Although Warsaw's Old Market Square was destroyed during the war, it has been since rebuilt according to the original plans and the Old Town has retained much of its charm. Today, crowds of visitors flock to its cafes, restaurants and museums. Warsaw is not only the political, administrative, scientific and cultural centre of the country, it has also become the business centre for commercial activities between west and east. In 1996, Warsaw celebrated its 400th anniversary as the capital of Poland. Warsaw's historic centre is a major UNESCO listed World Heritage attraction.
 

At the centre of Warsaw, the Old Town is a must, with its beautiful Gothic churches, its defensive walls, its fairy tale Renaissance and Baroque facades and the traditional centre piece of Warsaw, the Market Square. The Old Town complex has been reconstructed as much as possible since the Second World War.

Today, between the old houses and buildings and narrow streets, artists and craftsmen proudly exhibit their works. Of the countless restaurants and cafes of the Old Town, Kamienne Schodki, Krokodyl and the old Fukier wine cellar are among the most popular. Here we also find the house where Maria Sklodowska-Curie was born (No 16 Freta Street). It is no wonder that the Old City of Warsaw figures in the UNESCO Natural and Cultural World Heritage listing.

A walk along the Royal Route from the Old Town to Wilanow, the former residence of King Jan III Sobieski, is highly recommended. Starting with the reconstructed Royal Castle, the route passes in front of the beautiful English-style Lazienki park, with its miniature lakes and palace. Here, outdoor Chopin concerts are held in the summer and visitors can take gondola rides on the lakes. The route continues to the Wilanow Palace which is just outside the city.
 

The appreciation of music and theatre is a long-standing tradition of Polish cultural life. Polish and foreign artists present historical compositions as well as contemporary creations for the enjoyment of audiences all year round. As an added attraction, many performances and competitions are held in venues renowned for their historical or architectural importance. 1999 was the Year of Frederic Chopin, the great Polish composer and pianist of the 19th century. Warsaw, being one of the places most closely associated with Chopin, is the venue of musical events organised throughout the year. Warsaw also host the Frederic Chopin International Piano Compteition.
 

Sightseeing Warsaw is easier with Warsaw Tourist Card

The pride of Warsaw. Some that are especially worthwhile are:

- Royal Castle, pl. Zamkowy 4
- National Museum, Aleje Jerozolimskie 3
- Lazienki Palace and Park, ul. Agrykola 1
- Historical Museum of Warsaw, Rynek Starego Miasta 28/42
- John Paul II Memorial Collection, pl. Bankowy 1
- Museum at Wilanow Castle, ul. Wiertnicza I
- Jewish Historical Institute, ul. Tlomackie 3/5
- Museum of the Frederic Chopin Memorial Society, ul. Okolnik 1
 

Art is booming in Warsaw and as a result, there is an increasing number of art galleries. Here is a small selection:

- Central Bureau for Art Exhibitions, Zacheta, pl. Malachowskiego 3
- Centre of Modern Arts, Aleje Ujazdowskie 6
- ZPAP, ul. Mazowiecka 11a
- ART, ul. Krakowskie Przedmiescie 15/17
- Arka, ul. Chmielna 2
- Forma Colour, ul. Krakowskie Przedmiescie 62
- Zapiecek, ul. Zapiecek I
- Canaletto, ul. Krakowskie Przedmiescie 89
- Na Freta, ul. Freta 25
- Nowy Swiat, ul. Nowy Swiat 23
- Promocyjna, Rynek Starego Miasta
- Imari - Modern Art, ul. Nowy Swiat
- Noble House, ul. Krakowskie Przedmiescie 47/51
- Pegaz, ul. Hoza 54
 

Several interesting visits can be made within the immediate vicinity of the city.

The most well-known is the birthplace of Frederic Chopin, Zelazowa Wola, around 60 km from Warsaw. This modest manor house is surrounded by a beautiful romantic park. The house serves as a museum and its interior is maintained in the style of the era.

Also worth visiting is Lowicz, for both its folklore appeal and its XVllth century Renaissance -Baroque collegiate church. During religious celebrations, such as Corpus Christi, the locals dress up in colourful folk costumes.
 

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