Around Warsaw
Warsaw has been the capital of Poland since the 16th century, when King Sigismund III Vasa moved his court to the city from Krakow. So, unsurprisingly, the surrounding area still has fascinating vestiges of Warsaw’s rich past, even though the city itself was destroyed during the Second World War.
One of the most fascinating attractions, from an artistic and historical perspective, is Wilanów Palace; it was built at the end of the 17th century and is about 14 km from the capital. King John III Sobieski constructed the residence for his consort Queen Marie and it was designed in the French Baroque style to imitate the Palace of Versailles.
Łazienki Palace is about 7 km from Wilanów and is humbler in size; it was constructed in the 18th century on the personal orders of the last king of Poland, Stanislaw II. The palace stands on the site of a former bathhouse and this royal residence is known as the Palace on the Isle or the Baths Palace. One of its most attractive features is that it is set in a vast English garden where classical music concerts are regularly held.
A trip to Kampinos National Park, on the outskirts of Warsaw and about 20 km from the centre, is also highly recommended. This huge national park is populated by pine forests and other tree species, and it extends across the whole Vistula Valley. Its landscapes also include swamplands and sand dunes. It’s a wonderful place to spend a peaceful day out, with the exciting possibility of spotting animals including moose, beavers, and lynxes.
Visiting Żelazowa Wola is another classic day trip if you’d like to explore the area around Warsaw. This small, charming village is about 60 km from the capital and is the birthplace of composer Fryderyk Chopin. A visit to his house-museum is absolutely essential for music enthusiasts. Exploring the town is also great way to experience the essence of Poland’s rural world.
Nieborów Palace is about 30 km from Żelazowa Wola, and 80 km from Warsaw, and is another popular attraction near the capital. The palace was a private residence that was built in the 16th century, but it was rebuilt at the end of the 17th century in the Baroque style and surrounded by an impressive English garden. What is surprising about the palace is that it succeeded it maintaining its splendour and riches during both World War II and the subsequent Communist period, and has reached the present day practically unchanged.