Historic Center of Warsaw

The historic center of Warsaw constitutes an exception on UNESCO’s World Cultural Heritage List. It’s the only urban complex almost entirely reconstructed after the WWII total destruction. The careful reconstruction was so well done that the international community demonstrated its great appreciation through putting the historic city center of Warsaw on the list of the unique world heritage sites.

World War II brought total destruction to the oldest part of the city. Other quarters of Poland’s capital also lay in ruins. The reconstruction of the city took several years, and the rebuilding of the Royal Castle started only in 1971.

Due to the effort and skill of our architects and conservators as well as to the flow of time, today tourists are not able to distinguish original fragments of the historic buildings from the reconstructed ones. The charming Old Town streets lead to the Market Square where artists display their works and visitors can enjoy a meal or café in the numerous restaurant and café gardens or take a buggy ride. The first-floors of many houses are occupied by stylish restaurants, art galleries, antique and souvenir shops. Worth a visit are Old Town richly adorned churches and interesting museums.

The Royal Castle is a real trove of national mementos; its interiors are beautifully decorated and contain many works of art by the most famous European and Polish artists. Very popular is the nearby Krakowskie Przedmieście Street, the favorite meeting place and strolling area for Varsovians and tourists.