Warsaw is the capital of which country? A. Germany B. Poland C. Hungary D. Moldova Warsaw is the capital of which country? A. Germany B. Poland C. Hungary D. Moldova Warsaw is the capital of POLAND. Get an answer Warsaw is the capital of which country? A. Germany B. Poland C. Hungary D. Moldova Original conversation This answer has been confirmed as correct, not copied, and helpful. Confirmed by jay901 [2/11/2014 6:50:12 AM] Comments environmental geography? Weegy: Environmental geography is the branch of geography that describes the spatial aspects of interactions between humans and the natural world. [ It represents a critically important set of analytical tools for assessing the impact of human presence on the environment by measuring the result of human activity on natural landforms and cycles.

] (More) Question Warsaw, capital of the ‘vanishing country’ | Moonchild's Temple Warsaw, capital of the ‘vanishing country’ Moonchild Abubakar Adam Ibrahim , capital of the vanishing country , Historical Centre of Warsaw , La Mama , Lazienki Park , Palace of Culture , Poland , Warsaw 4 Comments The Warrior Mermeaid of Warsaw at the historical centre of the city Warsaw, the capital of Poland, is a city that has seen many wars and has earned the name “The Phoenix city”, having risen from the ashes of so many invasions. The legend goes that it was founded by a hunter who discovered a mermaid in the Vistula River and fell in love with her. Because she could not leave the river, the hunter settled by the shores and from there, the city sprouted, straddling the Vistula, its name an amalgam of the name of the hunter and his mermaid, Warszawa (pronounced ([varˈʂava] in Polish).

Tourists appreciating the statue of Marshal Jozef Pilsudski at the entrance of Lazienki Park A section of the historical centre of Warsaw, with the Royal Palace on the right Today, the mermaid makes her appearance as the city’s symbol, on its coat of arms and in statues and reliefs, bearing a shield and a sword. Creative, yes. But the legend of the warrior mermaid protecting this city has not kept away Poland’s more powerful neighbours from sweeping into the country, almost at will. Speaking to a friend about an invasion of Poland, she asked, “Which of the invasions because everyone has invaded Poland?” True, Poland’s history is replete with war and invasions by every major power in Europe. After four major partitions, Poland as a country seems to vanish, (at one time for over a century) and reappear on the world map indiscriminately, thanks to the people of that country, who always pull it back from the brink of extinction. Warsaw in the autumn is a charming city, with the yellowing foliage casting it in subtle glow. Especially at the Lazienki Park, Poland’s largest.

It covers some 76 hectares of the capital and was designed in the 17th century. It is here, among the trees and glades, that some key moments of the city’s, and the country’s history, played out. It was here that the last Polish King Stanislaw August Poniatowski reigned, loved and lost his kingdom, resulting in the 3rd partition of Poland among several European powers in 1795. And for a century thereafter, Poland disappeared from the map. At the entrance to the park stands the towering statue of a fierce looking Marshal Jozef Pilsudski, with shaggy brows and thick moustache. He is the man credited with the founding of the Second Polish Republic in 1918 on the heels of WW1, reclaiming the country’s place on the map for the first time since 1795. He marshalled the Poles to defeat Soviet troops in 1920 to reaffirm the country’s independence. The statue was commissioned only recently as Pilsudski had been obliterated from Polish history after the country fell under the control of the Soviet’s at the end of WWII.

The Soviet’s finally found a way to get back at the man who had routed their armies and halted the march of communism into Western Europe. His name was only whispered while Poland was locked in the grip of communism, until 1989. But Pilsudski’s fierce looks should on no account be held as a standard. The Poles are mostly kind, soft-spoken people, who have the misfortune of being surrounded by powerful, ambitious countries. Despite its many wars, the most famous Pole ever, and one reckoned as the greatest, is not a military hero but a priest – a certain Karol Jozef Wojtyla, who the world knows as Pope John Paul II. And like him, most Poles are amiable people committed to the quieter things in life. Inside the park, the Frederic Chopin monument is located in prime spot. Chopin, Poland’s next most famous son, is depicted sitting under a willow tree with a melancholic expression, as if weighed down by the enormous talent that had defined his life and death (he was ill most of his life), and by extension, the burden of existence his country has had to deal with.

The famous composer died in Paris just aged 39 but his memory and music live on. At strategic locations in the park, and in Warsaw, there are benches that play some of Chopin’s composition at the push of a button. He is that highly regarded in a country he left at 21. Further in, there are palaces, built mostly in the 17th century, combining architectural styles from various backgrounds, the result being some aesthetically pleasing structures in a serene park like the impressive Palace on the Water, the home of the last Polish King. Amidst the temples and orangeries and the little White House, whose walls are privy to some royal romance, there is an officer’s cadet’s barrack, where one of the many uprisings that dot Polish history began. The Poles are famous for many uprisings, something they are proud of, even if most of them were not successful. But considering the many armies that have invaded Poland, and the many uprisings of the Poles, the people are very warm and friendly. And with such a people, you wonder why anyone would want to wipe them clean off the face of the world. Yet, that was precisely what Hitler wanted to do.

If he had succeeded, the Warsaw I saw, hemmed by autumn leaves and warm, smiling people, would not have been there. It would have been replaced by a settlement for some 10, 000 Germans. With this agenda in mind the Nazis rolled their tanks into Poland and started WWII. Attacked simultaneously by the Nazi’s on one side, and the Soviets on the other, Poland was doomed. And during the 1944 Warsaw uprising against Nazi occupation, 85 per cent of the city was destroyed and some 60 per cent of the population (800, 000 people) was killed. Poland was, during the war, a Nazi incinerator of some sort. The Warsaw Ghettos were set up to house the Polish Jews, many of whom were moved to the concentration camps elsewhere in Poland, the most infamous being Auschwitz, in the South of the country. And if there is an enduring legacy of loathing the Poles have for the Germans, it is for these reasons. One Pole I spoke to said her grandfather hid in the forest for four years during the war, and she was carrying on his grudge for him.

With the war eventually over and most of Warsaw and Poland lying in ruins and left at the mercies of the Soviets, the Poles decided to rebuild their country, brick by brick. Well, where that was possible. The historic centre of Warsaw was rebuilt down to the smallest detail from some 30 paintings by Italian artists Bernardo Bellotto commissioned to paint the city in 1764 by the last Polish King. That part of the city is now a UNESCO world heritage site. Walking down the cobbled streets of the historical centre, there is an old man playing a wind instrument on the sidewalk, acknowledging dropped coins with a smile and a nod. His melody is infinitely sad, even when he attempts to play a happy tune, as if trying to recapture something that was lost, something that the wind had shattered and dissipated. Despite the tremendous efforts and sacrifices of ordinary Varsovians, who dedicated endless hours to rebuild their city, despite the amazing work, the overwhelming feeling for me was that of something irretrievably lost.

The Royal Palace at the centre of the historic city and even the cornices tried to remain faithful to the originals; it looked as picturesque as Signor Bellotto’s paintings, complete with the grand red brick Royal Palace, the quaint little houses in the corner, the market square. Copies of the paintings are showcased down the street for visitors to see and appreciate. It was a lesson in quiet perseverance. But further away from the historical centre, the architecture is a fusion of sorts, a result of the different influences that were brought to the post-war reconstructions. Many migrant workers came with their ideas of architecture, and there were those who desired the construction of a totally modern city while others pinned for a restoration of the original. And of course there were the overlords, the Soviets, who imposed their socialist realisms in the architecture, putting up giant grey structures that celebrated the working class people. The most impressive of these buildings and the biggest structure in the whole of Warsaw is the Palace of Culture and Science, a “gift of the people of the Soviet Union to the people of Poland”.

Completed in 1955, it remains the tallest building in the capital, (and the 6th tallest in the European Union) embellished with statues, carvings and reliefs of working class people in all their glory. After the collapse of communism in 1989, the fate of the impressive structure was debated. Some people wanted what would remain for them a symbol of communism torn down. Others prefer to keep it. Now it is visible from all parts of Warsaw and at nights, it glows in a dreamy lilac light. I understand the light theme is changed every year. It is also a major tourist destination as visitors get to take in the whole of Warsaw from the huge windows of the top floor while enjoying the showcase of scientific and cultural exhibits that fill the other floors. From its window’s one can see the impressive greenery of Warsaw, the lush lawns and colourful hedges that line the streets as well as the ambitious skyscrapers creeping heavenwards, one of them poised to replace the Palace of Culture as the country’s tallest building. It is a massive, massive structure.

But all around it, the ambience of Warsaw is changing, from an impoverished communist country to a nation eagerly bursting into capitalism, with glamour shops lining the streets. In Poland, one can’t complain about the cuisine; the food is filling and the variety impressive. But for an African visiting Warsaw, a visit is incomplete without stopping by at La Mama, a Nigerian restaurant, broadly tagged an “African restaurant” that serves typically Nigerian food, from Amala to pounded yam and a range of soups from Okra, oha or egusi soup, or even the famed pepper soup. Don’t be surprised though if there are more Poles than Africans at La Mama, enjoying the meals and nodding to the beats of Fela or some contemporary Nigerian musicians seeping out of the speakers. They will smile and talk to you, the wonderful people of Poland, whether at restaurants or one of the numerous arts exhibition in Warsaw during the autumn, for which they have so much appreciation, and you will wonder where the resilience and indomitable spirit comes from. How can a people go through all the Poles have gone through and remain so nice?

Perhaps it is the charm of the mermaid or just the realisation that the most beautiful thing about Poland is its people. Like this: Where is Poland? / Where is Poland Located in The World? / Poland Map - WorldAtlas.com What is the capital of Poland? Located in the continent of Europe , Poland covers 304,255 square kilometers of land and 8,430 square kilometers of water, making it the 70th largest nation in the world with a total area of 312,685 square kilometers. Poland became an independent state in 1918, after gaining its sovereignty from Germany. The population of Poland is 38,415,284 (2012) and the nation has a density of 126 people per square kilometer. The currency of Poland is the Zloty (PLN). As well, the people of Poland are refered to as Polish. The dialing code for the country is 48 and the top level internet domain for Polish sites is .pl. Poland shares land borders with 7 countries: Belarus , Lithuania , Ukraine , Czech Republic , Slovakia , Germany , Russia .

To learn more, visit our detailed Poland section. Quick facts Warsaw is the capital of Poland Warsaw is the capital of Poland Warsaw is the capital of Poland 878 Warsaw is currently one of the fastest growing cities in Europe and the largest construction and renovation site in Central Europe. Tell your friends Tweet During recent years, Warsaw has grown into a vibrant, cosmopolitan and influential European metropolis that offers a rich repertoire of business fairs, political gatherings and social and cultural events, including theater, opera and concert halls performances. Warsaw is also a student city. Every eighth resident is a student. Students both enjoy and add to the atmosphere of vitality, creativity, and dynamism that reigns in Warsaw. A focal point for foreign business and investment, the vibrant city of Warsaw is host to hundreds of multinational companies, banks, research institutions,non-profit organizations, international intergovernmental organizations and EU institutions. Warsaw's unique work and career environment provides an excellent opportunity for American students to undertake international internships in their particular area of interest. Students enhance skills, develop professional contacts and increase career opportunities while enjoying their leisure time and making enduring friendships in this charming and dynamic city.

With its central location in Europe, Warsaw has very convenient international travel connections to Western Europe, Scandinavia, Southern Europe as well as Baltic States, Russia and Ukraine ... Subscribe to our newsletter and stay up to date with the latest news and deals! Subscribe Warsaw | national capital, Poland | Britannica.com national capital, Poland Warsaw, Polish Warszawa, city, capital of Poland . Located in the east-central part of the country, Warsaw is also the capital of Mazowieckie województwo (province). Old Town, Warsaw. age fotostock/SuperStock Warsaw is notable among Europe’s capital cities not for its size, its age, or its beauty but for its indestructibility. It is a phoenix that has risen repeatedly from the ashes of war. Having suffered fearful damage during the Swedish and Prussian occupation of 1655–56, it was again assaulted in 1794, when the Russian army massacred the population of the right-bank suburb of Praga.

In 1944, after the Warsaw Uprising failed, by Adolf Hitler’s order the city was razed; the left-bank suburbs, controlled by the Germans, were emptied of their remaining population; and the buildings were systematically reduced to rubble by fire and dynamite. In 1945, however, the people of Warsaw, the Varsovians, returned, and the city resumed its role as the capital of Poland and the country’s centre of social, political, economic, scientific, and cultural life. Many of the historical streets, buildings, and churches have been restored exactly according to their original forms. Since the second half of the 18th century, the emblem of Warsaw (originally a siren) has been a mermaid with sword and shield in hand, representing the creature who in legend led a prince to the site of Warsaw and ordered him to found the city. The city’s motto is, appropriately, “Contemnit procellas” (“It defies the storms”). Pop. (2011) 1,700,612.

Landscape City site Warsaw lies on the Vistula (Wisła) River , about 240 miles (386 km) southeast of the Baltic coast city of Gdańsk . It is situated in the middle of the Warsaw Plain, a glacier-formed basin that ranges from 250 to 380 feet (76 to 116 metres) above sea level . Divided into right- and left-bank portions by the river, the city extends about 18 miles from north to south and 16 miles from east to west. The river is some 3,900 feet (1,190 metres) wide at this point, although the riverbed has been artificially narrowed by embankment to a third of this width. The Vistula River at Warsaw. D.C. Williamson, London Facebook Twitter YouTube Instagram Pinterest The multinational population of Warsaw was transformed as a result of World War II, and today the city is composed almost entirely of Poles. For centuries, though, Warsaw had been a place where the Polish-speaking Roman Catholic majority lived alongside Jews, Germans, and Russians.

Early in the 20th century the largely Yiddish-speaking Jewish community accounted for almost 50 percent of the population, although it declined somewhat after 1918. The old German community, originally connected with trade and commerce, was being assimilated , however, and the Russian community, influential in the 19th century, had dwindled. From 1939 to 1945, what remained of the former diversity was destroyed. Warsaw’s Jews were virtually annihilated by the Nazis, and their few remaining numbers have continued to decrease. The intelligentsia also was decimated and the administrative class connected with the prewar republic dispersed and the working class diminished by deaths and deportations. After the war Warsaw had to be completely repopulated by returning refugees, by a vast influx of peasants from the countryside, and by the families of officials connected with the new communist state. The overwhelming majority of the people are Roman Catholic. Economy Editor Picks: Exploring 10 Types of Basketball Movies Warsaw is the hub of main rail, road, and air routes that are of importance to eastern Europe.

Expressways have been built through the city along both banks of the Vistula River and in the form of a ring road through the inner suburbs. Motor traffic still shares the capital’s main streets with a surface tramway system. The city also began constructing an underground railway system in the 1990s. The Warsaw Frédéric Chopin Airport, with international and domestic service, is in Okęcie, south of the city centre. Administration and society Government As the capital of the Republic of Poland, Warsaw houses all the central institutions of the national government as well as the residence of the Polish president (the Presidential Palace). The Sejm , Poland’s national legislature , is not far from the crossroads of Nowy Świat and Aleje Jerozolimskie. The government of Warsaw is run by the elected City Council, headed by a city president. Warsaw’s seven subdivisions also have their own elected legislatures. Until 1990 the city administration was only nominally elective and subject to the Warsaw Committee of the Polish United Workers’ Party , the country’s communist party. The city is also the administrative centre of the Mazowieckie województwo. Presidential Palace, Warsaw.

United Kingdom Education in Warsaw benefits from the presence of the headquarters of the Polish Academy of Sciences , which coordinates research in both physical and social sciences through a number of institutes and industrial establishments. The Technical University of Warsaw and the University of Warsaw are notable institutions. Major libraries include the library (established in 1817) of the University of Warsaw and the National Library (1919); there are also a number of specialist libraries. Cultural life Warsaw’s writers, artists, and musicians play a major role in creating the cultural values of the nation. The city is also the seat of such prominent institutions as the National Museum and the Zachęta National Gallery of Art . There are numerous specialist museums and many social, cultural, and educational associations. Poland’s leading theatre and radio and television operations are centred in Warsaw. The National Philharmonic Orchestra and National Opera draw large crowds. The Warsaw Autumn is a festival of contemporary orchestral and choral music. Extensive recreational facilities exist in and around the city. Several large and many smaller parks provide open space to accommodate a variety of outdoor activities. Indoor and outdoor swimming pools, sport and physical culture centres, and ice rinks are prevalent.

Major sporting and other events take place in a number of stadiums. History Foundation and early development The origins of Warsaw remain obscure. Excavations within present urban limits have confirmed the existence of Stare Bródno, a small trading settlement of the 10th and early 11th centuries ad. Its functions were taken over successively by Kamion (c. 1065) and Jazdow (first recorded in 1262). About the end of the 13th century, Jazdow was moved about two miles to the north, to a village named Warszowa (Warsaw), and the community was strengthened by the protection of a castle. From 1339, authority was invested in a bailiff and, from 1376, in a city council. By the end of the 14th century, the growing settlement had a double line of protective ramparts. In the 15th century the town became the capital of the duchy of Mazovia , and the New Town sprang up to the north of the original, constricted site, afterward known as the Old Town.

In 1526 both city and province became incorporated into the kingdom of Poland; from 1569 the Sejm met in Warsaw, and from 1573 the elections of the kings took place there. The first permanent bridge was built across the Vistula River in 1573, and in 1596 King Sigismund III Vasa began to remodel the castle as a royal residence. In 1611 the king and his court finally moved from Kraków (Cracow) to Warsaw, making it the capital of the Polish state. Powerful persons built residences in Warsaw, and autonomous settlements sprang up around its periphery . This growth proved short-lived, for a Swedish invasion (1655–56) devastated the flourishing city. Afterward the War of the Polish Succession (1733–38) brought economic decay and pestilence. Growth of the modern city The 18th century The development of manufacturing, banks, and other enterprises during the early 18th century provided a firm economic base for a number of early exercises in urban planning.

During the reign (1764–95) of King Stanisław II August Poniatowski , Warsaw became the centre of the Polish Enlightenment. The first lay school (Szkoła Rycerska) was opened in 1765, and in 1773 the Committee on National Education began its activity in the city. The Polish theatre and numerous printing establishments also flourished. Warsaw played an important role in the striving for Polish political rebirth (following the first partition of Poland by Austria , Prussia , and Russia in 1772) when a parliamentary constitution was proclaimed in the city on May 3, 1791. The national insurrection of 1794, led by Tadeusz Kościuszko against the Russo-Prussian second partition, was brutally crushed; the ensuing third partition of Poland among Russia, Prussia, and Austria left Warsaw a provincial town of South Prussia.

(See Partitions of Poland .) The 19th and early 20th centuries The occupation of Warsaw by the French Army in 1806 was followed a year later by Napoleon I’s creation of the duchy of Warsaw , a measure that reinstated the city as a capital. The French emperor’s downfall, however, led to occupation by Russia. Under the Congress Kingdom of Poland (1815–30), formed by the Congress of Vienna and ruled by the Russian tsar, real national independence remained an elusive goal, and Warsaw figured prominently in struggles to throw off foreign domination. The November Insurrection that sparked the Russo-Polish War of 1831, in which the Poles held the initial advantage, ended with the storming of Warsaw’s defenses and the initiation of 30 years of military rule. Economic growth , however, continued, and by the mid-19th century textile, metal, and tannery industries were well established and the city had become the centre of a continentwide rail network. A fresh cycle of insurrection, which broke out in January 1863, led to the brief existence of an underground National Government in Warsaw.

The suppression of the revolt led in 1864 to the abolition of the Congress Kingdom. Warsaw became a provincial city of the Russian Empire’s “Vistula Land.” A period of Russification was launched, and Varsovians abandoned national politics for a period of “positivism,” which aimed to preserve Polish culture at all costs. Population soared, reaching 756,000 by 1903, and urban services underwent extensive modification. Despite revolutionary activity between 1905 and 1907, censorship was alleviated, Polish schools and other cultural institutions were established, and Warsaw experienced a cultural renaissance . After World War I the city regained its status as the national capital. World War II and contemporary Warsaw The population of Warsaw passed the 1,000,000 mark in 1925. The period between the world wars was marked by further advances despite a period of inflation, depressions and slumps in trade, and political instability.

Automobile and aircraft manufacture were introduced; city services underwent further expansion, and Warsaw’s emergence as a European cultural centre was symbolized by the beginning of such international competitions as the International Chopin Competition for Pianists (1927) and the Henryk Wieniawski International Violin Competition (1935). During the Nazi siege of Warsaw in 1939, more than 10,000 citizens perished and more than 50,000 were wounded before the lack of supplies forced a surrender. The subsequent Nazi occupation was aimed at reducing Warsaw to a provincial city; its cultural treasures were systematically plundered and its inhabitants carried away to German labour camps or to concentration camps. Warsaw’s Jewish community was devastated. At the turn of the 20th century the city had contained the largest urban concentration of Jews in the world. Warsaw’s Jews were heavily represented in the city’s bourgeoisie and intelligentsia, especially in the commercial classes and the professions. In addition to full religious and political freedom, Warsaw’s Jewry enjoyed its own press, its own Yiddish theatre, and its own Jewish schools.

Conflict with the rest of Warsaw society existed, but it was not alarming until immediately before the war. Following German entry into Warsaw, a Jewish ghetto was established, surrounded by a high wall. Disease, starvation, and overcrowding caused thousands to perish before deportations to the Nazi death camps, especially to Treblinka , began in late 1941. Some 312,000 Jews were sent to the gas chambers in 1942 alone. The Warsaw Ghetto Uprising of April 1943 signaled a last, heroic act of defiance in the face of impending annihilation. The demolition by the Nazis of the Great Synagogue (now restored) symbolized the end of six centuries of Jewish Warsaw. A family marching at the head of a column of Jews on their way to be deported during the Warsaw … © National Archives/United States Holocaust Memorial Museum Near the war’s end Warsaw became the national resistance centre. With the Soviet forces nearing the city, the Warsaw Home Army rose up against the weakened German garrison and was near victory when German reinforcements arrived and wiped out the Polish resistance.

From 150,000 to 180,000 of the city’s people died in the Warsaw Uprising of 1944. In all, some 600,000 to 800,000 Varsovians are estimated to have died between 1939 and 1944, and the Soviet armies in 1945 found the city in a state of almost total devastation. On Feb. 1, 1945, the Polish government made Warsaw its capital, and an office for urban reconstruction was set up. In the decades that followed the city was rebuilt; the scars of war almost entirely healed over, and the city expanded beyond its prewar size in both area and population. Warsaw, capital city of Poland All... Warsaw, capital city of Poland Gdansk has the glittering seashore, and Krakow has undeniable beauty, but the Polish capital of Warsaw is the country's most cultured, energetic and action-packed city. The capital has enjoyed a remarkable rebirth since it was flattened during the Second World War, and it continues to grow and evolve at an accelerated pace.

Today, the city's thriving energy and funky vibe is positively infectious. Interior of the Royal Castle in Warsaw Start your visit at the Royal Castle, a remarkable copy of the 14th-century original, blown to bits by the Nazis near the finale of the war. The castle was once one of the most splendid royal residences in Europe, and its Baroque apartments have housed both tsars and presidents. Visitors can explore two of the castle's floors, featuring many impressive rooms like the Parliament Chambers, Great Apartments and the magnificent Great Assembly Hall. The blinged-out space dazzles with golden columns, colorful ceiling paintings, marble medallions and gilded stucco. The next-door National Hall features six huge canvases that tell the story of Poland's history in addition to portraits of 22 Polish kings, and the lavishly decorated Throne Room is bedecked in gold trimming, eagles made of silver wire and 23 paintings by Bernardo Bellotto that were used to reconstruct the city's historic landmarks following the war.

The city's Old Town was also reduced to rubble during the war but was painstakingly restored between 1949 and 1963, and every single architectural fragment recovered from the ruins was used in the restoration. The Old Town Square harmoniously blends baroque, Gothic and Renaissance elements, creating a lively atmosphere with art stalls and open-air cafes. The north side of the square is occupied by the Historical Museum of Warsaw, which provides a good introduction to the capital through documents, photographs and films. Across town on the edge of the former ghetto lies the Warsaw Rising Museum. Housed in an amazingly restored redbrick building, the museum tells the story of the 1944 Rising's history through film archives, interactive displays and photographs. The most moving part of the museum is the video footage, audio recordings and personal accounts of the insurgents' heroic struggles. The site of the Warsaw ghetto will soon be the home of the Museum of the History of the Polish Jews, slated to open in spring, 2013. More than 150 experts from around the country have contributed to the museum, which will feature multimedia exhibits dedicated to Poland's vibrant Jewish community.

Other notable museums in the city include the Palace of Culture and Science, the National Museum and the Chopin Museum, which celebrates the composer's life and work. More interesting sights include the grand Wilanow Palace, the beautifully manicured Lazienki Park, the old political prison Muzeum Pawilon-X, the eastern suburb of Praga, known for its creative population and pre-WWII buildings, the majestic Palace on the Water and the massive Citadel that overlooks the Vistula. At night, head to New World Street, where fashionable Poles sip strong drinks at cafes, dine on international delicacies at posh restaurants and dance the night away to live bands and energetic DJs. The capital boasts every type of entertainment imaginable, from luxe lounges to boho bars and packed techno joints where strobe lights illuminate crowds of hundreds. Warsaw Geographical Location Warsaw is east of Poland’s center on the Vistula River. It is the largest city in Poland with a population of 2,800,000 in its metropolitan area. Warsaw Language Polish is the official language of Poland and is spoken by the vast majority of its inhabitants.

The younger generation of Poles also speak English well as it is taught in school from a young age. Warsaw Predominant Religion 1% Eastern Orthodox 9% Other Poland is a religious country with the Church being highly revered but also guarantees religious freedom to all. Warsaw Currency The Zloty is the official currency of Poland. Warsaw Climate The winters are normally cold in Warsaw but the summers are warm and mild with June through August being the hottest. Warsaw Main Attractions Palace of Culture and Science Frederick Chopin Museum Learn about the rich history of Warsaw - The Capital of Poland The Little Mermaid (Mała Syrenka) ..." I had always wanted to visit Poland but didn’t know where to begin. When I eventually managed to get there, I was completely amazed by the country’s energy and beauty. The capital, Warsaw, has a truly European feel about it. In a city where the rich history is intertwined with its dynamic modernity, I had so much fun! Every day I met new people, checked out new clubs and visited new places. Being from Dublin, I was pleased to find that city life and entertainment in Warsaw was much cheaper!

" The capital of Poland is a meeting place for politicians, economists and artists of all nationalities. Warsaw’s 1.7 million inhabitants are known for their sense of humour and hard-working tradition. It took them 15 years, with the help of the entire nation, to rebuild their beloved city — 84% of which was razed to the ground during World War II. The scenic Old Town and its Market Square, with its mansard-roofed houses, attract artists and tourists. Here, the wine cellars and elegant restaurants are buzzing, and there is always a table waiting for new guests. Warsaw’s St John’s Cathedral is the national Pantheon and not far from it is the King’s Castle, which was the residence of the last Polish king. The most elegant houses in Warsaw line the Royal Route, which links the three royal residences: the King’s Castle, Łazienki Palace and Park and Wilanów Palace. Among the numerous neo-classical buildings in Royal Łazienki Park, the most impressive is the Palace on the Water, which is on a picturesque island. A particularly beautiful landmark is the Frederic Chopin Monument.

The music of Frederic Chopin is played here by celebrated pianists every Sunday in summer. Wilanów Palace is an outstanding example of the Baroque style in Pola nd. It belonged to King Jan III Sobieski, who is remembered for his victory over the Turks at the Battle of Vienna in 1683. Like other major cities in Europe, Warsaw offers a great variety of entertainment, including theatre, cabaret shows, film festivals and concerts by famous opera soloists, pop stars and classical music performers. Warsaw hosts one of the world’s most prestigious cultural events: the Chopin International Piano Competition, which is organised every five years. The city also hosts the International Festival of Contemporary Music, Warsaw Autumn, and the Mozart Festival. Today Warsaw is a city with many faces where tradition mingles with modernity. From the terrace on Zamkowy Square, where the Royal Castle and St. Anne’s Church are located, there is an excellent view of the brand new Świętokrzyski Bridge. The familiar, dominant silhouette of the Palace of Culture and Science in the city centre now shares the city’s skyline with numerous modern office towers.

You can feel the breath of history in the Old Town, on Nowy Świat Street and everywhere where the city’s roots have been preserved. Your trip step by step. Old Town (Stare Miasto) + Royal Route (Trakt Królewski) Most of the significant sites worth visiting in Warsaw are in the city centre. The first proposed route begins at St. Anne’s Church, on Krakowskie Przedmieście Street. St. Anne’s Academic Church — a unique monument that has preserved the majority of its original character. The first two churches built in this spot burned down in the 15th and 17th centuries. When the next one was built, the walls and foundations of the previous structures were used, maintaining a large part of the furnishings. Following its destruction during World War II, the church was rebuilt in a project that continued until 1962, bringing it back to its original splendour. In addition to visiting the interior of the church, it is also worth the climb to enjoy the view from its tower. Old Town — the city was founded at a spot on the river that was conducive to trade — on the main route between the Baltic Sea and the Black Sea.

Wealthy tradesmen and craftsmen took up residence here, which supported the rapid growth of the settlement. The face of the city changed over the centuries: wooden structures destroyed in fires were replaced by masonry tenement houses and earthen ramparts were replaced by stone walls. A town hall was built in 1429 (which no longer exists), along with a parish church (currently the Cathedral of St. John), defensive towers and a barbican. But 1944 brought near total destruction as 90 percent of the Old Town area was razed to the ground. The reconstruction took many years, and ended with a place on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. The Zygmunt Column is the oldest public memorial in Warsaw, but it is not in its original location. It was moved when the axis of Krakowskie Przedmieście Street was changed in the 19th century and again after World War II during the development of the WZ route. On September 2, 1944, the column was brought down by German troops. The reconstruction of the statue and the column itself was completed in 1949.

Earlier columns are exhibited next to the walls of the King’s Castle (as seen from the direction of the WZ route). The column is one of the city’s key symbols, yielding only to the Mermaid, which is the most recognizable symbol of Poland’s capital city. The King’s Castle gained royal-residence status in the 16th century, when the Masovia region joined the Crown. Destroyed multiple times (during the Deluge, and the annexation of Poland), it was repeatedly rebuilt and stood until the beginning of World War II, when it was bombed in the first days of the conflict and almost completely destroyed by fire. Some of its priceless works of art were, luckily, carried out of the building in time, and subsequently hidden. However, the remaining works were plundered and, in 1944, the castle was blown up in retaliation for the Warsaw Uprising. The decision to reconstruct the castle was made much later, in 1971. Work was financed in most part thanks to the generosity of the community. The site was opened to visitors in 1984. It was later placed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, as an example of a successful, faithful reconstruction of an historic structure. St.

John’s Cathedral is one of Warsaw’s oldest churches. Every Sunday at 4 PM, from July to September, concerts take place here as part of the International Organ Music Festival. Multiple historic events took place in this church, including the Constitution of May 3 oath — the first of its kind in Europe. The crypt holds the tombs of many historical figures. Of these, the Chapel-Mausoleum of the Primate of the Millennium is of special interest. The Old Town Marketplace is surrounded by tenement buildings housing exquisite restaurants, cafes and clubs, as well as galleries and museums. The central square has recently been adorned with a statue of the city’s symbol — the Warsaw Mermaid. The marketplace was subdivided into four sections, in recognition of Warsaw’s enlightenment activists: Kołłątaj, Dekert, Barss, and Zakrzewski. One of the key tourist attractions of the Old Town is, unfortunately, not yet available to the general public. The renovation of museum rooms and historical cellars is not yet complete, but they are due to be opened during the summer months of 2011.

The Barbican, previously a strategic part of the city’s defensive walls, today attracts painters exhibiting their work and musicians helping visitors enjoy their walks around the Old Town. It was built in 1548, as part of approximately 4,000 feet of defensive ramparts. From May to October there is an interesting exhibition inside the Barbican’s walls with historical photos of Warsaw and models of the defensive lines and towers (no longer in existence). By comparing the photos and old plans with the Old Town’s current shape, you can easily imagine what the Barbican looked like in the past, and what the heart of Warsaw would be like had it not been for the destruction of the war. The Church of St. Mary’s Haunting is the New Town’s parish church. Its shape was changed multiple times. Today’s style, featuring a soaring, unique bell tower, represents the Gothic style. The picturesque location of the church begs for a moment’s relaxation on the benches provided, from which there is an excellent view of the Vistula and the Kościuszko Bank, where outdoor events and concerts take place every summer. The Monument of the Warsaw Uprising depicts groups of insurgents during battle.

The Warsaw Uprising, which ended in defeat and the death of 200,000 Poles, was one of the bloodiest and most painful moments in the modern history of Poland and Warsaw. Krasiński Palace (Palace of the Republic) was initially a residence of Jan Krasiński, the Prefect of Warsaw. It currently hosts special collections for the National Library. The palace is regarded as Warsaw’s most enchanting Baroque structure. Its many reliefs are inspired by antique works. The park behind the palace is an excellent place for a walk and a bit of relaxation. This was initially one of the first such sites available to all of the city’s residents, regardless of their social status. The green building next to the palace and across the street is the recently-built seat of the Supreme Court. Miodowa Street is a narrow street, full of life and lined with ancient, luxurious residences. Number 24 (on the left of the street) used to host the Collegium Nobilium — the first school for the young of the ruling elite. It currently houses the Academy of Theatre.

Number 17 (on the left) is the residence of the Primate of Poland — the Palace of Warsaw’s Archbishops, erected in the 18th century. Number 16 (on the right) is Warsaw’s only Eastern Catholic Church. Pac Palace, housing the Ministry of Health, is next to the Primate’s residence. Another building worth taking a peek at is the Church of the Capuchins. The right side of its altar features the heart of Jan III Sobieski (its founder). Further on, you can enjoy a view of the Monument of Warsaw’s Heroes, commonly called the Monument of Nike. The Theatre Square is bordered on its right by the Late Baroque Blank Palace. Behind this is Jabłonowski Palace, which used to function as the city hall before World War II. The building was razed to the ground during the war, and rebuilt in the 1990s. However, only the façade and the clock tower remain from its original design. Don’t forget to walk through the gate under the tower to see the foundations lain in the 19th century. The Grand Theatre is a huge, Classicist building facing Jabłonowski Palace.

It is the seat of the National Opera and the National Theatre. Its opera stage is one of the largest in Europe. Enchanting interiors, featuring cut glass chandeliers, a spacious foyer with columns and impressive floor tiling can all be seen if you attend a performance. Theatre Square ends with the Petrykus Tenement House, erected in 1821, which houses multiple restaurants and clubs, highly valued by Warsaw citizens. Tracing the history of the People’s Republic of Poland (Palace of Culture and Science, House of the Party, Różycki Market The Palace of Culture and Science is the tallest building in Warsaw and all of Poland, at 769 feet. It was erected as a "gift from the USSR" and is a typical example of Social Realist architecture. Some regard it as a masterpiece, but others see it as symbol of kitsch. For visitors, the Palace is an excellent landmark for orientation, being visible from almost every part of the city. It has approximately 3,200 rooms, including the renowned theatres: Dramatyczny, Lalka, and Studio.

It also features a huge Congress Hall and multiple recreational attractions including a modern cinema, a disco, a swimming pool and a casino. The Palace hosts world-class events, including the Jazz Jamboree Festival, the Warsaw International Book Fair and the International TT Warszawa Tourist Fair. The House of the Party, currently a financial centre, it was originally built in the 1960s as the seat of the United People’s Party Central Committee. This is where Party First Secretaries viewed Labour Day celebrations. The exit from the building’s underground passage to the central tribune has been preserved to the present day. Underground corridors form a mysterious maze that stretches as far as the Palace of Culture and Science. Różycki Market is a fair and market area in the Praga district that was founded in the 17th century. In the 19th century it was used for the transhipment of goods from Eastern and Western Europe. The market itself was founded in 1874 and kept on developing. After a difficult time during World War I and World War II, it came to host 200 shops, 500 stands and lots of pavement traders.

The era of the market’s most vivid development, however, was the 1990s. This was the time when, due to the activities of local criminal gangs, it was seen as part of the so-called "Bermuda Triangle" of crime that also included the Stadium of the Decade trade area and the Eastern train station. Following in the Footsteps of War (Pawiak, Ghetto, Museum of the Uprising, Museum of the Warsaw Uprising, Monument of the Little Insurgent) Museum of the Warsaw Uprising — this museum was officially opened on August 1, 2004, on the 60th anniversary of the Uprising itself. It is unique in Poland, merging multimedia elements with traditional expositions, everyday mementos from the time of the Uprising and audio and video presentations. The Monument of the Warsaw Uprising — the monument was officially unveiled on August 1, 1989. A group of veterans struggled for many years with officials and politicians, who hindered the decision to erect it. Right next to the monument, on the corner of Długa St.

and Miodowa St., there is a memorial plaque and a map of the city sewers that sheltered Warsaw’s citizens during the fighting. These sewers were used on August 30th by the "North" unit as they attempted to seize Bank Square from the Germans. It was also the way that more than 5,000 insurgents escaped from the Old Town to the Żoliborz district just a couple of days later. The Monument of the Little Insurgent (Podwale Street, approximately 320 feet from the Barbican) commemorates the youngest participants of the August uprising. It was unveiled on October 1, 1983, and dedicated to Warsaw’s Scouts. Pawiak — a prison, originally built in the 19th century, that became the largest Gestapo political prison in Poland during the Nazi occupation. Between 1939 and 1944, out of the approximately 100,000 individuals held in Pawiak, approximately 37,000 died in their cells, in the prison hospital or were executed or killed during interrogation (in the prison on Szucha street).

Approximately 60,000 prisoners were transferred to concentration camps. The site currently houses the Museum of Pawiak Prison. Warsaw Ghetto — an area that was sealed off from the rest of the city by the Nazis in 1940 in order to isolate the Jewish community. Approximately 400,000 Jews were forced to live in an area of just 2.6 square kilometres in appalling conditions. A quarter of the ghetto’s inhabitants died during the first two years. Liquidation activities began in 1942 — mass executions took place and transports from Umschlagplatz (a transfer square) moved approximately 300,000 ghetto residents to extermination camps. In April 1943, when Nazi forces entered the area of the ghetto to finish the liquidation, an uprising started, which lasted less than a month. After the uprising had been put down the ghetto area was completely destroyed. Museum of the History of Polish Jews - The Museum of the History of Polish Jews will open in 2013 on the site of the former Warsaw Ghetto.

This multimedia narrative museum and cultural center will present the history of Polish Jews and the rich civilization they created over the course of almost 1000 years Don’t miss Old Town The Old Town is the oldest part of Warsaw — the King’s Castle and its surrounding walls were built in the 13th century. Most of the area was destroyed by the Nazis during World War II but was meticulously rebuilt — a project that was finally completed in the 1980s and earned a place on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Today it is a lively place full of galleries, cafés and restaurants. King’s Castle (Zamek Królewski) Built in the 15th century, it initially served as a residence for Masovian princes. However, when the capital of Poland was moved from Krakow to Warsaw, the castle became the seat of the king and the government. The building was completely destroyed during World War II and rebuilt between 1971 and 1988. Today it houses a museum with multiple works of art. The Vistula Bank, next to the Old Town, features the recently renovated Kubicki Arcades.

King Zygmunt III Waza Column (Kolumna króla Zygmunta III Wazy) The column was raised in honour of King Zygmunt III Waza, who moved the capital from Krakow to Warsaw. The sword held in his right hand symbolises bravery, while the cross in his left hand shows his readiness to fight evil. A legend says that disaster is imminent if the King’s sword falls. Church of St. Martin (Kościół św. Marcina) This 14th century, partially Baroque church is located on Piwna St. (the longest street in the Old Town). This is where opponents of the Communist regime gathered in the 1970s and 80s. Cathedral Basilica of the Martyrdom of St. John the Baptist (Bazylika Archikatedralna pw. Męczeństwa św. Jana Chrzciciela) Built as a parish church in the 14th century, royal weddings, coronations and funerals have been held here. The crypts house the tombs of numerous notable figures: the dukes of Masovia, the archbishops of Warsaw, Primate S.

Wyszyński, the last Polish king, S. A. Poniatowski, President of Poland G. Narutowicz and Nobel-Prize-winning-writer H. Sienkiewicz. Shrine of Our Lady of Grace the Patron of Warsaw (Sanktuarium Matki Bożej Łaskawej Patronki Warszawy) The early-Baroque altar built in the 17th century features a miraculous portrait of Our Lady of Grace, the Patroness of Warsaw. There is a romantic legend connected with the stone in front of the church: a shy prince waits on this rock for the one woman whose love can restore him to life. Old Town Market Square (Rynek Starego Miasta) This is one of the most beautiful places in the city. Founded in the late 13th century, it used to be Warsaw’s main square: celebrations and markets were held here. All of the Square’s buildings were reconstructed following complete destruction in World War II. Their current state is a perfect match for the Square’s original form in the 17th and 18th centuries.

There is a legend about a basilisk that is said to have lived somewhere in the area’s cellars, where it guarded hidden treasures. The gaze of the basilisk, which turned men to stone, killed everyone who attempted to reach the treasure. The basilisk was finally defeated when a wandering tailor showed it a mirror. There is a picture of the basilisk on the sign of a restaurant named after the monster. Monument of the Warsaw Mermaid (Pomnik Warszawskiej Syrenki) According to legend, a mermaid was resting on the riverbank near the Old Town when local fishermen heard her song and fell in love with the fabulous creature. When a rich merchant trapped and imprisoned the mermaid a young fisherman heard her cries for help and released her. By way of thanks, she promised to provide all fishermen with help if needed. Since then, the mermaid, armed with a sword and a shield, has been ready to protect the city and its residents. Historical Museum of Warsaw (Muzeum Historyczne m. st. Warszawy) The Museum is housed in a dozen buildings reconstructed after World War II. Its exposition presents the story of the capital since the dawn of its history to modern times.

From Tuesday to Saturday at noon the Museum cinema screens a documentary about Warsaw between 1939 and 1945. Stone Stairs (Kamienne Schodki) This picturesque staircase has been here since the 15th century, leading out from the defensive walls. Initially they were made of wood, but were later were carved in stone, giving the street its current name. Barbican and defensive walls (Barbakan i mury obronne) The remains of Warsaw’s defensive walls, built in 1548. Inside there is an exhibition presenting the history of the fortifications (with models) and explaining why Warsaw’s Old Town is a UNESCO-recognised cultural heritage site. Little Insurgent Monument (Pomnik Małego Powstańca) A famous sculpture of a boy wearing a soldier’s helmet much too large for his head. It is here to commemorate the brave children who fought against the Nazis during the Warsaw Uprising. Royal Łazienki Park One of the most beautiful palace and garden complexes in Europe. It includes numerous historical monuments and a park in a formerly wild forest. Łazienki is a museum, a place for cultural, scientific and entertainment events and a great place for a walk.

For 50 years, free piano concerts have been held here on summer weekends next to the famous monument of F. Chopin. Crowds of tourists and local classical music lovers gather here. Wilanów Palace Wilanów Palace, built for King Jan III Sobieski, is one of Poland’s greatest Baroque monuments. Many different stylistic eras are represented in the Palace’s many parts. The two-level, mixed-style garden is the frame for Wilanów Palace. It is full of sculptures and fountains. Cascades of water, situated on the southern end of the park, fall into a lake that surrounds the eastern part of the grounds. Royal Route The former Royal Route stretches from Zamkowy Square to Trzech Krzyży Square. Must-see sights on the Route include: St.

Anne’s Church (and the view from the church tower), the Polonia House (once the Museum of Industry and Trade, where Maria Skłodowska-Curie worked), the Radziwiłł Palace (the current residence of the President of Poland), the Warsaw University campus with Kazimierzowski Palace, Czapski Palace (Academy of Fine Arts) and elegant stores and restaurants on Nowy Świat Street — an extension of Krakowskie Przedmieście Street. Palace of Culture and Sience The Palace was built between 1952 and 1955 as a "gift from the Soviet people to the nation of Poland." At 230.5 m (42 floors), it is the tallest building in the country. Its key attraction is a large observation deck on the 30th floor, which provides great views of Warsaw. Its 3,000 rooms include business offices, the headquarters of various institutions and the Polish Academy of Sciences. The Palace also has a post office, a cinema, a swimming pool, museums, libraries, theatres, a café and two clubs. Warsaw Uprising Museum This is one of the most visited places in Warsaw.

It was opened on the 60th anniversary of the Warsaw Uprising. A multimedia exhibition, packed with images and sounds, presents the everyday struggles of Warsaw’s citizens before and during the Uprising, the horror of occupation and the post-war Communist terror. One of the museum’s main attractions is a replica of a B-24J Liberator bomber. The museum cinema plays a 3D movie entitled "The City of Ruins" — a simulation of a Liberator flying over the ruins of Warsaw in 1945. Near the museum is the Freedom Park and its Memorial Wall, which features the names of more than 10,000 insurgents who lost their lives in the battle. Tomb of the Unknown Soldier This symbolic tomb commemorates the millions of soldiers who sacrificed their lives fighting for Poland’s freedom. Buried here are the ashes of a defender of Lvov and an urn with soil from the battlefields of World War I. Today, the tomb contains urns from every battlefield where Polish troops fell in the last century. An eternal flame is maintained next to the tomb. It is watched over by a military honour guard, which changes daily at noon.

Warsaw Uprising Monument The spot where Polish partisans and citizens entered the sewer system to escape from German troops surrounding the Old Town during the 1944 Warsaw Uprising - one of the most important chapters in Warsaw's history. The monument is dedicated to the thousands of heroes who gave their lives for their homeland during the Uprising. Copernicus Science Centre The Centre was opened in November 2010 and is one of the most modern attractions of its kind in Europe. It aims to arouse curiosity, assist in independent cognition of the world and inspire dialogue on scientific issues. Visitors are enchanted by hundreds of attractions, which include an earthquake simulator and a magic carpet. A garden on the Centre’s roof provides observation decks with beautiful panoramas. Next to the Centre there is also an art gallery, a climbing wall and a park with art exhibits.

Question: Warsaw is the capital of which country?
Answer: Poland