STEVIE ON THE ROYAL ROUTE
Royal Route WARSAW
Royal Route is situated in the historic heart of Warsaw close to all main attractions. The route stretches from the Old Town Core (Castle Square) to the De Gaulle Circle. Thus you may have a nice walk and at the same time see lots of interesting buildings and churches. It is also possible to do some shopping as there are some fashionable stores along both Nowy Swiat and Krakowskie Przedmiescie street. The whole area is also famous for great restaurants and stylish cafes.
Starting from the Castle Square you should visit Royal Castle that is one of the Warsaw landmarks. In the middle of the square stands Sigmund III Vasa column. Another monument is a statue of Syrenka that is a symbol of the city. Western part of Old Town is surrounded by so-called Barbican which is a huge defence wall. First parts of Barbican were erected in the Middle Ages in the XIVth century. Then the wall was widen and heighten. It played an important role in the XVIIth century when Swedes invaded Poland and Warsaw. During the Second World War Germans damaged Barbican and it had to be rebuild in the fifties. At present it is a place popular among artists as well as tourists especially in the summer period.
On the southern edge of Royal Square by Krakowskie Przedmiescie street you will find St. Anne's church which is one of the oldest in Warsaw.
It was built in the XVth century next to Bernardine monastery. It is commonly thought that the designer of the Gothic church was Michael Enkinger who spent most of his life in Danzig, Vilnius and Königsberg. In the next centuries the church changed its shape few times. Its current façade was designed by Peter Aigner - a royal architect on the court of Stanislaw August Poniatowski. During the Second World War the church was partly destroyed, but then it was carefully restored. At present it is one of the main attractions in Warsaw. The church has its own website. Unfortunately it is only available in Polish http://www.swanna.waw.pl/
Krakowskie Przedmiescie used to be a part of a medieval trading route that led to Czersk. In that times there were mostly wooden buildings along the street. However in the XVIIth century affluent people started to build here their palaces and residences with splendid gardens. At present Krakowskie Przedmie¶cie is considered as one of the most prestigious streets in Warsaw. As a result you will find lots of interesting buildings and churches by this street. One of them is Namiestnikowski Palace that is a seat of the Polish president. Another hotspot is Czapski Palace that houses Arts Academy while Warsaw University is situated in front of it on the other side of the street. Moreover you may not miss Holy Cross church and Mickiewicz monument.
One of the greatest and most luxurious hotel Bristol is also located on Krakowskie Przedmiescie.
Going southwards you will quickly reach Nowy Swiat street. It is a good place for relax as you may eat tasty dinner in one of many great restaurants situated here. In the summer time it is very popular to sit in small gardens that are located by cafes and drink coffee, tea, wine or beer. Another attraction of Nowy Swiat are fashionable shops. However you have to remember that they are quite expensive.
Finally you should get to de Gaulle Circle. Charles de Gaulle is considered as a hero in Poland as he took part in the Battle of Warsaw in 1920. He was even rewarded with Virtuti Militari order which is the highest possible military honour in Poland. De Gaulle circle is quite amazing as there is a big artificial palm tree in the centre of it. Normally you won't be able to see such kind of objects in Poland.