Poland's Most Underrated Cities: Hidden Gems Beyond Warsaw and Krakow
Poland is not only Wroclaw, Warsaw, Gdansk, and Krakow, but many people just don't know that because Polish gems are well hidden and country tourist information don't work too well. In this article, we will discover some of the most underestimated cities in Poland.
I know that you probably think that there are more beautiful countries than Poland you can visit, but it's only because you just probably don't know this country too well. Let me try to add some magic by describing the most underestimated cities in Poland.
Bialystok
Bialystok town is the largest city in the northeast part of Poland, neat the Belarussian border. You can find here Catholic churches standing next to Orthodox churches. It was once a small town ruled by the Branicki family and this can be still visible, as the main and the most beautiful building here is their former residence Branicki palace with the surrounding gardens and park.
The other interesting part of the city is the old town called Rynek Kosciuszki with a town hall and the Church of St Roch (called Kosciol sw. Rocha). There are a lot of restaurants, parks, fountains, cafes and nightclubs here. Bialystok is a city you cannot get bored in and probably the most underestimated city in Poland.
Tykocin near Bialystok
Tykocin is probably one of the oldest settlements in whole northeast Poland and it was an important place in its history. It's a small town with about 2000 people, but it's only 30 kilometers from Bialystok, so it's a good idea to visit Tykocin while seeing the Podlasie Voivodeship capital.
While being here you must see the castle from 15th century, baroque Church of the Holy Trinity and the most important place, Baroque Synagogue called Bejt ha-Kneset ha-Godol, which was built in 1642 and it's one of the best-preserved synagogues in Poland. In Tykocin you can also find the oldest Jewish cemetery and the Baroque monastery built in the 18th century.
Plock
The city is beautifully situated on the high Vistula cliffs with a great panorama and landscapes. This town has a huge history and Plock was even a capital of Poland in XII century.
While visiting the city you cannot miss the park placed on the edge of Vistula river, which will provide you beautiful views. You should also visit the neoclassical town hall and the neogothic cathedral of the Mariavite Church of Poland. Don't forget about the remains of the old city walls and the Baroque church.
Lublin
Lublin is called "the little Krakow", but in my opinion, it's more than this. It's the oldest and the largest town in whole eastern Poland.
There are many tourist attractions that are worth to visit, but I will name only a few. While visiting Lublin you must see the Lublin Castle, from where you can see the city panorama. The Old Town with its ancient gate and town hall are also great places worth to travel. There is also built in the Gothic Revival style Trinitarian Tower.
Lichen Stary
Well, this is not about the whole city, but the Basilique that was built in the small town of 1000 people called Lichen Stary.
The building makes a great impression and it's a good place for all kind of photographers or religious people. Also inner of that church is awesome, so make sure to get inside.
There are probably no other great tourist attractions in the Lichen Stary town, but this one is fantastic.
Grudziadz
Grudziadz city is situated near the Vistula river and it's about 700 years old. You can find here one of the largest brick castles in Europe or the famous granaries.
Conclusion
I could write about the most underestimated cities in Poland few more hours and there still won't be enough of what I would like to show you. That's why I will probably one day write a continuation of that article and show you more awesome Polish cities.
If you have any questions or just want to write me a message, feel free to leave me a message in the comment box below.
