Bordered by Germany, Lithuania, Russia, Belarus, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and the Ukraine, Poland also sits adjacent to the Baltic Sea. In fact, it is due to its location that Poland has found herself in political struggle continuously.
Poland is divided in various regions the Pomeranian region is located on the Baltic Sea and represents Poland’s waterside. The word Pomerania is derived from “pomorskie” which means “by the sea”. There are beaches, lakes, and beautiful scenic views. Pomerania is also home to the world’s largest brick church, the Church of St. Mary.
The next region is the Masuria; its many lakes and rivers characterize this area. There are over three thousand lakes in the Masuria region, and it is a very popular location for those who enjoy canoeing and kayaking. You can attend a canoeing rally and the Krutynia River is said to be one of the most splendid trails for kayaking throughout all of Europe.
A trip to Greater Poland will give you a historic view of the country. Poznan, a city in Greater Poland, is commonly referred to as Poland’s birthplace. You will find that Greater Poland offers many cultural delights such as museums, an exciting nightlife, and a modern city square. You’ll find plenty to do in the cities that comprise Greater Poland. From bars and cafes to museums and art shows, Greater Poland is a popular tourist destination.
One of the most frequently visited sites in Poland is the Historic Centre of Warsaw. The centre received a devastating blow during World War II, however it has been reconstructed and now stands as a beautiful monument to the strength and endurance of the Polish people. The center consists of a national museum, many palaces, cathedrals, and churches.
Another important historical location in Poland is Cracow’s Historic Centre. Once the capital of Poland, the centre is ancient Poland in its entire medieval splendor. You will see palaces, churches, and synagogues that stand as monuments, archiving the past. Eastern Europe’s largest market square is located here as well.
Lesser Poland is the region where there are numerous salt mines, caves, and fascinating mountains. It is also home to the Wooden Churches that were fashioned in the traditional styles common to the Roman Catholic. They were constructed using horizontal logs, a style that was prevalent throughout Europe in the Middle Ages. Though technically, the style if Gothic, the finished result is very different due to the wood construction. The Wooden Churches are in what is referred to an open air museum.
In addition, another fascinating site in Poland is the Medieval Town of Torun. Built during the 13th, 14th, and 15th centuries, the Town exhibits fascinating architectural Gothic structures
It would be impossible to visit Poland and not remember the devastation that took there. Standing as a constant reminder to the atrocities that took the lives of 1.5 million people, mostly Jews, in the Auschwitz concentration camp. A solemn fixture, Auschwitz remains as a memorial to all those who lost their lives and serves as evidence that the holocaust must never be repeated.
