The capital of Poland, Warsaw is also the country's largest city. Warsaw is located in central Poland on the Vistula River. The city has survived destruction and invasion throughout its history. The city's motto is Contemnit procellas, which means, “It defies the storms.” Places of interestMany of the interesting sites in Warsaw are located in the Old Town, which was rebuilt after much of the area was destroyed in World War II (1939–45). In Old Town is Castle Square, where a statue of Sigismund III stands atop a column. Sigismund made Warsaw the capital of Poland in 1611. The column was built in 1644 and is one of the oldest monuments in Warsaw. Near Castle Square is the Royal Castle. The castle is now a museum, and many of its rooms can be toured. Old Town Square features cafés and art stalls. The square is crowded and lively during the warm summer months. Saint John's Cathedral is the oldest church in Warsaw. It was built at the beginning of the 15th century and holds the tomb of the last dukes that ruled from Warsaw. Much of it was rebuilt after the war. CultureWarsaw is home to many museums, theaters, and musical events. The Historical Museum of Warsaw traces the history of the city including its destruction and reconstruction. Another important museum is the National Museum, which displays art from ancient to modern times. The Museum of European Painting is another place to see works of art. The Grand Theater houses an opera and two smaller theaters. In terms of music, the National Philharmonic Orchestra draws large crowds. Warsaw hosts the International Frederic Chopin Piano Competition as well as the International Festival of Contemporary Music. Warsaw is the educational and cultural center of Poland. There are several institutions of higher learning, including the University of Warsaw and the Technical University of Warsaw. The Palace of Culture and Science has been an important part of Warsaw since 1955. The building houses scientific and cultural institutions as well as theaters and sports facilities. EconomyWarsaw is one of Poland's major industrial centers. Some of the major products produced here are automobiles, electronic equipment, stainless steel products, tractors, and processed food items. Trade and services are also an important part of Warsaw's economy. In addition, the city is developing as a financial and banking center. Warsaw's history and culture also make the city an important tourist center. HistoryEarly historyThere is evidence that Warsaw may have existed as far back as the 10th century. However, its recorded history begins in the 13th century when the Duke of Mazovia built a castle where the Royal Castle now stands. The town grew up around the castle. In 1526, when the last of the Mazovian dukes died, Warsaw became a part of the Polish kingdom. In 1596 the Polish king decided to move the capital from Kraków to Warsaw, making Warsaw the most important city in Poland. Invasions and growthWarsaw was invaded by the Swedes in 1655, and the city was devastated. However, Warsaw recovered from this invasion and continued to grow. In fact, although the 18th century was a period of decline for most of Poland, it was a time of great prosperity for the city. Culture thrived, and many palaces and churches were built during this time. At the end of the 18th century, Poland was divided into parts, and Warsaw became a town in Prussia. The French emperor Napoleon entered the city in 1806 and made it the capital of the Duchy of Warsaw. Warsaw was later invaded by the Russians during the Polish-Russian War of 1830–31. Despite its many setbacks, Warsaw continued to grow. At the beginning of the 20th century, Warsaw had about 700,000 residents. After World War I (1914–18), Warsaw again became the capital of an independent Poland. World War IIWarsaw entered its darkest period in 1939, when German troops invaded Poland and World War II began. During their occupation of the city, the Nazis committed horrific acts against Jews, Poles, and other residents of Warsaw. Many people were killed in the city or sent to concentration camps and killed. Jews were confined to the Jewish part of town called a ghetto, and many people there starved to death. Despite these conditions, the residents of Warsaw fought back against the Nazis. In 1943 during the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, Jews fought against the Nazi forces for almost a month, despite the fact that the Nazis outnumbered them. When the Nazis regained control of the ghetto, they destroyed it and sent the remaining Jews to concentration camps. A larger uprising occurred in 1944. The Warsaw Uprising was led by Polish freedom fighters who wanted to free the capital and set up a government before troops from the Soviet Union arrived. They fought against the Nazis for more than two months. In the end, however, the Nazis kept control of Warsaw and destroyed the entire city as punishment for the uprising. When the Soviet Army arrived in Warsaw in 1945, the city was in ruins. Postwar prosperityWarsaw remained Poland's capital after the war. The residents of Warsaw decided to rebuild the city. For five years, people worked together to restore the Old Town. In 1980 the restoration work of the Warsaw citizens was honored by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) when it designated Warsaw's Old Town a World Heritage site. By the end of the 20th century the city had expanded beyond its prewar size in both area and population. Population (2000 estimate), 1,615,370. |