Poland
Poland is the biggest country of Central Europe. It is bordered by seven countries: Germany to the west, Czech Republic and Slovakia to the south, Ukraine and Belarus to the east, and Lithuania and Russia (Kaliningrad Oblast) to the northeast, with a northern coastline along the Baltic Sea, stretching over 770 km.
A Quick Guide Through the History of Poland
History of Poland, from its medieval beginnings as a powerful kingdom, through the turbulent periods of partitions and foreign rule, to its resilience during WWII and the Solidarity movement and present day.
The old port in Gdansk
Already I have posted many photos on this beautiful spot, but actually never recalling its history. This place is indeed very photogenic, no matter the season or time of the day. The Old Port in Gdansk, known as the Main City, has been an important center of maritime trade and commerce since the Middle Ages.
Lavra. Monastery of the Annunciation
The Monastery of the Annunciation in Supraśl is a group of buildings with a simple church. It had to be completely rebuilt after World War II and other difficulties. Restoration of the church and its old paintings started in the 1980s, went faster after 1996 when the Orthodox Church got it back. The newly fixed church, with carefully fixed paintings, was blessed in 2021, making it a real work of art inside.
On the way to the Malbork Castle
Malbork Castle, also known as Marienburg Castle, is a historic fortress located in Malbork in northern Poland. It is one of the most impressive and well-preserved medieval castles in Europe and is renowned for its stunning architecture and historical significance.
Visiting an old synagogue in Tykocin
Our trip to North Eastern Poland continues. Yesterday we visited an old synagogue in Tykocin that today serves as an museum of the Jewish tradition.
Copernicus
Nicolaus Copernicus, born in Toruń, was a renowned Polish astronomer and mathematician who made significant contributions to our understanding of the solar system and the concept of a heliocentric model.
Bona Sforza
Bona Sforza, an Italian noblewoman, became Queen of Poland in 1518 through her marriage to King Sigismund I the Old. As queen, she played a crucial role in promoting agricultural reform, enhancing royal power, and introducing Renaissance culture to Poland. Her influence extended beyond her lifetime, shaping Polish politics and society.
Museum of Folk Architecture in Olsztynek
The Museum of Folk Architecture in Olsztynek, Poland, is an open-air museum showcasing traditional Polish rural architecture. With over 60 historic buildings, including wooden houses, barns, windmills, and a church, it offers a glimpse into 19th and early 20th-century village life.
Polish cuisine, rich in flavors and traditions, boasts a variety of favorite dishes that are deeply embedded in its culture. Pierogi, dumplings filled with meat, cheese, or fruits, top the list with their versatile and comforting nature. Bigos, known as hunter’s stew, combines sauerkraut, meat, and mushrooms, simmering into a hearty dish. Another beloved classic is Żurek, a sour rye soup with sausage and boiled eggs, celebrated especially during Easter. Kotlet schabowy, a breaded pork cutlet, serves as Poland’s answer to the schnitzel, satisfying with its crispy exterior and tender meat. Lastly, placki ziemniaczane, savory potato pancakes, are enjoyed with a dollop of sour cream or sugar, showcasing the simplicity and richness of Polish culinary traditions.
The Wawel Cathedral
Traditionally, the seat of the Polish Kings was the Wawel Castle located on the Wawel Hill. The castle complex includes the castle itself, the cathedral, and several other historic buildings. This time, while being on Wawel Hill, I decided to take more pictures of the Wawel Cathedral, including close-ups of its architecture.
Gietrzwałd Sanctuary
Gietrzwałd Sanctuary, situated in northern Poland, stands out for its splendid neo-Gothic architecture, completed in the 1870s. Its interior is adorned with vibrant stained glass windows and elaborate woodwork, reflecting the craftsmanship of the era.
The Carpathian range, including the Tatra Mountains, forms Poland’s southern border with Slovakia. The Tatras are the highest range in the Carpathians, known for their stunning peaks and alpine lakes.
Located in northeastern Poland, the Masurian Lake District is a stunning region with over 2,000 lakes. It’s a haven for sailing, kayaking, and nature enthusiasts, featuring rich biodiversity and scenic landscapes.
Straddling the border with Belarus, Białowieża Forest is one of the last and largest remaining parts of the primeval forest that once covered much of Europe. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to the European bison.
Down under in a coal mine
That miners’ work is hard, everybody knows. But seldom is it possible to see a mine inside, a couple of hundred meters down below. Because of dust and particles, and all other potential dangers, nobody would let an outsider inside a mine that is still under operation. At a couple of sites in Europe, tourists can take a walk down below in a mine that is no longer in operation — like a black coal mine turned into a mining museum, located 300-350 meters underground in Schlesien, Poland.
Other reads and photos
Pierogi
Pierogi (Polish dumplings) belong to the top dishes of the Polish cuisine. If you visit Poland they should be on the must-try list.
Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Białystok
The arch cathedral basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Białystok consists of two interconnected church buildings: the old Late Renaissance (from the beginning of the 17th century) and the new Neo-Gothic (from the beginning of the 20th century). Here a gallery of pictures from the latter.
Polish, known for its complexity, is one of the most challenging languages for non-native speakers to learn. Its intricate grammar includes seven cases that change the endings of nouns, pronouns, and adjectives, depending on their role in a sentence. Pronunciation is also tough, with unique sounds and consonant clusters like “przyszłość” (future) or “chrząszcz” (beetle) that are difficult for learners. Additionally, Polish employs extensive diacritical marks, such as “ą,” “ę,” “ć,” and “ł,” which can change the meaning and pronunciation of words. Despite these challenges, Polish is the second most widely spoken Slavic language after Russian, reflecting its significant cultural and linguistic influence in Central and Eastern Europe.
King’s Apartment, Warsaw castle
After passing through one or the other royal chamber of the Warsaw Castle, one gets the impression of being in an art gallery. The last king of Poland, Stanisław August Poniatowski, was a declared art patron. He commissioned painters to create portraits, panoramas, and illustrations of historical events.
Battle reconstruction: WWII Battle of Bzura
he reconstruction of the Battle of Bzura, a significant World War II engagement in Poland, is an annual event that vividly brings history to life. Enthusiasts and historians reenact this largest Polish counterattack against German forces in 1939, using period uniforms and equipment to educate and commemorate the bravery and strategies employed during this pivotal conflict.
Revived. Elbląg
Elbląg, one of Poland’s oldest cities, has a medieval Old Town rebuilt from scratch after WWII, which gives the city a unique look. You are in a traditional hanzeatic old city, but the buildings are of a modern look.
The Cathedral of Włocławek
The Włocławek Cathedral’s construction began in 1340 and lasted several decades, with the consecration taking place in 1411. It acquired an impressive Gothic form by the late 15th century, and over the centuries underwent various modifications and restorations.
The Royal Baths in Warsaw
The Royal Baths Park (Łazienki Królewskie), is a large park complex located in Warsaw, Poland. It was originally designed in the 17th century as a summer residence for the Polish monarchs, and today it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. The park covers an area of over 76 hectares and contains a number of architectural and natural attractions, including several palaces, pavilions, and monuments.
An elected king, a great battle and a fall of once a mighty kingdom
While sightseeing at the Vatican Museums, I found a photo of a painting depicting King John III Sobieski leading the Battle of Vienna, which halted the Ottoman Empire’s invasion of Europe during the late Middle Ages.
Bigos on prunes (Polish cuisine)
Bigos is one of the flag dishes of Polish cuisine. It is a kind of cabbage stew. There are, of course, several variations, but its main ingredients are sauerkraut, fresh cabbage, pieces of various meat kinds, and mushrooms (mainly dried boletes).
Szczecin
Szczecin is a city in northwestern Poland and the capital of the West Pomeranian Voivodeship. For a tourist, Szczecin is a city not that easy to handle. Still, it is a place I return with pleasure for years.
Christmas Eve is the most important day of the Polish Christmas celebration. The evening begins with the breaking of the opłatek, a thin, unleavened wafer, where family members exchange good wishes for the coming year. The dinner features twelve meatless dishes like barszcz (beet soup) and pierogi (dumplings), symbolizing the twelve Apostles. An extra place setting is left for an unexpected guest.
Easter preparations begin with Palm Sunday, where handmade palms are blessed in church. On Holy Saturday, Poles partake in the tradition of Święconka, the blessing of Easter baskets containing symbolic foods like pisanki (decorated eggs), sausage, bread, and other food.
All Saints’ Day in Poland is a solemn holiday when people visit cemeteries to clean and decorate graves with flowers and candles, creating a reflective atmosphere. The tradition often leads to heavy traffic as it is customary to visit multiple graves, even those in different towns.
Two ships
Dar Pomorza and ORP Błyskawica, displayed in Gdynia, are iconic maritime exhibits. Dar Pomorza, a majestic sailing frigate, served as a training ship, symbolizing Poland’s seafaring traditions. ORP Błyskawica, a historic World War II destroyer, is celebrated for its valiant service.
A short note on the battle of Grunwald
The Battle of Grunwald, which took place on July 15, 1410, was a crucial victory for the Polish-Lithuanian alliance over the Teutonic Knights. This battle, among the largest of the Middle Ages, led to a significant weakening of the Teutonic Order’s power and a strengthening of the political and territorial influence of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. It continues to be a symbol of unity and achievement in Polish and Lithuanian history.
Białystok Palace
The Branicki Palace in Białystok stands as a remarkable testament to Baroque architecture. While access to the interior is unavailable due to its current use by a medical university, visitors can still appreciate the grounds and indulge in the charming French-style garden.
Looking for solace: the old town Gdansk
