baroque palace built in 1691 – 1697. Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, Hajnówka – the biggest cult object of the Orthodox Church in Poland Białowieża National Park (Białowieski Park Narodowy) – the last temperate primeval forest Europe, the inner zone belongs to the old-growth forest which has been living without human intervention for nearly 800 years, touring groups are limited to 20 persona with a mandatory guide. Białowieża has the largest population of European bison. Baroque Synagogue, Tykocin – built in 1642, the second largest synagogue in Poland. Grabarka Sacred Mountain (Święta Góra Grabarka) – Eastern Orthodox sanctuary, with a miraculous spring which is said to have saved lives of people in the Times of the Plague (1710). Bohoniki – wooden mosque with ornamental Arabic script and quotes from Koran. Narew National Park, Narwiański Park Narodowy – famous for endemic plants and nesting places of numerous nird species Biebrza National Park, Biebrzański Park Narodowy – the largest national park in Poland, birdwatchers’ paradise Hańcza lake – the deepest lake in Poland Pomeranian voivodeship Oliwa Cathedral, Gdańsk – world famous organ, including 7876 pipes; hold regular concerts. Town Hall, Gdański Ratusz – with beautiful interiors, especially a Mannerist ceiling depicting scenes from mythology and the Bible. Artus Court, Gdańsk – with a beautiful fountain of Neptune in front of the building. Old Crane, Gdańsk – an old port crane, dubbing as a gate. The symbol of Gdańsk. Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Gdańsk – the would’s largest Gothic brick church, one of the oldest Gothic brick buildings, including castles. 78 m tall. Dar Pomorza and Destroyer ORP Błyskawica, Gdynia – two museum ships. Sopot Pier – a wooden pier, 512 m long, the longest one in Poland. Słowiński National Park – famous for moving downs, which can ‘walk’ up to 10 m in a year. Lighthouse, Krynica Morska Ethnographic park, Wdzydze Kiszewskie (Wdzydze Kiszewskie Park Etnograficzny) – with over 30 cottages, manors, workshops and other buildings. Diocese Museum, Pelplin – possesses 12 thousand old prints, including the only copy of Gutenberg’s Bbile and 640 manusripts. Hel – with a seal sanctuary and several sea-related attractions. Malbork – medieval fortress built by the Knights of the Holy Cross. On the UNESCO list of world cultural heritage. Silesian voivodeship Katowice, Spodek – a sports and concert hall, the biggest of its kind in Poland. Nikiszowiec housing district ( Robotnicze osiedle patronackie Nikiszowiec) – a historical housing district built for the workers employed in local mines and factories. Jasna Góra Sanctuary, Częstochowa – dubbed ‘the spiritual centre of Poland’, sanctuary and the monastery of the order of st Paul, famous for the miraculous mediaeval icon of Black Madonna,   St. Paul church, Ruda Śląska – combines the Romanesque and Byzantine styles. Ducal Castle, Pszczyna – a beautiful park and palace complex Silesian Central Park (Park Kultury i Wypoczynku w Chorzowie – a park with many attractions, e.g. the oldest collection of realistic dinosaur figures in Poland. Castle ruins, Ogrodzieniec –one of the most popular destinations on the Eagles’ Nest Trail (Szlak Orlich Gniazd), a set of old castles perched on rocks. Beskid Śląski and Żywiecki – mountain ranges along the borders with Slovakia and the Czech Republic. Świętokrzyskie (Holy Cross) voivodeship Bishop Castle, Kielce – the best preserved 17th century magnate residence in Poland. Currently houses the National Museum. Benedictine Abbey on top of the Holy Cross (Św. Krzyż) mountain – with the Dome Oleśnicki Chapel and relics of the Holy Cross. Świętokrzyskie Mountains – with the tallest top Łysica. The oldest mountain range in Poland famous for dinosaur relics found in the area (among others the oldest dinosaur species ever to be excavated). Puszcza Jodłowa (Fir forest) – famous for old fir trees Chęciny Castle – was the biggest Polish fortress, residence of queens, especially widowed. Currently in ruin, partially rebuilt. Raj Cave – north of Chęciny. The cave is approximately 240 m long. With beautiful stalactites and stalagmites, notable for the excavations connected with the Neanderthal man. State Museum Przypkowskich (Państwowe Muzeum Przypkowskich), Jędrzejów – the museum has a splendid collection of solar clocks. Park and palace complex, Kurozwęki – the only breeding centre in Poland of the American bison. Warmian-Masurian voivodeship Gothic Castle, Olsztyn –built in the 14th century. In the years 1516-1521 its administrator was Nicolaus Copernicus. Currently houses the Museum of Warmia and Mazury. Wilczy Szaniec (Wolf’s Lair) – in the years 1941-1944 the headquarter of Adolf Hitler. Today ruined but historically included 200 buildings and facilities such as barracks, shelters, airport, power plant, railway station, waterpipes, etc. Elbląg Canal – between Elbląg and Małdyty there are locks, inclined planes with rails, with the transporto f boats done on land. Śniardwy Lake– the biggest lake in Poland, dubbed ‘the small sea’ Giżycko – one of the key centres for yachting and water tourism in general. Sztynort – another important centre of water sports, esp yachting. Cormorant Island – the most famous Island on the Dobskie Lake with thousands of cormorants. Łuknajno Lake – nature reserve, on the list of UNESCO World Biosphere. Reserve of European Pond Turtle, Orłowo – one of very few in Europe. Wzgórza Szeskie (Szeskie Hills) – the highest part of Mazury with good conditions for skiing and the forest reserve Yew Ravine (Cisowy Jar). Frombork Cathedral – a splendid Gothic church, built in the years 1342 – 1388. Nidzicka Forest (Puszcza Nidzicka) – extraordinary forests with lakes and multiple natural reserves. Romnicka Forest (Puszcza Romnicka) – a huge forested area spanning bordering areas in Poland and Kiliningrad Oblast. Home to many species of animals. Stańczyki – one of the tallest historical overpasses in Poland Greater Poland voivodeship Poznań Town Hall – one of the most beautiful Renaisance secular buildings. Collegiate Church of St. Stanislaus, Poznań – a masterpiece of European Baroque. On the UNESCO Cultural Heritage List. Rogalin Landscape Park – with a historical palace and Europe’s largest group of ancient oak trees Basilica of St Peter and St Paul in Ostrów Tumski, Poznań – with an archeological reserve in the crypt. Locomotive Depot, Wolsztyn –the only operating locomotive depot in Europe. Has about 30 engines. Jesus Holiest Christ Church, Turek – Neo-gothic church with beautiful wall painting and stained glass windows. Gniezno – the first capital of Poland Gniezno Cathedral – an outstanding example of Gothic architecture, inside we can see a silver casket with the remains of St Adalbert. The doors were made in the Romanesque style and show scenes from the life of St Adalbert. West-Pomeranian Voivodeship Pomeranian Dukes’ Castle, Szczecin – located on a hill overlooking the Oder. Building started in 1346. Wały Chrobrego – terraces along the Oder embankment, over 19 metres above the river’s level, length 500m Wolin – an island famous for its nature (Wolin National Park) and history, home to annual German- Slavic and Viking Festival Kołobrzeg – the biggest Polish seaside spa resort St John’s Cathedral, Kamień Pomorski – a monumental Gothic church with magnificent Baroque organs (concerts especially in high tourist season). Świnoujście – with the biggest passenger terminal and fishing port in Poland. On the breakwater of the port there is a navigation sign in the shape of a windmill. Deep Sea Fishing Museum. Burial site of ancients Goths, Grzybnica – archeological reserve. Trzęsacz – ruins of a church on a steep cliff systematically washed away by the sea.