Warsaw Royal Castle

Warsaw Royal Castle, located at 4 Castle Square, is a Baroque-Classicist residence that played a key role in Polish history as the seat of the Dukes of Mazovia and later the rulers of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Built in the 14th century, it underwent numerous transformations—from a wooden-earth stronghold to a representative palace. Its architecture blends various styles, reflecting multiple reconstructions, the most significant of which were directed by architects such as Giovanni Battista Quadro and Santi Gucci. The castle was not only a political center but also a cultural one, hosting sessions of parliament, coronations, and other state ceremonies, including the adoption of the Constitution of May 3, 1791. In the 18th century, during the reign of Stanisław August Poniatowski, the castle reached the peak of its splendor as a hub of the Enlightenment, with rich collections of art and literature. Its history is marked by tragic events; it was repeatedly destroyed by foreign armies and during World War II, when it was completely demolished by the Germans. After the war, efforts to rebuild the castle took place from the 1970s until 1984, when it was reopened to the public as a museum. Interestingly, the Royal Castle, together with the Old Town, was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1980. Today, it serves as a museum and a representative venue, attracting around 500,000 visitors annually. The castle is considered a symbol of Polish history and culture, having witnessed pivotal events and housing numerous artistic treasures, including works by Rembrandt and the Golden Ring of the Order of the White Eagle.