Palace of Culture and Science
The tourists love it, but the locals can't stand it. The Palace of Culture and Science is the tallest building in Poland and the world's 164th tallest. It was originally known as the Joseph Stalin Palace of Culture and Science, and was given to the people of Poland as a gift from the USSR. Its construction started in 1952 and lasted until 1955. As the city's most visible landmark, the building was controversial from the beginning. Many Poles initially hated the building as a symbol of Soviet domination, which destroyed the city’s aesthetic balance, clashing with other buildings. Nowadays, it serves as an exhibition centre and office complex. There are 3,288 rooms on 42 floors, containing cinemas, theatres and museums. You can take a lift to the 20th floor and admire an impressive panoramic view of Warsaw. Royal Castle
Warsaw’s Royal Castle (Zamek Królewski) was the official residence for Polish monarchs until the Partitioning of Poland. Between 1926 and World War II, it was the home of the Polish president. The palace is situated on Plac Zamkowy at the entrance to the Old Town. The many rooms inside have been restored as much as possible after the destruction of World War II. The impressive Royal Apartments, where King Stanisław August Poniatowski lived, include the Canaletto room with its paintings of Warsaw on display. The adjacent Royal Chapel was designed by Domenico Merlini in 1776. There are also other places worth visiting here, such as the Jagiellonian Rooms, with numerous portraits of the Jagiello royal dynasty and the Houses of Parliament. This is where Polish democracy started, and where Europe's first modern national constitution was codified in 1891. Lazienki Park
Łazienki Park is the largest park in Warsaw, lying in Warsaw's Downtown area on the Royal Route linking the Royal Castle with Wilanów to the south. It was established in the 17th Century by Tylman van Gameren, as an example of Baroque architecture for Stanisław Lubomirski. It owes its name to a bathing pavilion that was located there. In 1764, the gardens were acquired by the last King of Poland, Stanisław August Poniatowski, who restored it to the neo-Classical style. The park was designed by Dominik Merlini. The most notable building is Stanisław August's palace, situated upon the lake, known as the Palace on the Water. For locals, Łazienki Park is a favourite place for taking walks. There are many interesting events here in the summertime, such as Frederic Chopin's piano concerts Wilanow
Known as the Polish Versailles, Wilanów Palace is, along with its park, one of the most precious monuments of Polish national culture. It was built for Polish King Jan III Sobieski in the last quarter of the 17th Century, and later enlarged by his successors. It’s an example of a characteristic Baroque suburban residence entre cour et jardin (between the court and the garden). Its unique architecture is a blend of European art with traditional Polish construction. The lavish palace interiors glorified the military triumphs of the king. In 1805, owner Stanisław Kostka Potocki founded one of the first public museums in Poland inside the palace. Apart from being a priceless testimony to Poland’s past splendour, Wilanów is also the site for many cultural events and concerts, including the Summer Royal Concerts in the Rose Garden.