The Old Town And The Royal Castle In Warsaw

A fascinating journey through Europe’s old towns, exploring why we treasure them—but also what they hide about a continent’s fraught history Historic quarters in cities and towns across the middle of Europe were devastated during the Second World War—some, like those of Warsaw and Frankfurt, had to be rebuilt almost completely. They are now centers of peace and civility that attract millions of tourists, but the stories they tell about places, peoples, and nations are selective. They are never the whole story. These old towns and their turbulent histories have been key sites in Europe’s ongoing theater of politics and war. Exploring seven old towns, from Frankfurt and Prague to Vilnius in Lithuania, the acclaimed writer Marek Kohn examines how they have been used since the Second World War to conceal political tensions and reinforce certain versions of history. Uncovering hidden stories behind these old and old-seeming façades, Kohn offers us a new understanding of the politics of European history-making—showing how our visits to old towns could promote belonging over exclusion, and empathy over indifference.

Poland is located in central Europe and shares its borders with Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Ukraine, Belarus, Lithuania, and Russia. It is the sixth-most populous member state of the European Union and a member of NATO. Poland has undergone significant political and social changes in the past few decades, transitioning from a communist government to a democratic one. Poland boasts a rich history and culture, with several UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the historic center of Kraków, Wieliczka Salt Mine, and the Auschwitz Concentration Camp. Additionally, Poland is known for its delicious cuisine, including pierogi, kielbasa, and bigos. The country also has a thriving arts scene, with many famous artists, writers, and filmmakers emerging from Poland. Visitors can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, including hiking in the Tatra Mountains, relaxing on the beaches along the Baltic Sea, and exploring several national parks.

Discover this fascinating country with the most incisive and entertaining guidebook on the market. Whether you plan to wander through Krakow's magnificent medieval Old Town, hike in the Tatra Mountains or relax on the Baltic coast, The Rough Guide to Poland will show you the ideal places to sleep, eat, drink, shop and visit along the way. - Independent, trusted reviews written with Rough Guides' trademark blend of humour, honesty and insight, to help you get the most out of your visit, with options to suit every budget. - Full-colour maps throughout - navigate the cobbled alleys of Lublin or Warsaw's New Town without needing to get online - Stunning images - a rich collection of inspiring colour photography. - Things not to miss - Rough Guides' rundown of Poland's best sights and experiences. - Itineraries - carefully planned routes to help you organize your trip. -Detailed regional coverage - whether off the beaten track or in more mainstream tourist destinations, this travel guide has in-depth practical advice for every step of the way. Areas covered include: Warsaw, Mazovia and Lodz, the Bay of Gdansk and the Wisla Delta, Torun, Mazuria and Podlasie, Lublin, Zamosc, the Polish Carpathians, Krakow and Malopolska, the Tatras and the Pieniny, Upper Silesia, Wroclaw and Lower Silesia, Wielkopolska, Pomerania. Attractions include: the Mazurian Lakes; wooden churches near Zakopane; Auschwitz-Birkenau; Malbork Castle; Kazimierz Dolny; Slowinski national park; Wieliczka Salt Mine; Bialowieza national park; Bieszczady national park; Rynek Glowny, Krakow, and much more. -Basics - essential pre-departure practical information including getting there, local transport, accommodation, food and drink, health, the media, festivals, sports and outdoor activities and more. - Background information - a Contexts chapter devoted to history, books, music and film, plus a handy language section and glossary. Make the Most of Your Time on Earth with The Rough Guide to Poland

Notions of authenticity lie at the heart of many questions about heritage and identity in the built environment. These questions are most pertinent when buildings have been destroyed in disaster or war, and the built fabric is being reconstructed to reinstate traditional or historic appearances in place of what was lost. Authentic Reconstruction examines this idea of reconstruction, using it as a prompt to examine a range of deeper issues on heritage and the built environment. From post-WWII reconstruction programmes through to the rebuilding of historic cultural landscapes lost in natural disasters, this collection of essays by heritage specialists provides a wide range of case-studies and discussions. Each presents responses to crises and lessons learned, in order to extrapolate general guidelines for future actions by politicians, architects and planners in reconstructing buildings. The book also looks beyond disaster and war, noting how authenticity bears on political intentions and image building, exploring how reconstruction is used to tell a political or historical story, so conditioning the ways in which the built environment is perceived and appreciated by its users. This is not just about the buildings as bricks and mortar, but about perceptions of identity and the social and historical values which buildings and spaces embody for a richly diverse population. This book will be valuable to all who are concerned with heritage as practitioners or consumers, particularly those concerned with reconstruction and the creation of authentic places and experiences: architects, architectural historians, town planners, preservationists, conservationists, and those involved in heritage management and material culture.

The Rough Guide to Europe on a Budget is the definitive guide to making the most of this great region without breaking the bank. Backpackers, career-breakers, gap-year travellers and those who simply want more bang for their buck will find in-depth information catering to their needs, with in-depth, area-by-area comprehensive listings covering the whole Europe. The Rough Guide toEurope on a budget covers: Albania, Austria, Belgium & Luxembourg, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Montenegro, Morocco, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and Ukraine. Inside this travel guide you'll find: INFORMATION FOR EVERY TYPE OF TRAVELLER Practical information for budget-conscious explorations of Europe, from off-the-beaten-track adventures in Berlin to city breaks in big-hitting tourist areas, like Paris. PRACTICAL TRAVEL TIPS Packed with essential pre-departure information including all relevant country entry requirements, how to get around, health guidance, food and drink, festivals, culture and etiquette, tips for travellers with disabilities and more. TIME-SAVING ITINERARIES Carefully planned routes around different regions, which help inspire and inform your on-the-road experiences. Whether you have a week, 10 days or more, our suggested itineraries will help you make the most of your trip in Europe within your time frame. DETAILED REGIONAL COVERAGE Combined with in-depth descriptions of all the key sights and painstakingly researched recommendations for the best hostels, hotels, campsites, cafés, restaurants, bars and clubs in Poland, Portugal, Spain, Finland and many more - The Rough Guide to Europe on a Budget reveals the continent in all its glory, without breaking the bank. DETAILED REGIONAL COVERAGE Clear structure within each sightseeing chapter includes regional highlights, brief history, detailed sights and places ordered geographically, recommended restaurants, hotels, bars, clubs and major shops or entertainment options. INSIGHTS INTO GETTING AROUND LIKE A LOCAL Tips on how to beat the crowds, save time and money and find the best local spots for wild swimming, hiking or exploring beaches, cafés and bars. HONEST AND INDEPENDENT REVIEWS Written by our expert authors with Rough Guides' trademark blend of humour, honesty and expertise, this budget guide to Europe will help you make the most of your trip to Europe. FABULOUS FULL COLOUR PHOTOGRAPHY Features inspirational colour photography, including the stunning Parthenon in Greece and the spectacular Duomo in Florence. METICULOUS MAPPING Practical full-colour maps, with clearly numbered, colour-coded keys. Find your way around Budapest, Rome and many more locations in Europe without needing to go online. HIGHLIGHTS OF THINGS NOT TO MISS Rough Guides' rundown of London, Berlin, Paris, Florence's best sights and top experiences will help you make the most of your trip to Europe even if time is short. BACKGROUND INFORMATION Each country chapter provides a fascinating overview of the place's history, plus there is a handy language section for each tongue spoken.