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Welcome to Poland
Situated in the heart of Europe, Poland manages well to
both bridge the east and the west and to balance the old
and the new. From sparkling cosmopolitan cities to rural
areas, where you can still see horse-drawn ploughs and carts
- Poland has kept its traditional culture while embracing
the modern.
Warsaw, the capital, was mostly destroyed in World War II,
but has been rebuilt and today is the country's vibrant
and modern center. The Royal Way, the city's main boulevard,
is one of Europe's most impressive downtown streets lined
by many churches, museums, galleries and palaces.
Krakow is an architectural gem. Unlike Warsaw, it survived
WWII intact. Dating from the 7th century, the city's Old
Town has changed little since then. It boasts the magnificent
Wawel Castle, Gothic churches and outstanding museums. Warsaw's
ancient spirit will take you back in time.
If you are already in the area around Krakow, don't forget
to visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine, which dates back to the
11th century. The highlight of this mine visit is the Chapel
of the Blessed Kinga, a richly ornamented church that has
been created 442 feet (135 m) below the surface. Everything
was carved out of salt by hand, from chandeliers to altarpieces.
Outdoor enthusiasts will get their piece of the pie, too.
From the undeveloped coastline in the north, the great Masurian
Lakes in the northeast, to the Tatra Mountains in the south,
Poland is a hiking, skiing, kayaking, swimming and sailing
paradise. You'll find national parks evenly scattered throughout
the country. Wild boar, deer and a few brown bears, wildcats
and elks inhabit the forests. The Bialowieza National Park
is home to several hundred European bison, which became
nearly extinct in the last century.
Poland is still affordable and unlike some other Eastern
European countries, locals and visitors are charged the
same for everything. The country is also safe and people
are open and welcoming. |
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