Warsaw is Poland's largest city and an economic, political, and cultural centre. It's a bustling metropolis harbouring an unforgettable history and today offers parkland as well as a city full of culture - you will find historic palaces and churches amongst modern architecture, while cosy cafes compete with fashionable clubs. The city's history itself is believed to have begun with the creation and development of Old Warsaw (Stara Warszawa), which was set on what is today known as the Old Town (Stare Miasto). Mazovian Prince Bolesław II brought prosperous traders to the Old Town, and his headquarters were based there. Warsaw is also known for its famous musical resident, Fryderyk Chopin, who for the first half of his 39 years, was associated with Warsaw. It was in Warsaw that he studied music, where he was formally educated, and where his heart found its final resting place. The last time Chopin played a concert in Warsaw was in October of 1830, at the National Theatre. He died on October 17, 1849 and was buried at the Père Lachaise cemetery in Paris. His heart, however, came back to Warsaw -- it was his most fervent desire to have his heart buried in Warsaw -- and it now lies in the Holy Cross Church (kościół św. Krzyża) on Krakowskie Przedmieście Street. Poland Tourism http://www.poland.travel/en-gb/ When visiting Warsaw, check out the following places: Łazienki Królewskie Park-Palace Complex: The park and palace complex at Łazienki is one of the most beautiful of this type in Europe. Established in the 17th century, the landscape gardens feature many interesting architectural monuments, especially the Palace on the Island built for King Stanislaw August Poniatowski -- Poland's last monarch. It served as his summer residence and was famous for the Thursday dinners. Wilanów Park-Palace Complex: The summer residence of King Jan III Sobieski and then Augustus II as well as subsequent aristocratic families. It stands as an excellent representation of European Baroque at its height and a homage to the former greatness of the Republic. The palace is surrounded by a grandiose, two level Baroque Italian garden and a romantic park in an English style. Wilanów is the venue of important cultural events and concerts. The former stables house the Poster Museum. Palace of Culture and Science: Completed in 1955 as a 'gift from the Soviet people', the building is the embodiment of Socialist Realist architecture. It is still the tallest building in Poland and fulfils the role of a cultural centre accommodating theatres, museums, a cinema and a concert hall. The highest viewing platform in Warsaw, on the 30th foor, offers an excellent panoramic view of the city. Warsaw Rising Museum: Opened in 2004, on the 60th anniversary of the outbreak of the Warsaw Uprising, the museum pays tribute to all those who fought and died for their country's independence. Housed in a former tramway power station, the modern museum guides visitors through interactive displays, video footage and photographs. National Museum: The museum contains a rich collection of exhibits from antiquity to modern times. The building originates from the inter-war period. During the World War II it secretly stored some of the Royal Castle treasures. It organizes numerous temporary exhibitions presenting art from all over the world. The Vistula-side building wing is the Museum of the Polish Army presenting the history of Polish military featuring an interesting outdoor exhibition. Warsaw Zoological Garden: Established in 1928, the garden is now inhabited by several thousand animals, yet the real personalities of the Warsaw Zoo are the brown bears whose area is located outside the garden, near Solidarności Avenue, and can be viewed by passers-by. University of Warsaw Library: The facade of the building, which resembles a line of open books, is one of the most interesting examples of contemporary architecture in Warsaw. The roof garden is open to the public. Places related to Fryderyk Chopin: Fryderyk Chopin is undoubtedly the best known resident of Warsaw. He spent the first 20 years of his life in the city. Here he studied music, learned the manners of society and gave his first concerts. Walking the streets of Warsaw you will pass buildings where he stayed or which he visited. There are many places which are a homage paid to his talent and Warsaw boasts the world's largest Chopin memorabilia collection. Poland Tourism http://www.poland.travel/en-gb/ Unravel Travel TV Twitter http://www.twitter.com/UnravelTravelTV Unravel Travel TV on You Tube http://www.youtube.com/UnravelTravelTV Unravel Travel TV http://www.unraveltravel.eu

• published: 19 Jul 2013
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