TRAVEL GUIDE: POLAND

Drawing East-West influences from its bordering countries of Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Russia, Lithuania, Ukraine and Belarus, Poland is a fascinating study in cultures and contrasts. This central European country is also steeped in historical significance and is the birthplace of many intellectual and artistic icons, including Pope John Paul II and astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus. Its capital and largest city, today considered the country’s artistic hub, Warsaw lost much of its baroque splendor during the destruction of World War II. After years of restoration, its Old Town was in 1980 named as a World Heritage site. Other places of interest in Poland include Krakow, known for its rich, mostly Renaissance architecture, and Lodz, whose claim to fame is Piotrkowska Street, the longest commercial street in the world.

KRAKOW

72-HOUR VACATION Into the Heart of Poland: 72 Hours in Krakow In the heart of Poland, with the Tatra Mountains nearby, Europe’s largest medieval square comes to life with a variety of lively galleries, cafés, clubs and pubs as well as horse-drawn carriages that roam its streets.

OSWIECIM

A HEARTBREAKING PIECE OF HISTORY Muzeum Auschwitz Not one to forget its past, Poland has honored the millions who died in WWII with several Holocaust museums, including ones on the spaces once occupied by Auschwitz I and Auschwitz-Birkenau II. Note that the exhibits, including real gas chambers, can be very disturbing.

POLAND

BOOK A ROOM Hotels in Poland Whether you hope to sightsee in Krakow or shop at the Old Town Square Market in Warsaw, Poland boasts great accommodations across the country. Just be sure to check out these hotel reviews, ratings and room photos before making a reservation.

RESZEL

TOP 10 CASTLE HOTELS Reszel Castle Reszel Castle has changed hands many times since it was constructed in the fourteenth century, but today it serves as one of the most popular hotels for exhibitions and conferences. The hotel offers 21 rooms and suites, gothic décor and its own art gallery.

WIELICZKA

WIELICZKA'S TREASURE TROVE Wieliczk Salt Mine Drawing one million tourists a year, the Wieliczka Salt Mine is one of the country's greatest cultural treasures. Whether you're going for the sculptures and paintings that line some of the caverns or just for a sense of history, you're bound to leave satisfied.

For more information, visit the official website of Poland

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