1. Czestochowa
Czestochowa is known for its ruins of medieval castles, the Jasna Gora Monastery, icon of Black Madonna which is associated with many miracles. It’s a place of pilgrimage and many locals and tourists counting up to 5 million visit it each year.
2. Malbork Castle
Malbork Castle is the world’s biggest brick made castle. It is also Europe’s largest gothic castle, something which brings a lot of memories of WWII fresh in minds. It was built by the German Teutonic Knights. There’s also a cathedral inside the castle. There is handful of grey-communist architecture and sights from medieval times.
3. Wolf’s Lair
It really is a Wolf’s Lair in Mansuria because this used to be Hitler’s command bunker complex from 1941 – 1944. As soon as you enter this lair, it gives you a chill in the spine to think of the atrocious crimes commanded by Hitler while sitting in this place. It is mostly ruins because of the bombings done by Germans and Russians over here but it still remains as a historical sight to see. A failed assassination attempt was also made on Hitler on this sight.
4. Oswiecim
This is another unusual and gruesome tourist site in Poland. It is best known by its German name, Auschwitz. This used to be a Nazi extermination camp where over 1.5 million people were killed. You’ll also find an old Jewish synagogue over here which was the only one of its kind spared during WWII. This place acts as lesson of the horrid effects of war and that we should eliminate racism from our world. 25 million people have paid their respects to the innocent prisoners killed at this site.
5. Wawel Castle
This is another royal landmark of Poland. It is a gothic castle and the main attraction of this castle is the Szczerbiec coronation sword. It is a priceless sword marked with ambiguous symbols. It is the only living piece of Polish crown jewels. This sword is popularly known as the Jagged Sword.
6. Wieliczka Salt Mine
Wieliczka Salt Mine is thought of as one of the oldest companies in the world. People have mined salt from this archaic mine since the 13th century. It is a kingdom within itself. With its underground city made of rock salt and sculptors carved out of rock salt, this mine is a marvel to witness and awe at.
7. Bialowieza Forest
Interested in rare endangered wildlife? Then you’ll love the Bialowieza Forest which is home to 800 wisent, an endangered species of the European bison. Tourists are guided in this forest by foot or horse-drawn carriages where they get to see the creature behind fences.
Have you been to Poland? Feel free to share your tips and recommendations.
Photo Credits: Czestochowa by Bogdan Migulski/ Malbork Castle by futureshape/ Oswiecim by crystalmartel/ Wawel Castle by Anosmia/ Wieliczka Salt Mine by jhadow/ Bialowieza Forest by vlod007