Warsaw - The Krakowskie Przedmiescie Street, Poland
In the previous episode we visited Piłsudski Square. Now we go to the Old Town of Warsaw. The easiest and most impressive method to achieve it is just walking one of the most representative streets of Warsaw - Krakowskie Przedmieście (literally: "Cracow suburb"). A long time ago, this street was the beginning of the route connecting Warsaw with Krakow. Over the years, by the road was built a huge number of representative royal and baronial buildings. It was also a good place for triumphant returns to the city after victorious battles, and also for feudal tributes by Polish vassals, for example Prussia and Livonia.
Monument of Nicolaus Copernicus
Our journey starts from where the Krakowskie Przedmieście begins - the monument of Nicolaus Copernicus, Polish mathematician and astronomer, standing opposite the Palace of Science and Technology which is now the seat of the Polish Academy of Sciences (A; GPS: 52.238254, 21.017658). The monument was made in 1822 by Danish sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen. Next we see the Basilica of the Holy Cross, built in sixteenth century at the place of the chapel of the same name (B; GPS: 52.239034, 21.017336). In this building, in 1683 the King Jan III Sobieski entrusted himself to God and his country before the victorious siege on Vienna in order to defend Europe against the army of the Ottoman empire.
The Basilica of the Holy Cross is one of the most significant churches in Warsaw, not just for its historical connections but also for a poignant detail: it holds the heart of Poland's most famous composer, Frédéric Chopin, enshrined in a pillar. The church is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture and a spiritual heart of the city, frequently visited for its historical plaques and beautiful interior. Visitors can feel the deep connection to Polish history and culture within its walls.
Frédéric Chopin's house
Then we pass the Czapski Palace, where lived Fryderyk Chopin, the great Polish composer and one of the most famous pianists (C; GPS: 52.239484, 21.017054). We pass by the main gate of Warsaw University (D; GPS: 52.239767, 21.016990), the Tyszkiewicz Palace and the Church of the Visitation with a statue of Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski (E; GPS: 52.240938, 21.016151).
The Czapski Palace holds a special place in the history of music, as the Chopin family lived in a wing of the palace from 1827. It was here that the young composer had his own private room, a "corner of refuge" as he called it, where he would work and compose before leaving Warsaw in 1830. The magnificent campus of the University of Warsaw, with its elegant neoclassical buildings, is an integral part of the street's character, blending academic life with historical grandeur. The Tyszkiewicz Palace, known for its superb classical facade, is a fine example of the aristocratic residences that define this boulevard.
The Bristol Hotel and the Presidential Palace
On our way we pass the luxurious Bristol Hotel, built in the early twentieth century in Neo-Renaissance style and Art Nouveau decor (F; GPS: 52.241943, 21.015437). On the same side of the street we can see the Presidential Palace from the seventeenth century, the seat of the Polish President. Before the palace we see the statue of Prince Jozef Poniatowski - Polish General and Marshal of France (G; GPS: 52.242689, 21.014981). This monument is a copy of the original statue made by Bertel Thorvaldsen from 1832, which was destroyed in December 1944 by Germans.
The Bristol Hotel is a legendary landmark that has hosted a long list of famous guests, from royalty and heads of state to cultural icons like Queen Elizabeth II and Marlene Dietrich. The hotel's historic Cafe Bristol and Column Bar are must-see attractions for anyone interested in its storied past. The Presidential Palace, originally built as a magnate's residence, has been a central stage for Polish politics for centuries, witnessing significant events including the signing of the May 3rd Constitution. The statue of Poniatowski in front of it is a symbol of national heroism and resistance, standing as a tribute to a figure of great national pride.
Monument of Adam Mickiewicz
Heading towards the Old Town we pass the monument of Adam Mickiewicz, one of the greatest Polish poets and dramaturgists (H; GPS: 52.243563, 21.014397). There are also beautiful tenement houses, constructed in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. One of the interesting buildings located in the immediate vicinity of the Old Town is the church of Saint Anne from fifteenth century (I; GPS: 52.245918, 21.013631), as well as on the other side of the street, a colorful tenement house of Hurtig and Roesler (J; GPS: 52.246306, 21.013609), built in the late eighteenth century.
The Mickiewicz monument, unveiled on the 100th anniversary of the poet's birth, is a central meeting point and a symbol of Polish national identity. The Church of Saint Anne, originally a Gothic structure, was rebuilt in the Baroque and later received its famous Neoclassical facade, making it a beautiful blend of architectural styles that miraculously survived World War II largely intact. The Hurtig and Roesler tenement house is historically significant as one of Poland's first department stores, notable for its innovative use of display shop windows to showcase goods.
Gastronomy and Cafes on Krakowskie Przedmieście
Krakowskie Przedmieście is not just a historical route; it is also a vibrant hub of cafes, restaurants, and bars where you can relax and soak in the atmosphere. The street offers a wide range of culinary experiences, from traditional Polish cuisine to international dishes. We recommend visiting Cafe Bristol, a legendary cafe located within the Hotel Bristol, known for its historic Art Nouveau decor and delicious cakes. It has been a favorite meeting spot for Warsaw's intellectual and artistic elite for over a century.
For a taste of luxury, the Column Bar at the Bristol Hotel is a must-visit, offering exquisite cocktails in a breathtaking Art Nouveau setting. As you walk, you'll also find charming cafes perfect for a coffee break and numerous restaurants where you can enjoy a hearty Polish meal. These establishments add a lively, modern layer to the street's rich historical tapestry, inviting visitors to linger and enjoy the elegance of Warsaw.
We are entering the Castle Square (K; GPS: 52.247189, 21.013588) - more about it and about the Old Town in the next episode.
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