The Royal Castle
The Royal Castle holds similar significance for Poles as Prague Castle does for Czechs. From the 16th century, Polish kings resided here.
However, it did not remain the center of power for long, as its importance declined after the partitions of Poland.
The Royal Castle never again served as the residence of Polish monarchs, but it remained one of the most important symbols of Warsaw and the Polish state.
The castle underwent extensive reconstruction during the 1980s, making it one of the most fascinating landmarks in Poland’s capital today.
The Royal Castle also boasts many beautifully decorated halls. Among the most notable are the Column and Vase Halls.
The National Museum
Yes, the Poles also have their National Museum. It was founded in 1862 and can be found right in the city center. Initially, however, it was the Museum of Fine Arts.
The building of this institution was expanded and architecturally modified over time. The current form of Poland’s National Museum dates back to 1938.
Surprisingly, the museum was not destroyed during the war, though many of its works were stolen by the Nazis.
The museum features a broad array of diverse exhibits. It caters to both lovers of ancient and modern art. Naturally, there is also a wide selection of Polish works on display.
One of the most popular exhibits is the piece titled “The Battle of Grunwald,” painted by Jan Matejko. The National Museum also exhibits works by leading European artists, such as Rembrandt and Rubens.
The Old Town
Unlike Prague's Old Town, Warsaw's Old Town was almost entirely destroyed during the war. However, today, there is no trace of the destruction.
The Old Town was completely rebuilt after the war, which is a good thing. Otherwise, we would have lost a unique neighborhood that is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Among the main attractions of the Old Town, apart from the Royal Castle mentioned above, are the fortified Barbican gate, the Market Square surrounded by colorful bourgeois houses, the Little Insurgent Monument, and Piwna Street, one of the most picturesque streets in all of Poland.
You can also enjoy the Old Town with the help of GPS games that guide you through the city center in a competitive format.