Capitol of Poland

Warszawa (Warsaw) is the largest city and capitol of Poland. I spent a fair amount of time there, since it was the headquarters of the Polish-American Extension Project. The Forum Hotel was always our based of operations. 

Forum Hotel, c. 1974

City view (from the palace)

The Palace of Science and Culture is a notable high rise building in Central Warsaw.  It is the second tallest building in Warsaw and Poland. It is highly controversial, having been built at the peak of Stalinism. It is often viewed as a symbol of  Soviet domination over Poland. It does offer a good view of the city, and is probably viewed with less hostility nowadays (by younger generations). 

Palace of Science and Culture, c. 1955 

Old Town Square

The Polish Royal Castle dates back to the 14th century. After the second world war, all that was left of the castle was a pile of rubble and fragments of two walls. The castle was rebuilt and now serves as a museum.

Royal Castle

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is dedicated to unknown soldiers who have given their lives for Poland. It is lit by an eternal flame. Changing of the guard takes place every full hour, 365 days of the year.

Tomb of Unknown Soldier

Ministry of Agriculture

The monument to the Warsaw Uprising was unveiled in 1989. The Warsaw Uprising, which broke out on August 1, 1944 and lasted until October 2, 1944, was one of the most important and devastating events in the history of Warsaw and Poland. Political factors made official memorialization of the Warsaw Uprising impossible for decades.

Smaller section of the monument

Main section of the monument

The monument commemorating the Ghetto Uprising of 1943 was formally unveiled in 1948. It is located in an area that was formerly part of the Warsaw Ghetto. The Warsaw Ghetto Uprising was the largest single revolt by Jews against the Nazis during World War II. At least 56,065 Jews were killed or captured during the uprising.

Monument to the Ghetto Heroes