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The Tatras
Poland's prime highland playground is a paradise for hikers of all
abilities, with relaxing rambles in subalpine meadows for the easy-going,
or hair-raising mountain-ridge walks for the more experienced.
The Black Madonna of Czestochowa
The world-famous Black Madonna should not be missed, although what you
do actually get to see of the painting is limited as the figures of the
Madonna and Child are always "dressed" in sets of richly decorated
clothes. More impressive, perhaps, is the sense of wonder, excitement
and devotion the icon inspires in the pilgrims who come here.
Wawel, Kraków
One of the most striking royal residences in Europe and a potent source
of national and spiritual pride, Wawel is to Poles what Westminster
Abbey, the Tower of London, Windsor Castle and Canterbury Cathedral are
to the British - only all rolled into one.
Folk Festivals
July and August are the busiest months in Poland's considerable calendar
of traditional festivals. The International Festival of Highland
Folklore in Zakopane is the main event to aim for, although there are
numerous other regional events worth considering.
Warsaw's Stare Miasto
Lively pavement cafés, fine restaurants and exuberant street life in a
historic town centre that was faithfully reconstructed after its almost
total destruction by the Nazis. As strong a symbol as any of Poland's
struggle to rebuild in the aftermath of World War II.
Markets
In order to investigate the changes wrought by free-market economics in
Poland, savour the street-level commerce of the country's outdoor
markets - often frequented by small-time traders from Poland's eastern
neighboors - where you'll find everything from fresh fruit and veg, fake
designer tracksuits and car parts to traditional smoked cheeses.
The Bar Mleczny
A particularly Polish institution in which you can scoff both heartily
and cheaply on staples like bigos (sauerkrat stew), pierogi (dumplings
stuffed with meat) and placki (potato pancakes) in unpretentious,
canteen-style surroundings.
Rynek Glówny, Kraków
A spectacular medieval market square, packed with fine architecture, in
a country that's famous for them. Settle down in one of the numerous
pavement cafés and soak up the atmosphere.
Vodka
The essential accompaniment to any social occasion. It has to be drunk
neat and downed in one go if you want to do things properly.
Oswiecim: Auschwitz-Birkenau
Poland was once home to one of the most vibrant Jewish communities in
Europe, a presence that was all but snuffed out by the Nazis during
World War II. The most notorious concentration camp of them all,
Auschwitz-Birkenau, offers the profoundest of insights into the nature
of human evil, and demands to be visited - few who come here will be
unchanged by the experience.
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