Geographical position of Poland in the map of Europe.

Poland lies between the rivers Bug and Oder on one hand, and the Carpathian and Sudeten mountains and the Baltic Sea on the other. It is in the very centre of Europe, at an equal distance from the Urals and from the Straits of Gibraltar.

Situated between altitude 49 and 54 50' North and between longitude 14 06' and 24 08' East, it covers an area of 313.895 square kilometers(121.195 square miles - 8th largest in Europe) and its population passed the 38 million mark (the 6th largest in Europe). Its higest peak is Mt.Rysy in the Tatra Mts. - 2.499 metres (8.199 ft) and the lowest point is the Vistula delta near Elblag, at 1.8 metres (5.9 ft) below the sea level.

Owing to its position and to the fact that it is a junction for major air, rail and road traffic routes, Poland occupies an important place in the economic and political life of Europe; more than once, Europe's destiny has been influenced by Poland.

POLAND'S LARGEST CITIES (POPULATION IN THOUSANDS):

Warszawa 1.800
Lodz 905
Krakow 705
Wroclaw 640
Poznan 590
Gdansk 475
Szczecin 410
Bydgoszcz 385
Katowice 370
Lublin 345


Climate

Poland has a generally cool northen European climate, with temperatures averaging 68 deg F. (20 deg C.) in the summer, and 26 deg F. (-3.3 deg C.) in the winter. Winter begins early, towards the end of October or the beginning of November, and lasts until March. From March to May weather varies - in some years warm, and in the others cool.

Population

Population: 38.4 million,
Population ratio: 121 per 1 square km,
Official language: Polish

Below is a list of the principal cities:

Capital: WARSAW - 1.8 million inhabitans,
Others: Lodz, Cracow, Wroclaw, Poznan, Gdansk, Katowice, Szczecin, Bydgoszcz, Lublin, Gdynia. Administrative division: 49 voivodships (provinces)


Religion

There are 46 religious denominations in Poland, the largest of which is the Roman Catholic Church; about 95% of the population is Roman Catholic. If it is at all possible, we recommend you visit Poland during a religious holiday. You will be certain to see some very moving ceremonies.


History

European wars have raged in Poland for hundreds of years, resulting in the partitioning of the Polish State and the destruction of its cities several times over.

The beginnings of the Polish State date back to the 10th century, when prince Mieszko I, founder of the Royal Piast Dynasty, took under his rule most of the ethnically Polish territories and accepted christianity. Poland gained in strenght in the 11th century under Boleslaw Chrobry, the first Polish king. Frequent battles with the Teutonic Knights, the German military and religious orders, marked the next several hundred years. In 1226 the Knights occupied most of Poland and it was not until 1410, a date that is still remembered today, that the Poles finally defeated them in the Battle of Grunwald.

In the 15th century, under the rule of the Jagiellonian Dynasty, Poland became one of the strongest states in Europe. Trough the years that followed until the late 17th century and continuing throughout the 18th century, life became more difficult for the Poles. Starting in 1772, Prussia, Austria and Russia began to conquer and divide up parts of Poland, and by 1795 nothing was left. The Polish state had simply ceased to exist. The Polish people tried to regain independance through a number of armed risings. The biggest of these took place in 1830 and in 1863. Poland did not appear again on European maps for 123 years, until it was reestablished in the Treaty of Versailles at the end of World War I on 11th of November 1918.

On Septembet the 1st, 1939 Poland was attacked by Nazi Germany. Some 2 1/2 weeks later the Soviets attacked eastern Poland, in accordance with the secret NaziSoviet pact. Over the next six years, six millions Poles were killed, three million of whom were Jews. Almost every Pole you meet lost a relative in World War II. In 1945, the boundaries of Poland were moved west in accordance with the Big Power agreements, and 3 1/2 million people were forced to move out of the eastern Polish territories that were incorporated into the Soviet Union. In 1944 a socialist government was established in Poland.

Poland's postwar years have been marked by great reconstruction. Today, many of the cities that were completly destroyed in World War II exist again. The past 40 years have also been marked by economic problems and worker unrest, most notably in 1956, 1970 and 1980-1981. The details of the 1980- 1981 unrest are the best known: after months of domestic strikes and protest, the government concluded the Gdansk Agreement in August 1980 with the representatives of the trade union Solidarity. This agreement allowed free and independent trade unions the right to strike, and respect for freedom of publication, among other things, for the first time in the Eastern Block.

CASTLES & PALACES IN POLAND

One of the most fascinating and exceptional faces of Poland's tourist attractions are its plenty castles and palaces scattered over the whole country. Some of them are now romantic and picturesque ruins, cautiously preserved and remaining on its defensive hills or limestone rocks (e.g. the famous group of castles called Eagles' Nests, roughly between Czestochowa and Krakow). Some has been thoroughly restored and turned into museums or local culture and historical centres. Some are still haunted by its legendary ghosts and, according to old rumours, might still hide mysterious passages and treasures. Others survived miraculously intact. All in all, a considerable number of them, both original and carefully restored, has been partly turned into unique and comfortable hotels. The rooms are furnished and decorated in the style of the monument and give their guests a great feeling of old historical times. Currently, in Poland there are nearly a hundred very well preserved (or restored) castles, palaces and manor houses running hotel, dining and even conference services, most of which meet European standards and provide safe and unforgettable accommodation. Here follows a brief presentation of the most magnificent of them, all of which are available on www.onetravel.pl There you will also learn more about their history and facilities, including room views.

Political system

In keeping with the Constitution, there is a legislative parliament (Sejm and Senate). Executive authority is exercised by the President and the Council of Ministers and the judiciary authority is exercised by autonomous courts. The Constitution Tribunal sees to the conformity of the legislation with the Constitution. The Sejm (Lower House) is composed of 460 deputies and the Senate (Upper House) of 100 senators, elected simultaneously for four-year terms by direct, universal and secret vote.


There are also many historical sites in Poland. Many castles and palaces have been changed into tourist objects. In our offer we have 37 hotels situated in beautiful castles and palaces all over Poland.