Poland is multifaceted European country is where the contemporary and the medieval mix. Poland is a relatively reasonably priced vacation destination in Europe

Nestled in the heart of Europe, Poland has served as a bridge between east and west for centuries. The multifaceted European country is where the contemporary and the medieval mix. Poland is a relatively reasonably priced vacation destination in Euope. There are several significant historical sites in Poland that travelers are enriched by visiting.

The United Nations, UNESCO, has developed and maintained a list of significant places in the world, known as the World Heritage List, which is selected by a committee. Of the 851 world wide properties selected by the World Heritage List for their outstanding universal value, thirteen are in Poland.. Following are the outstanding significant historic places in Poland.

Include some of the following historic sights of Poland in your vacation travel itinerary for an educational, enjoyable vacation in Poland.

Cracow's Historic Centre, Poland's former capital has a historic center which is located at the foot of the Royal Wawel Castle. Kracow is a 13th century merchants' town. For many centuries Krakow was the capital of Poland. the seat of kings. Krakow drew great scholars, artists and talented personalities who . used their imagination to make Krakow a city with rich legacy of unique history. The market square is the largest in Europe. There are a number of historic houses, palaces and churches. Historic attractions include: 14th century fortifications, medieval site of Kazimierz with ancient synagogues, Jagellonian University and the Gothic cathedral which is the burial place of the Polish Kings.

Wieliczka Salt Mine: Deposits of rock salt have been mined at Wieliczka since the 13th century. Wieliczka Salt Mine is near the great, historic city of Krakow. Wieliczka used to be one of the biggest, most profitable industrial establishments in the world. In medieval times salt was the commercial equivalent of todays oil. Since the 18th century Wieliczka salt mine has become a tourist attraction. The salt mine is spread over nine levels, with altars, artworks and statues sculpted in salt. The museum is one of Europe's largest mining museums. The subterranean museum takes about three hours to tour.

Auschwitz Birkenau, German Nazi Concentrations and Extermination Camp (1940-1945): Grim reminder of the Nazi genocide. The extermination camp was the third largest of the Third Reich.

Belovezhskaya Pushcha / Bialowieza Forest: Immense forest range situated on the watershed of the Black Sean and the Baltic Sea. The forest is home to some remarkable animal life including rare mammals, wolf, lynx, otter and 300 European Bison.

Historic Centre of Warsaw: The Old Town was 85% destroyed by Nazi troops in 1944. A five year reconstruction campaign after the war by the citizens resulted in a meticulous restoration. The Old town has churches, palaces and the market place. Selected as an outstanding example o near total reconstruction. The span of history of the Old Town covers the 13th to the 20th century. The Old Town is the oldest section of Warsaw.

Old City of Zamosc: The chancellor Jan Zamoysky founded Zamosc in the 16th century. The trade route links western and northern Europe with the Black Sea. It is considered a perfect example of a late 16th century Renaissance town. The town has its original layout and fortifications. Zamosc is modeled on Italian theories of the "ideal city".

Castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork: The Teutonic Order owned this 13th century fortified monastery Considered an especially fine example of a medieval brick castle, the monastery fell into decay, but was restored in the 19th and 20th centuries. It sustained severe damage during World war II, but has been restored again. A large portion of the fortification complex was turned into a pleasant park after being destroyed in 1866. Selected by UNESCO as a site of considerable historic value of the evidence of the evolution of modern philosophy and for the practice of restorations and conservation.

Medieval Town of Turun: The Teutonic Order built a castle in Torun in the mid 13th century The castle was the base for conquest and evangelizing of Prussia. The town had a commercial role in the Hanseatic League. There are many public an private buildings from the 14th and 15th centuries including the house of Copernicus. Selected by UNESCO as an example of a preserved historic trading city. and a complete picture of medieval life.

Kalwria Zebrzydowska: Mannerist Architectural and Park Landscape Complex and Pilgrimage Park: Spiritually significant cultural landscape with a series of symbolic places of worship relating to the Passion of Jesus Christ and the life of the /Virgin Mary. The symbolic worship places were laid out at the beginning of the 17th century and has remained virtually unchanged. Today it is a spiritual place of pilgrimage. Selected by UNESCO as an exceptional cultural monument in a natural landscape.

Churches of Peace in Jawor and Swidnica: Large timber framed religious buildings were built in the mid-17th century.The Protestant churches are in a country predominated by Catholic Churches. Selected as a witness to a particular political and spiritual development in Europe in the17th century.

Wooden Churches of Southern Little Poland: Outstanding examples of different aspects of medieval church-building in the roman Catholic Church. The wooden churches are built using horizontal log techniques. The techniques have been common in eastern and northern Europe since the Middle Ages.

Muskauer Park / Park Muzkowski: Landscaped Park on the Neisse River and the border between Poland and Germany. The park was designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding farming landscape. The park innovated new approaches o landscape design. Selected by UNESCO for groundbreaking development of man-made landscape.

Centennial Hall in Wroclaw: Erected in 1911 - 1913 by Max Berg, The Hall is a landmark of reinforced concrete. Selected as a pioneering work of modern engineering and architecture. Wroclaw is located in southwestern Poland, near the border of Germany and the Czech Republic. The City of Wroclaw is a dramatic city with reminders of medieval times within the city walls.

European nations are rich in historic sights. Here are additional articles about Romania, Austria, Poland, and, Hungary.

Travelers to Poland find that visiting the significant historic sights of this European country an enriching experience.

Resources:

krakow-info.com

wroclaw.com