Guide Note

Warsaw is the capital and largest city in Poland. Warsaw was invaded and occupied by the Nazis during World War II. When the Warsaw insurgent army rose up against the Germans in 1944 they were squashed, and many of the city’s museums, churches, libraries, palaces and ordinary homes were destroyed. Poland was under Communist rule from 1945 until free democratic elections were held in 1989. Today, Warsaw is reaping the benefits of a democratic society and has become one of the fastest-growing capital cities in Europe.

Fast Facts

1. Country: Poland
2. Language spoken: Polish
3. Currency: Polish zloty
4. Population: 1.7 million
5. Country code: 48
6. City code: (0)22
7. Climate: 64°F (summer), 28°F (winter)

1. Gestapo Headquarters (Mauzoleum Walki i Meczenstwa): This building is currently used by the Ministry of Education, but from 1939 - 1945 it was used as a site of torture by the Nazis. Some of the cells and interrogation rooms have been left untouched since the end of World War II.
2. Historical Museum of Warsaw: This museum shows the difference between Warsaw pre-World War II and post-World War II.
3. Pawiak Prison: This prison was run by the Gestapo during World War II and 100,000 prisoners passed through its gates, many of whom died inside.
4. Warsaw Royal Castle (Zamek Królewski): This castle was the residence of Polish kings since the 14th century and was later the seat of the Polish parliament. The castle was destroyed in the Warsaw Uprising and was restored in 1984.
5. The Museum of the Warsaw Uprising (Muzeum Powstania Warszawskiego): This museum chronicles the invasion by Germany in 1939, the uprising of the Polish insurgent army against the Germans in 1944 and the aftermath of both.
6. Wilanów Palace: This palace was built to honor King Jan III Sobieski, who ruled from 1674 - 1696. Take a guided tour through its 60 rooms, each filled with royal artifacts and paintings.

If planning a trip, please see Warsaw Hotels, Warsaw Restaurants and Warsaw Tours.

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