Jul 06
- Częstochowa – The Jasna Góra Monastery is a Pauline Fathers monastery in the City of Częstochowa, Poland. The monastery has been a pilgrimage destination for hundreds of years, and it contains the most important icon of the Virgin Mary in this part of Europe. The icon, depicting the Mother of God with the Christ Child, is known as Black Madonna of Częstochowa or Our Lady of Częstochowa, which is widely venerated and credited with many miracles[citation needed]. Among these, it is credited with miraculously saving the Jasna Góra monastery during a siege that took place at the time of The Deluge, a 17th century Swedish invasion, the events of which changed the course of the war. Shortly thereafter in the cathedral of Lwów, on April 1, 1656, Jan Kazimierz, the King of Poland, solemnly pronounced his vow to consecrate the country to the protection of the Mother of God and proclaimed Her the Patron and Queen of the lands in his kingdom.
- Gdansk/Danzig – one of the most beautiful European cities. Although it was destroyed in World War II, it has been perfectly rebuilt.
- Krakow – historical center, countless ancient monuments, the largest European medieval market-place (with free WiFI :) ); plenty of magical pubs and cafes; Nowa Huta district – unique entirely planned and built socialist-realist city; great starting point for trips of any kind.
- Łódź – once renowned for its textile industries, the Polish Manchester has the longest walking street in Europe, the Piotrkowska Street is full of picturesque 19th-century architecture.
- Lublin – largest city in eastern Poland. Has well preserved old town with typical Polish and at the same time unusual architecture.
- Poznan/Posen – a merchant town and a host city of the famous international trade shows. The Town Hall is one of the most beautiful Renaissance buildings worldwide.
- Szczecin/Stettin – maritime port city with unusual urban planning.
- Toruń – the birthplace of Nicolaus Copernicus has hundreds of fine buildings from the Middle Ages in its Old Town. There is a beautiful panorama of Toruń from the left side of the Vistula river.
- Warsaw – Poland’s capital city is one of the most historical and important cities in Europe and has become one of the EU’s thriving new business centers.
- Wroclaw/Breslau – a perfect mixture of gothic and baroque architecture, it was also destroyed and successfully rebuilt. It has more bridges than any other European town except Hamburg (2500), Venice, Amsterdam and Saint Petersburg.
- Zakopane – Poland’s winter capital with outstanding atmosphere, the best starting point for hiking trips.
- Zamość Old Town – built in the late Polish Renaissance style. Jan Zamojski, the founder, invited people from the whole Europe to settle there. It is one of the most beautiful Renaissance cities in Europe.