5 UNESCO sites you must see!

Malbork Castle, the largest Gothic castle in Europe; the imposing Centennial Hall in Wrocław, a masterpiece of modernist architecture; the unique Churches of Peace in Jawor and Świdnica, symbols of religious tolerance; the charming Old Town in Toruń, a pearl of Gothic urbanism; and the extraordinary Wieliczka Salt Mine, with its underground chapels and salt sculptures - today we invite you on a journey through these places on the Polish UNESCO list
5 UNESCO sites you must see!

Lista dziedzictwa światowego UNESCO to zestawienie najcenniejszych miejsc na świecie, które posiadają wyjątkową wartość kulturową lub przyrodniczą. Została stworzona przez Organizację Narodów Zjednoczonych do spraw Oświaty, Nauki i Kultury (UNESCO) w 1972 roku. Celem listy jest ochrona i zachowanie dla przyszłych pokoleń najważniejszych zabytków i obszarów przyrodniczych, które odgrywają istotną rolę w historii ludzkości lub charakteryzują się unikalnymi walorami przyrodniczymi. Miejsca wpisane na tę listę muszą spełniać określone kryteria, które świadczą o ich uniwersalnej wartości. Ochrona i promocja tych miejsc jest priorytetem, co pomaga w ich utrzymaniu i zapobiega ich zniszczeniu.

Polska może poszczycić się 16 miejscami wpisanymi na listę dziedzictwa światowego UNESCO, które przyciągają turystów z całego świata. Każdy z tych obiektów jest świadectwem bogatej historii i kultury Polski oraz stanowi ważny element dziedzictwa światowego. Dziś zapraszamy Was na wycieczkę po pięciu z nich.

Medieval Teutonic Castle in Malbork

Malbork Castle, located on the Nogat River, is the largest castle in the world in terms of area and one of the most important examples of medieval defensive architecture. Built by the Teutonic Order in the 13th century, it served as the seat of the Grand Master of the Order and was an administrative and military centre.

The castle consists of three parts: High Castle, Middle Castle and Low Castle, which are surrounded by massive defensive walls. The building impresses not only with its monumentality, but also with its rich interiors, where collections of medieval artworks, armour and unique amber exhibits can be admired.

source: freepik

Centennial Hall in Wrocław

The Centennial Hall in Wrocław, designed by Max Berg and completed in 1913, is one of the most important works of modernist architecture in the world. The building features a unique reinforced concrete dome with a diameter of 67 metres, which at the time of construction was the largest structure of its kind in the world.

With a capacity of around 10,000 people, the hall is a multifunctional facility used for cultural, sporting and exhibition events. Surrounded by the picturesque Szczytnicki Park, the Centennial Hall is an important centre of Wrocław's social and cultural life, attracting tourists with its impressive architecture and rich history.

source: Jar.ciurus - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0 pl

Churches of Peace in Świdnica and Jawor

The Churches of Peace in Świdnica and Jawor are unique sacral monuments in Poland. They were built in the 17th century under peace agreements after the Thirty Years' War as symbols of religious tolerance. These wooden structures are the largest of their kind in Europe, built without the use of nails and with limited materials such as wood, clay and straw.

The Church of Peace in Świdnica can accommodate around 7,500 worshippers, while the one in Jawor can hold around 6,000. Both churches impress with their Baroque interior design, richly decorated altars, pulpits and painted ceilings, and are a unique testimony to the craftsmanship of the old craftsmen and the strength of spirit of the Evangelical community.

source: freepik

Medieval complex of the Old Town in Toruń

The Old Town of Toruń is one of the best-preserved medieval urban complexes in Europe. Founded in the 13th century by the Teutonic Order, Torun impresses with its authentic Gothic architecture, including the impressive Old Town Hall, St John's Cathedral and a number of historic houses and churches. The city is also the birthplace of Nicolaus Copernicus, whose house-museum can be visited.

Toruń is famous for its gingerbread production, with confectionery traditions dating back hundreds of years. Walking through the cobbled streets of the Old Town, you can feel the atmosphere of past centuries and admire the numerous architectural details that testify to the city's rich history and culture.

source: freepik

Wieliczka Salt Mine

The Wieliczka Salt Mine, one of the oldest in the world, has been in continuous operation since the 13th century. This remarkable mine offers underground tourist routes that lead through kilometres of corridors and chambers, at depths of up to 327 metres. Highlights include the impressive chapels, including the famous St Kinga Chapel, carved in salt and decorated with salt sculptures and chandeliers.

Wieliczka is also home to numerous underground lakes, museums and art galleries. A testament to centuries of mining and craftsmanship traditions, the mine attracts millions of visitors annually from all over the world, offering an unforgettable experience and a unique insight into the history and culture of the region.

source: freepik