Fall In Love With Warsaw
By Kimberly Krol
Perched on the edge of an exciting redevelopment, Warsaw is poised to reinvent itself once again. A strong heritage and a keen sense of the future has transformed Poland’s capital city into one of the most cosmopolitan destinations in the world. Offering an interesting juxtaposition of old and new, Warsaw is the prime example of maintaining a sense of the past even with an eye firmly planted to the future.
Modern Warsaw
Warsaw is currently undergoing a $2 billion citywide upgrade, in preparation for the Euro 2012 soccer championship, which will be held in Polish capital. Vast infrastructure improvements will include an east-west subway line, a National Stadium and a beltway encircling the city to sustain the growing traffic flow. Tram service will be gradually increased, while a new bridge is in development over the Vistula River, which bisects Warsaw.
For visitors, the Copernicus Science Center will soon open on the city’s riverbank (www.kopernik.org.pl). A large amount of the $2 billion development has been aimed at bringing attractions and business to the picturesque, but so far underutilized, riverfront area.
With each improvement, Warsaw further defines its ever-increasing role as a player in the world marketplace. Since the end of Soviet occupation in 1989, Warsaw has worked to build its economy and business. Six years ago, Poland joined the European Union, and today the country, its capital city and its 1.7 million inhabitants are enjoying a bustling economy, relatively unaffected by the economic crisis that hit most of the world. In addition to a growing economic structure, Warsaw has a low rate of unemployment, one of the fastest growing economies in the EU, and shows no signs of slowing down.
Uncovering the Old
Despite its quest for modernity, Warsaw has retained its old-world charm and quaint appeal. Neither side of Warsaw—modern metropolis or scenic city of yore—overpowers the other. Following the 1944 Warsaw Uprising and subsequent destruction of the city, the people of Warsaw had the foresight to rebuild their beautiful city almost exactly as it stood before the devastation, a remarkable feat that was executed with pride and precision.
The perfect spot to enjoy the rebuilding is Warsaw’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage Site. As the oldest part of the city, dating back to the 12th century, the area is the cultural pulse of Warsaw. As visitors stroll the Old Town Market and the New Town Market, the street musicians, sites, stores, cafes and restaurants will dazzle them. Also in the area are some of the country’s oldest churches, including the 14th-century St. John’s Chapel, St. Martin’s Church and Gracious Mother of God Church. Be sure to visit the Monument to the Little Insurgent while in Old Town, one of the many meaningful reminders of Warsaw’s history located throughout the city.
Praga, a community on the right bank of the Vistula River, was not incorporated into the city limits until the 18th century. Because of its tucked away location, the neighborhood was relatively unaffected by the World War II razing. Here visitors can glimpse pre-war originals, from architecture to lamps and paving. Known for its concentration of artists, clubs, cinemas and galleries, Praga is also where travelers can find Rózycki Marketplace.
From the Old Town, head along Warsaw’s Royal Route, a stroll through the city’s history. The route connects Royal Castle with Royal Lazienki Park and its palaces. Along the way, admire the charming residences, churches and stores dotting the walk.
Celebrating History
Warsaw boasts an illustrious history. The city’s history at the Warsaw Rising Museum showcases a moving tribute to the Warsaw inhabitants who fought for the freedom and rights of the city and its citizens. It was opened on the 60th anniversary of the Warsaw Uprising, when the city banded together to resist German occupation. A trip to Warsaw would be incomplete without a visit to the museum.
Also crucial to appreciating and understanding the breadth of the city and its people is a visit to the Monument to Ghetto Heroes, erected in memory of the Jewish population forced to suffer in the Warsaw Ghetto during World War II. Before the war, Warsaw boasted Europe’s second largest Jewish population. The impact remains vibrant throughout modern-day Warsaw. Other noteworthy monuments commemorating the Jewish population include Nozyk Synagogue, Prozna Street, Umschlagplatz and the Ghetto Wall on Sienna Street.
One of Warsaw’s most famous residents was composer Fryderyk Chopin, who lies buried in St. Cross Church. His memory has been immortalized in the city’s memory and his monument is permanently on display at Lazienki Park, the site of weekend concerts that last from May through September. 2010 has been named the Chopin Year, with numerous events to commemorate the celebrated composer (www.chopin2010.pl and www.um.warszawa.pl/chopin). In honor of the year, The Fryderyk Chopin Museum opened in March 2010. Visit www.chopin.museum/en.
For further information of the City of Warsaw visit www.warsawtour.pl or www.e-warsaw.pl.
exclusive interview By Ryley Hartt
With Andrzej Mankowski, Vice-Director of the Promotion Department of the City of Warsaw
Poland’s “Phoenix City,” is in the process of rebuilding once again in preparation for Euro 2012, though visitors will need tickets to hear the real noise this city is making in 2010. As the Capital City celebrates the 200th birthday anniversary of Chopin, we sat down to hear about the city’s beloved composer and the transformation that’s underway.
JF: As a destination, Warsaw seems to offer a striking mixture of traditional and contemporary appeal. How do you preserve that history and old world charm amidst a big-budget upgrade in preparation for the Euro Championship?
Mankowski: Warsaw is a unique point on the map of Europe, a point where various cultures met in the past and a point which is becoming multiethnic again. Our slogan for the city is “Fall in Love with Warsaw”, and there are many reasons for doing so. Warsaw still has a huge potential and is a center of momentous events. On the European scale, Warsaw is the center of the political, business, economic, cultural and entertainment life. The capital becomes more beautiful and modern each year. Warsaw is changing its image also through the revitalization of the city’s historic districts.
JF: Can you offer any specific examples of some of the infrastructural upgrades that are underway?
Mankowski: Currently, the largest ongoing investments in Warsaw are the construction of the National Stadium, associated with the organization of the UEFA Euro Championship in 2012, as well as construction work of another bridge over the Vistula River, the extension of the underground line and the construction of the Modern Art Museum and the Museum of the History of the Polish Jews. In 2010 we celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Fryderyk Chopin, the great Polish composer. The Capital City of Warsaw has opened a new walking route, based on the multimedia trail “Chopin’s Benches.” The route will guide you through the historic spots in Warsaw where multimedia benches have been located. By following the route and relaxing on the benches, Warsaw residents and tourists can discover the picturesque areas of the capital connected with Chopin’s younger days. The sound system embedded in the benches will bring the Chopin music closer – all you have to do is to press a button and make the bench play a selected fragment, almost like a jukebox. Also, due to Chopin’s 200th birthday anniversary the Fryderyk Chopin Museum was opened in March 2010, and has already gained a reputation as one of the best multimedia museums in Europe.
JF: What are your favorite places to escape within the city?
Mankowski: Warsaw attracts lovers of history, culture, art and good entertainment. The most keenly visited sites and my favorite ones are: the Old Town, the Royal Castle, the Judaica, the National Museum, Warsaw University and the Palace of Culture and Science.
JF: We are finding that the demand for special interest and truly experiential travel is growing exponentially; what makes Warsaw a great destination for those markets?
Mankowski: The capital has rich and varied offerings for each tourist profile. We need to mention a vast array of activities and attractions for children, young people and their parents; beautiful parks, cinemas, theatres, museums, sports and recreation centers. Obviously, places related to Chopin, who spent half of his life in Warsaw, are also worth a visit. Warsaw is also a city on the move; it is almost impossible to see the same city twice.
JF: What are your hopes and predictions for tourism to Warsaw this summer?
Mankowski: Despite many problems which worldwide tourism had to face recently like the financial crisis and the Icelandic volcano ash, Warsaw is very well prepared to host tourists from all over the world, especially the ones who will visit the Polish capital for the 200th birthday anniversary of Chopin. Next to Chopin’s route mentioned above and the Chopin Museum, a special information centre was opened on Krakowskie Przedmiescie Street, part of the Royal Route, where anyone can obtain information on Chopin’s places in Warsaw and cultural attractions combined with the composer. We have also prepared a special attraction for those who like sightseeing accompanied by music, a tram that rides through the city center in which Chopin’s music is played!
JF: How have you been promoting your city to the travel industry and travelers? What kind of demographic are you targeting from the U.S.?
Mankowski: For the last year we have been intensively working on promoting Warsaw as the City of Chopin. We had TV spots broadcasted on CNN and participated in the New York Times Travel Show in February. The U.S. is a tough market due to its size and variety. We mainly focus on students who come to visit Europe during the summer and people who are retired and finally have the time to travel.
JF: What are some of the more exciting events that Warsaw has on the calendar for the remainder of this year and into next year?
Mankowski: We think that all of the cultural events like “Chopin’s Gardens” and “Fryderyk Chopin International Piano Competition” are of interest, but also those not combined with the composer like “Warsaw Orange Festival”, “Warsaw Summer Jazz Days”, ”Jazz Jamboree” and design festival “Warsaw under Construction” will attract thousands of tourists to Warsaw. In the future years, Warsaw is focused on the Polish presidency in the European Union in 2011. Next we will be hosting the Euro Championship in 2012 and we are hoping to win the honorary title of European Capital of Culture for 2016, which will be decided in 2011.
JF: Are there any hotel discounts or special travel packages that our readers should be aware of?
Mankowski: The Warsaw Tourist Card is the most comfortable way to visit the city for those who like to choose the speed and the route of their sightseeing tours themselves. The brochure enclosed with the card lists about 130 businesses and institutions participating in the WTC program, including museums, galleries, hotels, clubs, theatres, restaurants and many others. All participants of the WTC program are indicated on the map to make it even easier to find your way around the city. To find out more about the WTC visit www.warsawtour.pl. It is worth coming here, worth seeing the city and worth falling in love with it.
MAY 2010 FEATURE
Poland’s Top Summer Destinations 
By Ryley Hartt
What began as a year of celebration in the Republic of Poland, this being the 200th anniversary of Frédéric Chopin’s birth, will likely forever be looked back on as a year of remembrance. On April 10, 2010, on the way to a ceremony marking the 70th anniversary of the Katy Massacre that claimed the lives of 20,000 Polish officers, a plane carrying President Lech Kaczynski, his wife and dozens of the country’s top leaders crashed in a dense fog as it attempted to land near the city of Smolensk in Western Russia. The outpouring of condolences and tributes from world leaders and bereaved mourners did little to offset the shock in the days that followed, though the overwhelming message of support for Poland was greatly felt the world over. In New York, hundreds gathered at the Polish Consulate to sign condolence books, the visiting prime minister from the Czech Republic first among them. As the country of Poland now turns its attention to rebuilding from such an improbable tragedy, we all might consider ways in which to lend our support and pay tribute to a life lived in steadfast devotion to this country.
The Year of Chopin
By many accounts, Frédéric Chopin, to whom the year 2010 has been formally dedicated, also lived and created his emotionally charged compositions in a bruised epoch in the nation’s history. This year a number of tour operators have added and amended special itineraries to give visitors a chance to be immersed in the history of Poland’s major cities from Warsaw to Kraków in the south and all the way north to Gdansk, by tracing Chopin’s footsteps throughout various stages of his life. The major headlining event that music lovers will not want to miss this year is the 16th International Chopin Piano Competition, which will be held in Warsaw from October 2 – 23rd. The competition, held every five years and featuring some of the best talent from around the world, just happens to fall on this very special bicentennial celebration. Tickets are available for purchase on the Internet and through the Warsaw Philharmonic box office. More information can be found at http://konkurs.chopin.pl/en. A full sales manual containing concert dates and destination-specific touring information for Chopin 2010 can also be downloaded from the new Polish National Tourist Office website, www.poland.travel
Summer Activity Guide
For a country as rich in history as Poland is, it may never even occur to first-time visitors to look up from their cultural events calendar to appreciate the incredibly diverse terrain begging to be explored in each of its distinct regions. The lowland areas distributed throughout northern and central Poland are bisected by an arterial network of bike trails that navigate through picturesque towns and stunning national parks, the longest of which (R 1) stretches all the way to St. Petersburg, Russia. Lowland routes connecting some of the more popular tourist towns like Pisz, Gizycko and Elk in Masuria are popular among 4-wheel and off-road enthusiasts. The Province of Varmia and Masuria, surrounding the provincial capital of Olsztyn, is also home to enchanting primeval forests, mysteriously sequestered military bunkers and decommissioned fortresses and a vast assembly of lakes and waterways that have landed the region on the list of finalists of the New7Wonders Foundation competition. Sailing, kite surfing, kayaking and, oddly enough, scuba diving are all wildly popular here. Visit http://mazury.travel for more destination-specific information.
Due west from Varmia-Masuria, the Pomeranian region is home to the 1,000 year old city of Gdansk and the other two cities that make up what is commonly referred to as the Tricity – Sopot and Gdynia – on the Baltic coast. In addition to the fame it gets for being the world’s amber capital and the birthplace of the independent trade union, Gdansk is a lively and stunningly beautiful city, home to a trove of gothic and Dutch Mannerist architectural marvels like St. Nicholas’ Church and Arthur’s Court.
Gdynia has grown in the last 100 years from a quaint fishing village into a dynamic maritime city, as evidenced by the nautical theme that seems to pervade everything from the decorative touches of its 20th century architecture to the Jet-Skis and cruise ships that zip and chug in passing routes along the city’s pristine coastline. A number of bars and concert halls dispersed about the city support a lively jazz scene, and music and theatre-lovers can pick from Poland’s largest musical stage and the Summer Stage of the Witold Gombrowicz Municipal Theatre right on the beach. Visit www.gdynia.pl
Sopot is Poland’s favorite coastal summer hang-out, where tourists converge for the clean beaches and health-giving salt spring-water. Here, amidst the wafting aromas of food and peals of laughter spilling out onto the sidewalk from bars and restaurants, you will find “Monciak,” the most famous pedestrian precinct in all of Poland. Visit www.sopot.pl for more information.
South of the coastal Tricity there is another destination that ought not to be missed. Malbork Castle, the largest Gothic fortress in Europe and old capital of the Teutonic Knights, covers 21 hectares and is believed to be the biggest brick structure ever to have been built by human hands. The Castle Museum housed inside contains an impressive assortment of art, craftwork, militaria, amber artifacts and, of course, architecture. Witness the spectacle of re-creation of the siege of Malbork and summer light shows. Visit www.mwc.malbork.pl
Sobieszewska Island
Anybody planning to visit Gdansk this summer should also consider paying a visit to a little undiscovered island called Sobieszewska. This island, formed 100 years ago when a section of the Vistula Spit was split off, features unadulterated natural beauty and the longest continuous stretch of beach anywhere near Gdansk. There are two nature reserves contained within its 35 square kilometers, making it the perfect place to stretch out on the pristine beach and know that you will be left undisturbed. The Bird Paradise Reserve on the northwestern tip of the island is worth checking out, as it is a popular gathering place for migrating flocks, waterfowl and wading birds. Go for a stroll along the Green Pttk Trail, which is actually a segment of the E9 International Foot Trail, originating at the Sobieszewo Bridge and ending up in Swibno where a ferry can transfer you to Mikoszewo and further along the Vistula Spit. There is also a bike trail that circles the island, with maps placed strategically along the path to guide cyclists to the bridge near Our Lady of La Salette Sanctuary, the fishing harbor in Swibno and the Bird Paradise Reserve.
Getting Around
After your clients have safely landed at Warsaw Frédéric Chopin Airport (WAW), car rentals are available and there are a number of tour operators like American Travel Abroad (www.amta.com) who can handle escorted tours and transfers. For clients who plan to do some city hopping the best bet is to travel by rail. Local trains typically only offer second-class tickets but go ahead and spring for the first-class tickets on longer hauls when they are available. RailEurope offers an excellent service, connecting Warsaw and Krakow for example in just under three hours. Visit www.raileurope.com
For further information contact the Polish National Tourist Office at. 212-338-9412 or visit www.poland.travel