European Ribbon

📖 Introduction

Warsaw, the capital of Poland, occupies a central position within the country, spanning both banks of the Vistula River. The city’s predominantly flat terrain lends itself to enjoyable walks and cycling. Abundant parks and verdant squares, which multiply annually, enhance the city’s charm. Like its European counterparts, Warsaw actively participates in the urban greening movement, positively impacting the well-being of its inhabitants.

Warsaw is divided into 18 districts and covers an area of 517.2 km² (31,9 square miles). According to data from the beginning of 2023, the population was 1,861,975 people.

We extend an invitation to explore this remarkable city, once among the most devastated during World War II. Simultaneously, through unwavering determination and reconstruction endeavors, Warsaw has emerged as a beacon of resilience and renewal.

The Duchy of Mazovia

Warsaw, the capital of Poland, has its origins traced back to the early 14th century. These beginnings coincide with the existence of the Duchy of Mazovia in the same region. The duchy was a territorial duchy, arising from the division of the state into districts. This division was formally established by King Bolesław the Wrymouth in 1138, through a testamentary provision for his sons. Initially, the more significant settlement was Czersk, a small town near the capital. There, the ruins of a medieval castle belonging to the Mazovian dukes still stand. Warsaw, during the late 14th and 15th centuries, emerged as a center of both secular and spiritual authority, particularly after the relocation of the collegiate church from Czersk to Warsaw in 1406.

The dynamic expansion of the city is clearly demonstrated by the events of 1408. To accommodate those who couldn’t find space within the crowded and defensively fortified Old Warsaw, a New Warsaw was founded to the north. This area, now recognized as New Town, operated independently in terms of administration and legal matters for almost three centuries. It boasted its own town hall, market, and church.

Following the childless demise of the last Mazovian dukes in 1526, the Duchy of Mazovia legally transitioned into the ownership of King Sigismund I the Old and was integrated into the Polish Crown.

In 14th-century documents, the name of the city, Warsaw, emerges. These documents suggest that a knight named Warsz, hailing from the Rawa family, was granted land by a duke. It was on this land that the village was established. Additionally, a captivating legend recounts the tale of a rescued mermaid named Sawa, who was saved by a fisherman named Wars. Their destinies intertwined, and they eventually formed a joyful family, their names forever linked.

Under the reign of the Polish kings

In 1569, the General Sejm in Lublin made the decision that permanent Sejm sessions would be held in Warsaw. Subsequently, it was established that Warsaw would serve as the permanent venue for royal elections. The first free election took place in 1573, shortly after the passing of King Sigismund Augustus, on the suburban fields of the village of Kamion. Following that, subsequent elections occurred in the village of Wola, which now constitutes a district within the city. However, the turning point came in 1596, when King Sigismund III Vasa (the figure depicted on the column) selected the 🔗 Royal Castle as his residence. This relocation effectively shifted the capital, and thus, 1596 is recognized as the year when the capital was officially transferred to Warsaw.

In the mid-17th century, the city’s growth was abruptly halted due to the Swedish Deluge. During this tumultuous period, the city endured significant destruction and was occupied three times.

During the reign of the Saxon kings, Warsaw experienced significant years marked by urban and architectural development. This period saw the creation of the Saxon Axis, a pivotal undertaking for the city. The axis extended from Krakowskie Przedmieście, following the path of the now-vanished Saxon Palace, all the way to the Saxon Garden.

As you stroll along Krakowskie Przedmieście, not far from the Bristol Hotel, you’ll notice commemorative sidewalk plaques that signify the axis’s beginning. An eastern gate opens onto this historic route. On the western side, there once stood a massive and ornate gate, leading to the square that was later renamed Żelazna Brama Square in its honor. Regrettably, this gate was lost during World War II, but its memory lives on through the preserved square name. An integral feature of the Saxon Axis is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, situated beneath the former arcades of the destroyed Saxon Palace. Since November 2, 1925, it has held a solemn place in this location. Additionally, during the Saxon era, the Kalwaryjska Road was established, connecting from 🔗 Trzech Krzyży Square, while extensive street paving and canal improvements transformed the city. The glow of Warsaw’s first street lamps illuminated this period of growth.

When exploring Warsaw today, one cannot help but encounter meticulously reconstructed buildings and structures that transport us back to the time of the last Polish king, Stanisław August Poniatowski. This multifaceted monarch, an art enthusiast deeply concerned for his homeland’s fate, ruled during a profoundly challenging period. As his reign ended, Poland faced decline, vanishing from Europe’s maps for 123 years. Yet, King Stanisław August left an indelible mark on Warsaw. His contributions include renovated chambers in the Royal Castle, now expanded to include the adjacent 🔗 Palace under the Tin Roof, and the opening of the first public theater in 1765. Additionally, the impressive Łazienki Królewskie palace and garden ensemble owes its existence to this era.

Warsaw, during the Stanisław August period, also played host to significant political events. It was here that the Four-Year Sejm convened, passing the first European and second worldwide Constitution on May 3, 1791.

Under the Partitions

In 1795, after the Third Partition of Poland, the country was divided among three occupiers: Prussia, Austria, and Russia. Warsaw found itself within the Kingdom of Prussia. However, soon after, the French Revolution swept across Europe, and in 1806, Napoleon occupied the city. He transformed it into the capital of the Duchy of Warsaw, which lasted for 7 years.

Following the Congress of Vienna in 1815, during the reorganization of Europe’s territorial order, Warsaw became the capital of the Kingdom of Poland. This kingdom was under Russian control, having absorbed the diminished remnants of the Duchy of Warsaw.

During the 19th century, Warsaw experienced widespread industrialization and the gradual development of capitalism. In 1816, Tsar Alexander I issued a decree establishing the University of Warsaw. Public utility buildings began to emerge, including the Palace of the Government Revenue and Treasury Commission, which now serves as the Mayor of Warsaw’s office and houses the Mazovian Voivodeship Office. In 1864, Europe’s most technologically advanced iron bridge at the time was unveiled. Designed by Stanisław Kierbedź, it stood on sturdy stone pillars. Although the bridge was destroyed during World War II, its surviving pillars contributed to the construction of the present-day Śląsko-Dąbrowski Bridge. In 1855, construction commenced on Warsaw’s first grand hotel, known as the Europejski (now Raffles Europejski Warsaw). Remarkably, it was the city’s inaugural building with a passenger elevator. Additionally, from that era, we admire the elegant mansions constructed by affluent citizens along Ujazdów Avenue, many of which now house foreign embassies. In 1862, the Warsaw-Petersburg Railway was inaugurated, along with a network of narrow-gauge railways connecting Plac Unii Lubelskiej to Piaseczno.

Unfortunately, the 19th century also witnessed two challenging uprisings that erupted in Warsaw. The first, known as the November Uprising, occurred in 1831. The second, called the January Uprising, took place in 1864. Both were aimed against the Russian Empire, which oppressed the Polish population, censored the press, restricted freedoms, and ignored the provisions of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Poland. The fall of the first uprising further undermined Polish identity, as it abolished the Sejm, disbanded the Polish army, and nullified the constitution. The University was closed, properties were confiscated, and many surviving insurgents were exiled to Siberia within Russia. The collapse of the January Uprising intensified widespread Russification and repression.

The 20^th century

The 20th century marked the onset of electrification in the city. In 1908, the first electric trams hit the streets. By 1910, an airport was operational at Pola Mokotowskie. The first skyscraper, known as the PAST Building, was constructed. It housed the Polish Telephone Joint Stock Company from 1922 onward. Regaining independence after World War I restored Warsaw’s role as the capital. In 1920, on the outskirts of the city, a decisive battle unfolded against the advancing Red Army, with the Polish Military standing firm. Known as the Battle of Warsaw or the Miracle on the Vistula, this effective defense halted the Bolsheviks. The subsequent armistice regulated Polish-Russian relations and delineated the eastern border between the two nations, albeit for only 19 years.

During the interwar period, Warsaw experienced economic prosperity. Water and sewage infrastructure were developed, and the first metro construction plan was devised. However, the project only came to fruition many years later, with the metro’s inaugural trains running in 1995. In 1934, passenger traffic was relocated to the “Okęcie” airport, a name charmingly derived from its location on the corner of the Rakowski estate. Additionally, the 🔗 National Museum found its new home.

Afterward, World War II erupted, bringing true devastation to the city and its inhabitants. Within the city’s confines, a ghetto was established, where the Jewish residents were crammed. In April 1941, within an area of just 307 hectares, a staggering 450,000 people endured tragic conditions, rampant diseases, and hunger. The harrowing tales of this period are recounted by two Warsaw museums in particular: the POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews and the Warsaw Uprising Museum. The latter also features an original film shot by a pilot flying over post-war Warsaw. The imagery of immense destruction was staggering—Warsaw had been reduced to a heap of rubble, a scorched and bomb-ravaged city that seemed almost obliterated.

Yet, it survived. Despite formidable challenges, including the influence of Soviet-controlled People’s Poland until 1989, Warsaw was rebuilt. Using meticulously preserved documents and the vivid paintings of Canaletto, along with the memories and family heirlooms of countless Varsovians, the city was painstakingly reconstructed. That’s why today, we can once again wander along the Royal Route, traverse the Saxon Axis, find solace in Łazienki Park while listening to Chopin, and seek traces of Nobel laureate Marie Skłodowska-Curie.

✔ Planner

How to get to Warsaw

🛫 By plane

In and around Warsaw, you’ll find two airports. The larger one, Chopin Airport,(also known as Okęcie) is conveniently situated near the city center. The other airport, Modlin Airport, lies to the north of the city. The travel time from Chopin Airport to the city center varies based on the time of day—approximately 20 minutes by car or 30 minutes by bus. Bus line 175 🚌provides a direct connection between Chopin Airport and Warsaw Central Station.

For an alternative option, consider the Fast Urban Railway (SKM). The red train departs directly from the airport, and regular city tickets apply. Additionally, there’s a direct airport train service between the two airports, easily recognizable by its green color. Both trains have multiple stations where passengers can disembark.

🚆By train

For an alternative option, consider the Fast Urban Railway (SKM). The red train departs directly from the airport, and regular city tickets apply. Additionally, there’s a direct airport train service between the two airports, easily recognizable by its green color. Both trains have multiple stations where passengers can disembark.

If you prefer traveling by train, Warsaw offers several major train stations. The most popular is Warsaw Central Station, located at the base of the Palace of Culture and Science. Another convenient choice is Warsaw Gdańska Station, directly accessible via Metro Line M1.🚇 

🚗 By car

Navigating to the city by car is straightforward—the A2 highway 🛣 leads directly to Warsaw. However, keep in mind that parking spaces in the city center are limited, and there’s a paid parking 🅿zone. Unfortunately, like in many European cities, traffic jams 🚦a part of daily life.

A good alternative is to leave your car on the outskirts of the city in the “Park and Ride” car park. Parking will be free if you switch to public transport by buying a ticket for at least 1 day.From there, you can seamlessly switch to public transportation using a ticket valid for at least 1 day.

🚌 Public Transportation (ZTM)

You can conveniently purchase 🌐 ZTM (Warsaw Public Transport) tickets 🎫on most buses and trams using dedicated contactless ticket machines. In trams, these machines are typically located in the first carriage 🚋 or at the beginning of the train. They’re also available at various stops and all metro stations.

Warsaw has two ticket zones, but for most destinations, Zone 1 covers the entire journey. A user-friendly option is to buy tickets through smartphone apps 📳 like Skycash or Mobilet. The public transportation network map is accessible 🌐 here.

Red-Labeled Buses: Buses with red numbers are express lines—they skip certain stops. The same ticket is valid for both regular and express buses. Some stops 🚏 are “on demand,” meaning you can signal the bus to stop by waving your hand. 🖐️You can board and exit the bus through any door.

All tickets are time-based, ⏳allowing you to switch between different modes of transport during the validity period. If you’re planning an extended stay in the city, consider opting for monthly or quarterly passes.

Free Public Transport for Certain Groups: Children up to the age of 7 (until September 30th of the year they turn 7) and seniors over 70 years old can enjoy free public transport.

🚲  In Warsaw, you can also explore the city using the 🌐 Veturilo public bike system.