I don’t know what comes to mind when you think about Polish landmarks, but this country will surprise you. From beautiful castles and palaces to impressive cathedrals to dark tourism historical spots, there are so many famous landmarks in Poland you have to add to your bucket list, and I am here to inspire you.
*This post may contain affiliate links from which I earn a commission (for more info, read my disclosure). As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may show pop-ups.
*I try to keep the information on this blog as updated as possible, but I still recommend consulting the latest prices, opening hours, and other details on the official website of each site, hotel, and tour, as well as checking the updated public transport routes and timetables.
Most Famous Landmarks in Poland: Palaces and Castles
Moszna Castle
By Laura from Laure Wanders
Moszna Castle is one of Poland’s most enchanting landmarks. Located in the southwest of the country, this castle stands out because of its mixed-style architecture, 99 turrets, and enormous park complex.
The castle was built in baroque-style architecture during the 17th century, and over the centuries, the Neo-Gothic eastern wing and Neo-Renaissance western wing were added.
It’s good to know that Moszna Castle can be visited independently, but you will have to take a guided tour if you want to access its towers.
The castle also has a reasonably-priced hotel, a cafe, and a restaurant with delicious food.
All in all, Moszna Castle makes for a perfect day trip destination from Wroclaw, Katowice, or Czestochowa! You can check out some guided day tours here.
Ogrodzieniec Castle
By Ania from Ciekawostki O
The Ogrodzieniec Castle is a famous site in Poland that has been renovated and reconstructed many times throughout its history.
Built in the 14th century on the order of Polish King Casimir III The Great, the castle was constructed in a Gothic architectural style and had four wings surrounding a central courtyard.
Over the next several centuries, it underwent significant changes and renovations to make it fit more modern needs. At one time, half of the building was destroyed when burned by Swedish soldiers during the 1655 – 1660 Swedish invasion of Poland.
Ogrodzieniec is a very popular destination among tourists as it’s located in the central part of the Kraków-Częstochowa Upland, popularly known as Jura.
This is a part of Poland known for its beautiful landscape and great climbing and bouldering places. Some of the boulders are located just next to the castle.
Czocha Castle
By Keith from Velvet Escape
Czocha Castle is one of the most beautiful and intriguing medieval castles in Lower Silesia. Commissioned by Wenceslaus I of Bohemia in the 13th century, the castle is built on a rocky outcrop in a bend of the Kwisa River.
The castle changed hands numerous times during the course of its history, making it a fascinating study, before being converted into a museum/hotel in 1996.
A tour of the castle, during which its many intriguing secrets are revealed, is a must. There are impressive halls, hidden passages, and even bookcases that open to reveal tunnels and staircases!
For nature lovers, a walk around the lush parklands and forests surrounding the castle and nearby Lake Leśnia is a soothing experience.
Malbork Castle
By Trijit from Dog Travel Buff
Located near the coastal city of Gdansk, Malbork Castle is not only a famous landmark in Poland but also the largest castle in the world.
This official historical monument of Poland is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was used by the Teutonic Knights in Northern Poland.
It’s just a 45-minute drive from Gdansk to Malbork, and it’s even easier to take the direct EIC trains. There are many guided day trips available from different nearby cities such as Gdynia and Gdansk to explore the charming castle.
Malbork Castle is a Gothic structure and has a unique style of the Teutonic Order. It is divided into three parts. The first one is the entrance area which includes the bridge and the main gate.
In the middle part, you’ll find St. Bartholomew’s chapel, the Grand Palace, and an ancient heating system (this one is amazing). The high section features a beautiful courtyard, a chapter house, and a beautiful church.
The entrance fee is different in the summer (39.50 PLN) and winter (29.50 PLN) seasons, but it is free to visit every Monday, although that’s when the exhibition section is closed.
Łańcut Castle
By Kami from My Wanderlust
Lancut Castle, located in the southeastern part of Poland, is one of the most beautiful castles you will find in Poland.
The first building that was standing in its place was the fortified tower in the second half of the 16th century. Shortly after, it was developed into a horseshoe-shaped castle.
In the 17th century, when the place was owned by the Lubomirski family, the castle was rebuilt into a palace-manor with fortifications around it (they were changed into a garden later).
Unlike many places in Poland, Lancut Castle survived WWII and remained intact since it served as the Nazi headquarters.
Today you can visit it and enjoy its beauty, including some of the magnificent interiors from the 17th century (many of the items and decor are original from that time).
Besides the castle, you can also visit the largest carriage collection in Poland (the entry is included in your castle ticket) and wander around beautiful gardens. Since Lancut Castle is a popular tourist attraction, it’s worth booking your ticket in advance.
Wawel, Krakow
By Ania from The Travelling Twins
Wawel is a hill in the Kraków Old Town. On top of it stands the Royal Castle and the Wawel Cathedral – the coronation and burial place of famous Poles and Polish Kings.
The Royal Castle on top of the hill served as a residence for Polish monarchs since at least 1038 when Casimir I moved his court there from Gniezno.
It was rebuilt many times since then and has been beautifully restored to its former glory for the third time in history after 1945.
Today you’ll find in the castle a few museums boasting rich collections of historical artifacts.
If you love European myths and legends, underneath Wawel Hill, you can find the only Polish Dragon – Smok Wawelski.
Krzyztopór Castle
By Jakub from Tymrazem
The Krzyżtopór Castle is located in the eastern part of the Świętokrzyskie region.
It is one of the most impressive buildings of this type in Poland, and after visiting the site, you will know why. In Krzyżtopor, several routes are available to visitors, and it is also possible to visit at night.
The castle was built in the 17th century and was supposed to overshadow other noble residences, and it owes its creation to the Ossoliński family. The name of the castle is a combination of two words – Krzyż (cross) and Topór (ax).
Why is Krzyżtopór worth visiting? Imagine a building that was one of the largest in Europe before Versailles – a building with as many windows as the days of the year and a luxurious spot where the horses in the palace’s stables ate from marble mangers.
In its glory days it must have been very impressive, and today, as a ruin, it is also a place worth exploring!
Wilanow Palace, Warsaw
Built for King Jan III Sobieski in the 17th century, the Wilanow Palace is one of the best places to visit in Warsaw and one of the only landmarks in the city that survived both world wars.
Throughout the years, it was owned by other Polish monarchs and noble families who enlarged it and changed its interiors and gardens according to their needs.
Today, the palace houses one of the oldest museums in Poland (opened in 1805) that boasts an important collection of European art.
It’s also impossible not to love the palace’s pastel-yellow exteriors, regal rooms, and picture-perfect gardens. To learn more about it, book a guided tour.
Extra tip: During the holiday season, the palace and its gardens are decorated and illuminated and become a magical winter wonderland.
Royal Castle, Warsaw
If you loved the yellow Wilanow Palace, you’d also like the reddish-pink baroque-style Royal Castle, a landmark that makes Warsaw worth visiting.
It was the official royal residence of the Polish monarchs, and although the current building was reconstructed after WWII, the castle’s history dates back to the 16th century.
Apart from admiring its colorful exteriors, you must take a tour inside the castle to see its beautiful rooms like the Marble Room, the Throne Room, and the Senators’ Chamber.
For something extra special, book a ticket to enjoy a Chopin concert inside the castle.
Note that you can visit it for free on Wednesdays, and if you want to learn even more about it, you can also book a guided tour. Here are other things to do in Warsaw for free.
Niedzica Castle
With an imposing location atop a hill overlooking the artificial Lake Czorsztyn, the 14th-century Niedzica Castle (also known as Dunajec Castle) is a landmark situated near Poland’s border with Slovakia (though it was Poland’s border with Hungary in previous centuries).
Over the years, it served as a watchtower, a customs chamber, and a residence of noble Hungarian families until it was abandoned in WWII and reconstructed after it.
On your visit, you can see the castle’s interiors, the granary (which houses a permanent art exhibition), and a carriage museum with vehicles from the beginning of the 20th century.
It may come as a surprise, but a famous local legend says that the owner of the castle in the 18th century, Sebastian Berzeviczy, fell in love and married an Inca princess while he was in South America, and their descendants have hidden Inca treasures inside the Niedzica Castle.
It also says that the ghost of their daughter, Umina, is still wandering around the castle.
Lublin Castle
By Ellis from Backpack Adventures
The Lublin Castle is one of the oldest and best-preserved castles in Poland. It was built by King Casimir the Great in the 14th century and used by the royal families whenever they visited Lublin.
Lublin’s strategic position between Vilnius and Krakow made it a thriving multicultural city that attracted rich merchants and traders from the area.
The Polish city became so wealthy that, in the seventeenth century, it was invaded by several countries, including the Swedes and the Russians.
The royals left the castle which was then used as a prison. It was only after the Second World War that the castle was renovated to preserve its heritage. It is now home to the Lublin Museum and is well worth a visit.
Ksaiz Castle
By Bec from Wyld Family Travel
Ksaiz Castle has a history like many castles. It was built to house a family, protect them and show the world the importance of that family. It was then conquered, destroyed, rebuilt, and restored to its original glory. And Ksaiz Castle is all glory now.
Sitting high on the banks of the Pelcznica River, it shines in the sunlight with its bright exterior, rising from the forest that surrounds it. But don’t let the beauty of this castle fool you – its history is as dark as they come.
After it was taken over by the Nazi Army as they invaded Poland, it was destined to be a home for Adolf Hitler, and it became a nightmare for Prisoners of War that were sent there to work on the castle.
As WWII came to an end, the Red Army seized the castle, and at that time, it was damaged, and many of the treasures it had were looted. Since then, there has been an effort to restore the castle and return its belongings.
Ksaiz Castle came into the spotlight again in recent years with people trying to find the Nazi Gold Train that was suspected to be hidden somewhere under or around the castle. This has helped with getting the name of the castle out there to the worldwide public.
People from all over the world can now visit and admire this gorgeous castle.
While a gold train is yet to be discovered on the site, many of the treasures that were taken at the end of WWII are beginning to be returned to their rightful home and displayed with pride in the glorious rooms of Ksaiz Castle for all to admire.
Imperial Castle, Poznan
Commissioned by Kaiser Wilhelm II, the last German Emperor and the King of Prussia, Poznan’s Imperial Castle was built at the beginning of the 20th century.
Throughout the years, it has served both Germany and Poland (mainly for political uses), but what makes it so worth seeing is its fairytale-like Neo-Romanesque architecture and beautiful gardens.
Today, it is a cultural center that houses art galleries, a theatre, a cinema, cafes, bars, and more. Read more on touring the castle (including visiting some of its historic rooms).
These fairytale castles are also a reason to consider Poland as a European girls’ trip destination!
Famous Landmarks of Poland: Churches and Cathedrals
Church of Peace, Swidnica
By Kami from My Wanderlust
Church of Peace in Swidnica is one of the most spectacular UNESCO sights you can find in Poland.
It is the biggest one of the three churches that were built in Poland after the Peace of Westphalia, ending the Thirty Years’ War in 1648 (today only two of them are still standing, the one in Swidnica and one in Jawor).
The Church of Peace is the biggest wooden church in Europe, and the legend says no nails were used to complete the building. It doesn’t look so from the outside, but the church is really large and can fit up to 7500 people.
Once you step inside, your jaw will drop at all the beauty around – all the details and decorations are also made of wood and are simply incredible.
When you are done visiting the church, be sure to wander around the surrounding park with old German graves. See the guided tours you can take from Wroclaw to the church.
Wang Church
By Mal from Raw Mal Roams
The iconic Wang Church situated in Karpacz, Lower Silesia, is the most recognizable landmark of the Polish mountains Karkonosze and an absolute must-see!
The church dates back to the 12th century, and it’s been bought by the Prussian King Fryderyk Wilhelm IV and brought to Karpacz from Norway.
What’s fascinating about this Scandinavian-style structure is that it’s been made of wood, and not even one metal nail has been used to construct it!
Inside the church, you can see many interesting wooden sculptures of tigers, dragons, Vikings, and Christ.
The best time to visit is summer, and you can combine it with hiking at Sniezka Mountain. The entrance ticket to the church costs $2.
St. Mary’s Church, Gdansk
By Zoe from Together In Transit
One famous landmark not to miss while visiting Gdańsk is the St. Mary’s Church in the city center.
Officially known as the Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the church was constructed in 1502. It has a lot of history worth learning, and many restorations took place before and after World War II.
The brick Gothic architecture Catholic church can fit up to 25,000 people at one time. Plus, it’s easy to spot it easily on the skyline of Gdańsk with its beautiful bell tower standing tall.
Even if you are not religious, it’s well worth visiting to see the beautiful architecture, the decorated stained-glass windows, the main organ, and the altar inside.
Poznan Cathedral
Dating back to the 10th century, this is the oldest cathedral in Poland and one of the top places to see in Poznan.
It stands on what is now called Ostrów Tumski or Cathedral Island, a part of the city that is surrounded by two branches of the Warta River.
The cathedral showcases a mix of Gothic, Romanesque, Baroque, and other architectural styles and houses a few notable points of interest/elements.
Those include a crypt of the first Polish kings and a holy relic of the Sword of Saint Peter, one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus.
Parish Church of St. Stanislaus (Fara), Poznan
It doesn’t get more beautiful than the pink Church of St. Stanislaus (also called Fara) and its exquisite Polish Baroque architecture. Seriously, this place alone makes it worth visiting Poznan.
Built in the 17th century, it is one of the largest churches in the country and a major sight in Poland that has survived both world wars.
Its iconic front facade, which you can photograph on Świętosławska Street, is a feast for the eyes and a must-see spot in Poznan.
Being designed by both Polish and Italian architects, it’s easy to spot Roman-influenced details like the Corinthian columns in the interior. But the church is packed with many more amazing elements like its colorful frescoes and 2,600-pipe organ.
Basilica of Our Lady of Lichen
By Karolina from Polish Foodies
The Basilica of Our Lady of Licheń is the largest church in Poland and the 6th largest in the world. Due to its size and the fact that it’s expensively decorated, it’s very controversial.
It was built in 2004, a year when Poland entered the European Union.
Many Poles believe that spending millions of euros on a church is a waste of money. Instead of completing a huge building full of gold, the Catholics should donate this money to the poorest.
After visiting the church in Lichen, I think they are right. The Basilica is so big that it’s overwhelming.
What’s interesting is that right next to it, there’s a forest where the Virgin Mary originally appeared to a Polish soldier in the 19th century. That’s a place where you can truly focus on praying and connecting with God.
Lichen is a village, so there’s not much to do there except for visiting the famous church. Go there to see the basilica and then try some Polish food in one of the local restaurants.
St. Mary’s Basilica, Krakow
By Noel from Visit California and Beyond
One of the most recognizable Polish monuments to see and witness is St. Mary’s Basilica, which sits prominently in the main square of Krakow. A gorgeous brick Gothic church built in the 14th century, this is one of the most impressive brick buildings in all of Poland.
Inside the church are beautiful little chapels, and the famous main altar built of wood is very impressive.
Don’t forget to also look up at the ceiling with the gorgeous blue sky and golden stars that light up the interiors in a magical display that accents the main altarpiece of the basilica.
A tour of the beautiful interiors of the church matches the beauty of what you also see on the exterior.
It’s fascinating seeing how beautiful the church is at different times of the day, from morning to sunset, and then at night when it is illuminated and can be seen throughout the main square.
Church of the Holy Name, Wroclaw
By Tom from Travel Past 50
The ceiling of the Church of the Holy Name of Jesus in Wroclaw is a cacophony of color, which is putting it mildly. One wonders what goes on in the mind of artists who pull off things like this. Is it ecstasy or pure technique?
One wonders how exactly do you do a rough draft of this and then paint it on a curved surface, so that not only the color, but the perspective, serves to pull you right off the ground into a heavenly vision.
Of course, that heavenly vision is just a little skewed because when you get to heaven, you get to the three letters IHS, which is a monogram of Jesus’s name in Greek.
But somehow, a nice piece of calligraphy here isn’t as cool as another representation of Jesus might have been. Would another figure of a man have been too much?
You might also like these roundups of the most famous landmarks in Spain, Portugal, and Austria!
Other Famous Polish Landmarks
Auschwitz
By Faith from XYUandBEYOND
Auschwitz-Birkenau is located in Southern Poland, around an hour’s drive from Krakow.
It opened in 1940 and was the largest of the Nazi concentration and death camps. The camps are situated three kilometers apart, and a free bus links the two sites.
Initially, Auschwitz served as a detention center for Polish citizens arrested after Germany took over Poland in 1939.
Tours through this horrific place are quiet and soul-disturbing. The guides are soft-spoken and drive home the nature of the place without falseness or drama. There is no need for drama at Auschwitz as the nightmare speaks for itself.
Tips for visitors: certain areas allow no photographs, do NOT take selfies, children under 14 are not allowed to visit, and remember this is a memorial, so be respectful. See all the guided tours you can take from different cities in Poland.
Old Town Hall, Wroclaw
By Veronika from Travel Geekery
In the heart of Wroclaw Old Town lies one of the prettiest town halls you’ve ever seen. It occupies a large chunk of the Market Square in Wroclaw, Poland – one of the most beautiful European squares.
The oldest part of the whole structure, which took 250 years to finish, dates back to the 13th century. You can tell by the distinct Gothic features. Notice the clock tower – it’s believed to be the oldest one in Poland.
Looking at the individual parts of the magnificent building, you also can’t miss a strange-looking pillar positioned in front – it’s called a Pillory, and criminals were chained to it (and punished).
An old pub dates back to that time too, the Piwnica Świdnicka, which used to be frequented even by Goethe, Chopin, and Picasso!
Centennial Hall, Wroclaw
By Tal from Bright Nomad
One of the most iconic historical landmarks in Wroclaw, the Centennial Hall (Hala Stulecia in Polish) opened in 1912 as an exhibition and performance hall. Today it is still in use as a conference center and hosts performances.
The hall and its famous dome were designed by architect Max Berg. It is considered one of the prime examples of modernist architecture in Wroclaw. You can enter the hall and get a different perspective of what the dome looks like from inside the building.
I highly recommend visiting the exhibition inside the hall. It looks back at the history of the building, the architectural style, other famous domes, the history of Wroclaw, and many more related topics.
The highlight of the exhibition for me was the virtual reality experience that takes you inside the hall and then lets you fly high above the hall and its green surroundings.
Old Town Hall, Poznan
Housing the Museum of the History of Poznań, the old town hall of Poznan is a stunning Renaissance-style building located in the heart of the city’s Market Square.
Originally built in the late 13th century (shortly after the medieval city of Poznan was founded), it was reconstructed in the 16th century by Giovanni Battista di Quadro, who gave it its Renaissance look.
But if there’s one feature that makes the old town hall even more unique, it’s the two mechanical goats that come out every day at noon, butting heads 12 times.
They were added as a homage to a quirky legend and have become a popular tourist attraction.
Wieliczka Salt Mine
By Mark from Poland Travel Expert
If you are looking to travel to Krakow Poland, a day trip to Wieliczka Salt Mine has to be at the top of your list.
As you enter the mine and you are greeted with what seems like a bottomless set of steps, your adventure begins well below the surface.
Once at the bottom, your guide will take you through the maze of underground chambers that all seem to hold something amazing.
Miners lived the majority of their lives down here, and they truly made some areas just like home.
They carved beautiful scenes from the salt they were mining, from statues of Pope John Paul to the absolutely mesmerizing Princess Kinga’s Chapel. There is just so much to be wow-ed by in the chapel, so take your time there.
Your guide will also show you the equipment that was used by the miners. Their work was hard and dangerous, with many accidents within the mine. During your time underground, you may decide to have a meal in the cafeteria down there.
A guided tour will take roughly 2-3 hours before you are whisked back to the surface via a lift and through the shop. If you are looking for a unique souvenir from Wieliczka Salt Mine, you can buy some salt to take home with you!
Cloth Hall, Krakow
By Faith from XYUandBEYOND
The Kraków Cloth Hall dates back to the Renaissance period around 1257 and is one of the city’s most recognizable icons.
It sits in the center of the main market square in Kraków Old Town, which since 1978 has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Kraków was Poland’s capital city when the Cloth Hall was built, and the hall was used for many commercial transactions.
It was once the center of international trade, and merchants imported spices, leather, wax, and silk from the east and exported lead, salt from the Wieliczka Salt Mine, and textiles.
The building you see in the square today dates back to the 1500s, and on the lower floor, you will find many Polish crafts and artisanal work, including some stunning amber jewelry.
On the upper floor of the hall is the Sukiennice Museum, which contains the largest exhibit of 19th-century Polish paintings and sculptures.
Westerplatte, Gdansk
By Linn Haglund of Brainy Backpackers
One of the most important man-made landmarks in Poland is Westerplatte in Gdansk. This was the ground zero of World War II, where the first shots took place.
The Poles take pride in the men who tirelessly defended the city against Hitler until they were defeated.
Today, one of the best things you can do in Gdansk is to take a tall ship through the Motlava River to Westerplatte, where you can learn more about the beginning of the war and its impact on Poland.
The memorial site has a museum open in high season, and there are still shelled bunkers and ruins that you can see. In the center of Westerplatte is a grand statue in memory of the brave Poles that lost their lives protecting their city.
Spodek Arena, Katowice
By Pati from Pati’s Journey Within
The Spodek Arena is an icon of Katowice and one of Poland’s most recognizable architectural structures. Although this extremely bold construction was built over 50 years ago, it still impresses with its shape.
This UFO-like Polish landmark is partly a reminder of the country’s Communist era, as the construction began in 1959, roughly at the same time when the Soviet Union gave Katowice the name of Stalingrod.
The dome has only officially opened in 1971 as the works had to stop for nearly 18 months due to the rumors of construction being unsafe.
As a part of proving the rumors wrong, around 4,000 soldiers were invited to march, jump, and stomp their feet inside the building, and the test was successful.
With a capacity of 11,500 people, this multipurpose arena complex hosts some of the most significant sporting events and concerts in Poland, from volleyball or ice hockey matches to music concerts, including artists like Metallica and Elton John.
Fun fact: A year after Spodek was launched into service, Fidel Castro gave a speech in it for 6 hours! Interestingly, he appeared in the Spodek Arena in a traditional Polish mining uniform.
Palace of Culture and Science, Warsaw
A relatively modern landmark (built in the 1950s), the Palace of Culture and Science is the second tallest building in Poland and one of the highest in Europe.
It was first known as “Stalin’s gift for the Poles,” which makes it controversial up until today.
The palace is a cultural space and exhibition center (with over 3,300 rooms) that houses a cinema, theatres, libraries, museums, and much more.
That said, one of its biggest highlights is actually the observation deck on the 30th floor, which will reward you with magnificent panoramic views over the city. To visit it, be sure to get your ticket in advance.
The Crane, Gdansk
By Paulina from Paulina on the Road
The Crane in Gdansk is a walking symbol of Poland’s trading history. It was built in 1444 and was used for transporting cargo and putting up masts on boats.
As a working crane, it had great significance in the city’s trading age. It also served as a defense function of the city. However, after the war, it was rebuilt. It is now the property of the Polish Maritime Museum.
If you take a walking tour in Gdansk, the end of Long Street will instantly draw your eyes toward the crane. It is a must-visit as you will be able to explore the oldest port crane in Europe and its historic relationship with the sea.
Tip – Don’t miss walking under it to explore its massive workings.
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- Hidden gems in Krakow
- Things to do in Krakow Old Town
- Things to do in Kazimierz, Krakow’s Jewish Quarter
- Day trip from Krakow to the painted village of Zalipie
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Hi Or hope your September holiday plans go well.
I read with interest your piece on Poland, it is one of several places we are deciding between to travel to next. Poland from your description sounds really good, if we went there we would probably travel there in a motorhome. However we have had conflicting reports on how safe it is there, so just wondering what your thoughts are on it.Thanks Russell
Hi Russell!
I don’t have any experience with motorhoming in Poland, but I personally felt safe in both big cities and the countryside. I know that the crime rate in Poland is low, and I think you should beware of things like pickpocketing and theft from your car, just like you would in other countries. Of course, that’s just my personal experience.