Old Town History

The beginnings of Warsaw Old Town (Warszawska Starówka) are dated on 13th century. In 14^th Century brick walls were built. Originally Warsaw was a hometown of Mazovia dukes, but became eventually (in 16^th century) capital of Poland.

The most important building in the Old Town is The Royal Castle – you can see gothic parts (from the riverside) from an old dukes’ castle, but the main building was designed and built in 18^th Century, by our last king Stanisław August Poniatowski (of course he was not the architect himself, but paid the bills). It was destroyed almost completely (as the rest of the Old Town) during the Warsaw Uprising in 1944, but as the Nazis did not manage to blow out one of the walls, in the interiors you can still see holes made for dynamite.

It’s also worth to simply wander around, through the small streets surrounding the Main Market Square, there is also beautiful view on the river (as the Old Town is on the high river bank). If you go towards the Barbakan on the left side you can eat the most delicious ice cream in the old town!

Warsaw Old Town has been awarded with a places on UNESCO’s list od World Heritage Sites for “an outstanding example of a near-total reconstruction of a span of history covering the 13^th to the 20^th century. Nazis have destroyed most of the front walls of the buildings, but the “bones” were left intact – Warsaw Old Town has original cellars, many ceilings and back walls. Also all of the arches, sculptures which could be found intact,were reused. And don’t forget, that it was rebuilt with love and care, if you ask older people (>70 years old), almost each and every one of them has helped with rebuilding the capital of Poland!

Modern Old Town

For long years Warsaw Old Town remained only a residential area, but since the beginning of the 90’s much was done to enliven it. After the renovation of Krakowskie Przedmieście Street (and making it a pederstrian zone for weekends) the Old Town has become a favourite destination for everyone to have a walk (an ice cream is a must). Although it is calm at night, you can enjoy it also in the evening, as almost all building are beautifully illuminated. It’s also worth to check out a great jazz festival in the summer.

If you want to sleep vis-à-vis Royal Castle, you should choose (Castle Inn) – a place which enlivens the Old Town – with style and art décor. Although a little pricy, it is a best choice for a night to remember in Warsaw.

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