The Teutonic Knights, Polish kings and queens, magnificent castles and Gothic cathedrals - all this can be found in the most beautiful cities in Poland. The ancient state is ready to discover the secrets of its historical monuments and magnificent monasteries.
1. Krakow
The former capital, and now the second most populated city in the state. In ancient times, kings and queens were crowned here. One of the oldest beautiful cities in Poland. In 2000, Krakow was recognized as the cultural capital of Europe. And not in vain: the abundance of Gothic cathedrals, museums, libraries and educational institutions is great. The Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul is striking in its grandeur, but inside everything is decorated in gold tones and resembles Italian churches. In the evenings, street musicians gather nearby to please the locals and tourists with live performances.
One of the most visited places in the city is the Oscar Schindler enamel factory. It was here that events took place that Steven Spielberg masterfully described in his films. Now the building houses the Museum of World War II and is open for visiting rooms of Jewish workers.
2. Wroclaw
The city is located on the Oder River, and is the largest settlement in the western part of Poland. For centuries, it was ruled by Prussia and Germany, until 1945. The former capital of Silesia is not yet so popular with tourists, but can easily compete with other cities due to its unforgettable architecture.
Major attractions include the market square and the impressive Old Town Hall, the Church of St. Elizabeth with an observation deck and city views. From this height you can easily see in detail the largest zoo in Poland. For lovers of outdoor activities there is the opportunity to go sailing on the Oder River.
3. Gdansk
The most beautiful places in Poland can be found in this ancient settlement. Also known as Danzig, Gdansk is the largest city in northern Poland and its main seaport because it is located on the Baltic Sea. Founded in the 10th century, it has a mixed political history; at different times, it belonged to Germany and Poland, and was a free state, before becoming forever part of Poland after World War II.
The city rebuilt after the war, rebuilding its Old Town, which is famous for the Royal Road, on which the ruling monarchs traveled. Gdansk is also home to St. Mary's Church, the largest brick church in the world.
4. Warsaw
The capital of Poland could be compared with the Phoenix reborn from the ashes. Founded in the 12th century, Warsaw was largely destroyed during the Second World War, but was rebuilt into a thriving historical and cultural center with the restored Old Town. The attraction of this place is Castle Square. It was here that all historically important events took place and from here the Royal Bridge leads to the residence of Jacob III. The city can be called the most magnificent in the list of the most beautiful cities in Poland.
This city, known as the “Paris of the North”, is also the home of the classical composer Frederic Chopin. In the museum of this ingenious creator, you can see the piano, behind which he composed his imperishable compositions. Travelers of all ages will enjoy visiting the Copernicus Science Center, where practical classes and lectures are held. The majestic church of St. Anne will not leave indifferent any visitor. The richness and splendor of this building, as if carrying visitors several centuries ago.
5. Lublin
The history of Lublin began in the Middle Ages, when the city was a trading settlement and a guard on the eastern border of the young Polish state. The first written information about him dates back to the 12th century, and then in 1317 she was granted city rights. Its position was advantageous on the trade route to the Black Sea, and its peripheral location led to numerous invasions. Now this city can be called the most youthful, because it is here that tourists come to enjoy the entertainment of nightlife.
The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist dates back to the 16th century and is the largest in Lublin. There are many impressive details, including the baroque lanterns of the trompe l'oeil (by the Moravian artist Jozef Mayer) and the 17th-century altar made from a black Lebanese pear. Four kilometers south-east of the center of Lublin is Majdanek, a death camp where tens of thousands of people, mostly Jews, were killed by the Nazis during World War II.
6. Zamosc
The city was founded in 1580 by Chancellor and Hetman (head of the army of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth) Jan Zamoysky, on a trade route connecting western and northern Europe with the Black Sea. This city can rightfully be considered one of the most beautiful cities in Poland. Here is the famous Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ and the Apostle St. Thomas.
The whole city is fenced around the fortress wall. This place is steeped in history and can tell about many wars that Poland experienced in the struggle for its independence. On the 7th Bastion, you can see old cannons, as well as view the whole city from above.
7. Poznan
One of the most interesting cities in Poland, as it is its second capital. The old city is a collage of architectural styles, filled with historical monuments. Museum, art galleries and theaters - all this is present in abundance. Of particular interest is the two-story Poznan Cathedral. Passages and an outpatient clinic are surrounded by a dozen chapels, in which there are numerous tombstones.
The most famous is the Golden Chapel behind the main altar. The Renaissance Town Hall of Poznan, crowned with a tower 61 meters high, instantly attracts attention. Its graceful form replaced the 13th century Gothic structure, which burned down in the early 16th century. Every day at noon, two metal goats appear through a pair of small doors above the clock and knock horns 12 times, in deference to the old legend.
8. Torun
In the ranking of the most beautiful cities in Poland, this historical place takes an honorable eighth line. Torun owes its origin to the Teutonic Order, which built the castle in the middle of the 13th century as a springboard for the conquest of Prussia. It consists of three elements: the ruins of the Teutonic Castle, the Old Town and the New Town. An exceptionally complete picture of the medieval way of life is illustrated in the original street patterns and early buildings.
Both the Old and the New Town have Gothic parish churches and numerous small medieval brick townhouses, many of which have retained their original Gothic facades, partitions, decorative ceilings, vaulted cellars and painted decorations. In the hometown of Copernicus, the main attraction is the planetarium. For lovers of sweets there is an interesting museum of gingerbread. Here you can not only look at these confectionery products, but also taste them.
9. Wieliczka
This unique place is located only 10 km from Krakow. All the beauty and sights are underground - this is where the salt mines are located. Over nine centuries of mining in Wieliczka, a total of about 200 kilometers of passages were excavated, as well as 2040 caves of various sizes.
Inside you can see not only huge rooms with salty walls, but also real sculptures made of salt. Entire temples and even a sanatorium were made from large caves, where you can improve your health.
