Discover Warsaw
Ring in 2012 at the MDM!
For the fourth consecutive year, the MDM Hotel is right in the thick of some excellent New Year’s Eve celebrations. The hotel is smack in the middle of the historic Plac Konstytucji/ Constitution Square (read more about the Square), and we take full advantage of this central location: one of the city’s biggest outdoor New Year’s Eve parties takes place in the Square, so expect to see many Polish celebrities out having fun, and be prepared to enjoy hearing Polish singers and musicians perform. Maryla Rodowicz, Kora and Boys will make an appearance!
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Constitution Square (plac Konstytucji), where the MDM Hotel is located, is the ideal departure point for sightseeing and shopping in Warsaw. Just a 10-minute walk from the center and all its charms, the Square is also very close to Warsaw's Old Town, green areas, gardens, palaces, churches and monuments. Walking is possible, or jump on the tram – there is a tram stop just 50 paces from the hotel door.
Constitution Square (Plac Konstytucji)
The Square’s name was to honour the Stalinist Communist Constitution, which was adopted in 1952. The square was drawn at the axis of ul. Marszalkowska, close to the MDM Hotel. After WWII, many of the Square’s original houses were destroyed and then rebuilt to resemble their pre-war appearance. The Square is one of the world's largest examples of socialist realism architecture (this was officially ‘approved’ type of art and design under Communism, and it aimed to create a new social order by influencing the space people occupied on a daily basis). As such, seven major traffic routes coincide here, and the space was (and still is) often used for public gatherings and concerts. The most distinguishing elements of the Square are the dramatically monumental lamp-posts.
The Łazienki Królewskie Palace/ Gardens, ul. Agrykoli 1
One of the most beautiful palace/garden complexes in all of Europe, it was founded in the 17th century. The last Polish king, Stanislaw August Poniatowski, a devoted patron of the arts, created the garden and its parks, and it was he who called it ‘Łazienki Królewskie’ (which literally translates to 'the Royal Baths'). This surprising name comes from the opulent royal baths, which were built there almost a century earlier – these types of baths were a rarity at the time and a real symbol of luxury.
In Łazienki, there are many historic buildings and sights; some are described below.
Frederic Chopin Monument
The monument stands near the main entrance to Łazienki Park, when entering from Aleje Ujazdowskie, and it is one of the most recognisable and most often photographed places in Warsaw.
The Palace on the Water
A real pearl of Polish architecture and one of the symbols of Warsaw, is the most important building in the garden. The Palace, though badly damaged during WWII, survived and was rebuilt to its former glorious state.
Myślewicki Palace
The palace took its name from Myślewice village, which was once located not far from the palace. The palace is from the early classicist style of design, making it one of Warsaw's few surviving examples of this architectural era. The round outline of the 'wings' is pre-war, and the particular shape of the roof was inspired by traditional patterns in Chinese art.
White House
Set on the Royal Promenade, it was built in 1774. Although devastated, it was not completely destroyed during WW II and some of the furniture on view today – such as the King's bed – is authentic.
Amphitheater
The audience area is modeled on the theater in the Herculaneum, and is surrounded by statues of famous dramatic writers. By far its most unique feature is the physical separation of the audience from the stage using water.
Pole Mokotowskie
This is a huge park complex, right near the center of Warsaw. Before WWII, this 200 hectares served numerous functions, including acting as Mokotowkie Airport (today, a giant obelisk stands in memory of the airport. Today, the park provides the center of Warsaw with a free flow of air, all the way to the heart of the downtown area.
The University of Warsaw Botanical Gardens, Aleje Ujazdowskie 4
This is one of oldest botanical gardens in Poland; it is thought to be about 200 years old. It was in 1987 that the Polish government ordered the botanical gardens to be returned to their pre-war state – they had been unfortunately completely devastated. It was determined that the gardens were to be a center of the study, research and preservation of Polish wildlife, plants, shrubs and horticulture. The gardens may be viewed and toured from the spring to fall.
Three Crosses Square (Plac Trzech Krzyży)
The city’s main urban routes coincided here as early as the 17th century; then, the Square was called 'The Crossroads of the Golden Crosses'. This was because of the gold crucifixes set on the towering columns (which are still there today). Since this is ‘Three’ Crosses Square, most visitors look in vain for a column with a third cross… but it is to be found in the hand of the St. John of Nepomuk statue. Today, this area is bursting with relaxed cafés and elegant restaurants, as well as boutiques, exclusive shops and international fashion houses and labels.
The Church of St. Alexander, ul. Książęca 21
A classicist church, built in 1818-1825 as a tribute to Tsar Alexander I. After its destruction during the Warsaw Uprising, it was rebuilt in a more simplified form.
Statue of St. John Nepomucen
Statues of St. John Nepomucen, (called “nepomuks”), were often raised at busy road intersections and on towering bridges. The one in the Square was erected in 1752, to celebrate the completion of the city's streets being fully paved.
Ujazdowski Park
Founded at the end of the 19th century, the park is home to Ignacy Jan Paderewski's monument (he was the co-architect of the post-WWI Polish state), and Ujazdowski Castle, today a gallery, centre of modern art and cultural institute.
