WARSAW The capital of Poland - lies in the centre of the country on the Mazovian Lowland. Located on both banks of the Vistula River, it occupies a surface area of 173 square miles (500km2) and has a population of over 1.700,000. An important role in the life of the city is served by such cultural establishments as the National Philharmonic, the Grand Theatre (opera), drama theatres, libraries, art galleries, and museum, including the Museum of de Archdiocese of Warsaw. Warsaw also hosts cultural event of international renown such as the Frederic Chopin International Piano Competition, the “Warsaw Autumn” International Festival of Contemporary Music and “Jazz Jamboree”. Legends speak of Warsaw’s past. One of them tells of a mermaid - half woman, half fish – swimming in the waves of the blue Vistula. In from of Mazovian fishermen and foretelling of the founding of an indestructible city. Another account speaks of the founders of the city, Wars and Sawa, lovers whose names were combined to give Warsaw its name. The first bombs of the Luftwaffe fell on Warsaw at dawn on September 1st, 1939. Those killed on that day began a long list of around 700,000 Waarsawites who lost their lives during the Nazi occupation which lasted for over four years.... Warsaw, hosts 2 ½ million guests each year. Many tourists from abroad consider a trip to Poland to be a fascinating adventure; many are drawn, more and more often, on business or because of cultural links. There are around a thousand historical monuments in the capital and Lazienki, Wilanow, and the Old Town are of the highest world class. A trip around the city is a must at the beginning of any tour. A walk down the Traktat Królewski (Royal Route), leading from the Old Town in the direction of Wilanów , the residence of King Jan III Sobieski. Thus the beginning is at the Old Town. Tourist come here to gaze at the beautiful Gothic churches the defensive wall, and the fairy tale facades of the Renaissance and Baroque tenement houses. Artist exhibit their works – gladly purchased by foreign tourists- throughout the various corners of the Old Town. Of the counless restaurants and coffees of the Old Town“ Kamienne Schodki”, “Krokodyl (The Crocodile), the old “ U Fukiera” Wine cellar which has been in existence since 1590, and the attractive shops offering handicrafts and souvenirs, are of particular interest. The Royal Castle is a symbol of Polish Statehood, it is an early Baroque structure with Gothic fragments and a Rococo facade from the riverside. Welcome to Warsaw, and be our guests!