| sightseeing |
Sightseeing in Poland When discovering attractions in Poland, one must inevitably being in Krakow, where the charming, florally baroque influence to the largely intact architectural infrastructure casts an aura of dreamy medieval charm in a grand, stately and big-city manner. It is an exquisite combination of enchantment and awe that first overcomes most tourists as they touch down in central Krakow.
Start a sightseeing tour of Krakow by visiting the Rynek Glowny, or Central Square in Krakow where all the markets are. You will first be taken aback by the sheer size of this plaza. Nearly ten square acres across, it is home to a couple of Krakow’s most breathtaking attractions. The Virgin Mary Basilica sculpted out in the gothic style in the 1300’s looms tall and mysteriously alongside the sprightlier, Renaissance era Cloth Hall built two hundred years later.
Next on your itinerary should be the Wawel Cathedral. Fine enough to be the place of burial for the vast majority of Polish royalty; the Wawol Cathedral is fit for any international tourist. Amazing architecture aside, its artistic merit alone is enough to fascinate – the Wawol Cathedral is home to the 16th century Zygmunt Bell.
Between Krakow and Warsaw, the former is much more exciting. Nevertheless, despite the immediately apparent soviet gloom that Warsaw, packs a charm that is derived, in part, from the sense of satisfaction that one can achieve simply by uncovering some of this cities most precious, secreted gems. The most exciting attractions in Warsaw by far are its indoor art galleries. The Contemporary Art Museum in Warsaw, for instance, displays an explosion of cultural acumen and style. Despite being a reconstruction of the pre-World War II Old City, Warsaw’s Stare Miasto is an impressive testament to Poland’s dual capacity of resilience, and old world charm. Round out your stay here by visiting the Royal Castle, which also faced bombing and has largely been rebuilt.
Apart from the cities, the Polish countryside is one of the countries principle attractions. Babbling brooks, verdant farmland, idyllic villages and friendly locals with a ludicrous sense of humor make for a hilarious, yet relaxation escape from the more hyped up European itinerary. |
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