Background
During the Warsaw Uprising in August 1944, more than 85% of Warsaw's historic centre was destroyed by Nazi troops. UNESCO says a five-year reconstruction campaign by its citizens resulted in today's meticulous restoration of the Old Town, with its churches, palaces and market place, an outstanding example of a near-total reconstruction spanning the 13th to the 20th century.
The town grew up in the 13th century around the castle of the Dukes of Mazovia, later the Royal Castle, and had brick walls before 1339; the Market Square was laid out around 1300. Wikipedia notes the Archive of the Reconstruction Office joined UNESCO's Memory of the World register in 2011. Wikivoyage says the Old Town is small compared with other capitals, as Warsaw was then a minor town, and that what you see is a 20th-century reinterpretation, with the New Town just outside the walls hardly newer.
- 13th c.The town grows around the Dukes of Mazovia's castle
- c. 1300Town privileges and the Market Square
- 1944More than 85% of the historic centre is destroyed after the Uprising
- 1945–1950Citizens rebuild the Old Town in five years
- 1980Inscribed as World Heritage
- 2011The Reconstruction Office archive joins Memory of the World
Find Your Way Around
The main parts of the site, in the order most visitors see them
- 1Old Town Market SquareThe square and the mermaid statue; the GoGo guide starts here.
- 2Royal CastleOpen Tuesday to Sunday, says Wikivoyage.
- 3St John's CathedralRebuilt in sober Masovian Gothic, as it is thought to have first looked.
- 4The BarbicanThe gate between Old and New Town.
- 5New Town Market SquareThe first quarter outside the walls.
- 6Gnojna GóraThe viewpoint over the Vistula.
Know Before You Go
From Wikivoyage and the GoGo guides
Rebuilt Warsaw
From the GoGo Warsaw guide · Open the Warsaw Guide ›
- 09:30Old Town Market Square1 hrThe square and the mermaid.
- 10:45Royal Castle90 minThe castle on Castle Square.
- 14:00Warsaw Uprising Museum2.5 hrsThe 63-day revolt of 1944.
- 19:30Pierogi and Vodka Tasting90 minPolish dinner.
Best Time to Visit
Best months: May–Sep. Freezing days in Dec–Feb.
Typical highs
Climate: NASA POWER
Pair It With
Other World Heritage sites nearby, by distance
