About Poland

Poland, one of the largest countries in Europe, with broad Access to the Baltic Sea, is situated in the Middle of the European continent on the crossroads between West and East. For centuries, Poland has maintained strong links to Western European culture, links established by its first ruler, Mieszko I, who accepted Christianity in 966 and connected the country to Latin civilization.
Both Poland's capital and its largest cities are attractive vacation destinations for those interested in history and the cultural heritage of other nations, with convenient connections by air, rail and road.

Despite the destruction wrought by World War II, Poland boasts many world-class historic structures. The UNESCO World Heritage List includes the historical centre of Krakow; the Wieliczka Salt Mine, in uninterrupted operation for several centuries; Warsaw's Old Town, painstakingly reconstructed after World War II; the Old Town in Zamosc; Torun, one of the first towns founded by the Teutonic Knights and birthplace of the great astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus; the Teutonic Knights' Castle in Malbork; Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, a religious sanctuary; Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp; and Europe's oldest primeval forest, Bialowieska Forest, Protestant Churches of Peace in Jawor and Swidnica; Gothic wooden churches in southern Malopolska; and the Muzanowski Landscape Park in Leknica.
A journey across Poland is an opportunity not only to visit historical points of interest, but also to taste local cuisine, as many Polish dishes may be genuine novelties even for connoisseurs. It's also an opportunity to take advantage of Poland's strong ties to the European tradition of contemporary culture and art: painting, poster art, music and applied art such as artistic glassware, tapestries and ceramics. It's hard to resist the charm of silver jewellery with amber.

The official invitation to Poland by Polish Tourist Organization:
Poland is a garden of nature and a treasure trove of cultural riches. A democracy located in the middle of Europe, inhabited by a friendly, hospitable people building a modern economy, yet cherishing their heritage dearly. Every year, Poland is visited by millions of tourists and when they leave the country they take back with them wonderful memories, and a desire to return as soon as they can.
In Poland everyone can find something of interest. Modern leisure facilities provide recreation of the highest standard. Museums, modern art galleries and concert halls, swimming pools, equestrian clubs, discos and night clubs. Everything is here, ready to satisfy even the most demanding guest.
Poland's natural environment makes active rest and recreation possible at any time of the year. In many regions of Poland there are natural sites pre-served in their primeval state rarely encountered in other parts of Europe.
Poland's climate ensures favourable conditions for leisure activities throughout the year. Along the Baltic Sea Amber Coast and across the Masuria, the Land of a Thousand Lakes, there are ancient forests, rivers, hills, criss-crossed by paths, bridleways and trails to be enjoyed by walkers, cyclists, horse riders and water sports enthusiasts.
We guarantee nobody will leave Poland disappointed. Those hungry for adventure will get plenty of thrills, those who are looking for peace and a bit of calm will be able to relax in Poland's nature reserves. And if you are looking for entertainment there are many places which will provide you will the fun and excitement you are searching for. Visitors feel truly welcome in Poland when they experience our traditional Polish hospitality. Polish people like to entertain guests at home. These friendly encounters and jovial discussions will be among some of the lasting memories of your stay in Poland. And it's closer than you think. Welcome to Poland!

A bit of history
For the last thousand years, Poland was the country where cultures from the east and west of Europe made their initial contact. Poles had to defend their independency many times and they had to befriend many different nations. It is therefore easy to understand how Poland's national character was forged, one that drives the Poles to staunchly defend their freedom at the same time showing great tolerance for others.
If we consider certain nations, we can see that Poles have played important roles in the history of those nations in the past. In the 18th century Tadeusz Kosciuszko and Kazimierz Pulaski joined the struggle for the independence of the United States of America. Most recently Ernest Malinowski built a railway line in the Peruvian Andes and Bronislaw Pilsudski is highly respected in Japan for his ethnographic work. It is not widely known that Joseph Conrad, celebrated in the world of literature, was born and educated in Poland before he set off on his adventures at sea. During the Second World War Polish mathematicians helped break Enigma code, giving the Allies access to the military plans of the Third Reich. The Allied forces were also aided by Polish airmen who played a crucial part in the Battle of Britain.
As a member of the European Union and the NATO Alliance, Poland plays an active part in the development of European integration. A stable democracy with a robust economy and monetary system - this is Poland in the third millennium.

According to an old tradition, a guest is welcomed on arrival with bread and salt. Bread signifies trust and salt endurance. In the past, salt was as valuable as gold, and in great demand, like friendship.

A country of religious tolerance. Poland has never been a place of religious wars. Even though the majority of Poles are Roman Catholics, they have always shared their country peacefully with followers of other religions.
Protestants have lived in Poland for hundreds of years and contributed greatly to the nation's culture. Prominent testimony to this peaceful coexistence is the memorial to Martin Luther in Bielsko-Biala or the cemetery at Wschowa, with tombstones of Lutherans and Calvinists. Today, there are many Evangelical centres in southern and western Poland.
In the 13th century Jews came to live in Poland. Until the Second World War they constituted the largest Jewish community in Europe. From such families as Rubenstein, Natanson, Kronenberg and Epstein came many eminent Jewish personalities in the fields of art, science and economy. The wealth of the Jewish culture and tradition in Poland can be seen from Tykocin and Warsaw to Lezajsk and Lublin, from Krakow and Lesko to Bobowa.
One of the major religious communities in Poland are followers of the Eastern Othodox faith, who have been present in south-eastern Poland for centuries. Tatars have lived in Poland for the last 600 years, preserving their cultural autonomy and Muslim faith, enjoying all the rights and privileges of Polish citizens.

Poles - citizens of the world
He stopped the sun - four hundred years ago, Nicolaus Copernicus proved mathematically that Earth moves around the Sun and not vice-versa. This breakthrough, known as the Copernican Revolution, was the beginning of a new era in astronomy and science.

A pilgrim of love - Father Karol Wojtyla was an experienced trekker and a nature lover who walked even the most difficult of trails. After being elected Pope, he became a pilgrim of love and hope. He was respected and listened to throughout the entire world. Communing with millions was a characteristic feature of the pontificate of Pope John Paul II.

Without violence - Solidarity leader, Lech Walesa, awarded the Noble Peace Prize in 1983, started Central Europe on its road to freedom. In 1989 Poland regained its independence in a non-violent way. Scenes of political opponents sitting together at the Round Table showed the world how to solve a conflict at home and across borders in a peaceful way.

Music for everyone - the Polish composer Frederick Chopin, born at Zelazowa Wola near Warsaw is one of the world's greatest musicians. The sheer beauty of his work casts a spell over people across all the continents. How this is possible is a mystery that can be only explained by Chopin's musical genius.