Before experiencing this Polish getaway, take an interest in history and culture of Poland as well as the natural beauties it offers you. Whether you are a fan of grandiose landscapes or you prefer to relax by the sea and taste the country's gastronomy, Poland knows how to seduce you. This territory, steeped in a complex past, can boast of a extraordinary historical and cultural heritage which leads you to a consequent reflection and awareness. Here is some unpretentious information to prepare your trip as well as possible!
Polish culture: between flavor and fervor!
Poland has lived a incredible cultural mix over time and its foreign influences gave birth to a unusual cosmopolitan territory. The culture of Poland is marked by a multitude of customs transmitted by large and powerful peoples. This incessant crossbreeding makes all the richness and the singularity of this definitely unique country!
The spoken language
The majority of the population speaks Polish, this language of Slavic origin coming from the West. It also exists in Poland some ethnic minorities who still converse in German, Ukrainian, Belarusian, Kashubian or even Yiddish. The most used foreign languages remain German, Russian and English. It is also important to master some vocabulary words before venturing into the hinterland!
Polish gastronomy
Poland suffered fromcountless influences whether Jewish, German or Russian, which had an impact even in its culinary traditions! Hearty Polish food is reminiscent of substantial meals infrequent that allowed workers to do their hard work. The flagship ingredients of the country's cuisine remain pork and potatoes, which accompany a plethora of dishes in sauce. Do not miss the bigos, a sort of sauerkraut stocked with delicious meat, and barszcz, a strange beetroot soup. Remember that the vodka is the emblematic drink of the country and that it is an integral part of the culture of Poland. Taste it, but in moderation!
Hunter's stew
The importance of religion
The Polish identity was built on the basis of an intense relationship with Catholicism. Moreover, more than 80% of the population still practices this religion. Minority Orthodox practitioners keep their beliefs, mainly in the east of the country. The Lutheran Church now wants to be marginal. A certain residual Judaism, consequent on the painful history of Poland, still persists, but tends to disappear.
The geography of Poland: land of the plains, but not only!
Poland is a vast plain stretching from the Baltic Sea to the majestic Carpathian Mountains. Enclosed between great powers, Poland has repeatedly seen its borders reshaped. Thanks to its large area, Poland offers a multitude of varied landscapes. More than 10 lakes are counted there as well as 000 natural deserts, all forming part of a number of impressive national parks.
Climate
The weather in Poland is relatively unstable and oscillates between softness, humidity and dry weather with large temperature variations, sometimes on the same day. Overall, winter is dry and cold and snow has pride of place. The hot and stormy summer extends generously over several months. The off-season is pleasant with appreciable sunshine.
A preserved flora and fauna
The varieties of animal and plant species present on Polish territory are of exceptional diversity. The forest wealth which cover more than a quarter of the country is simply incredible. Astonishing fauna can be observed there: bison, moose, “konik” horses, beavers, brown bears, wolves… share the spotlight! Raptors and birds of all kinds are also the delight of amateur and professional ornithologists. The incredible preservation of ecosystems Polish make it an extraordinary playground. Its wooded territory, made up of fir, beech and birch trees, is home to many species of vascular plants, moss and lichens, among others.
Czocha Castle in the heart of the Polish forest
The history of Poland: power games in search of independence!
Un power and domination game endless is the focal point of Polish history. Between successive invasions, dismantling of its borders and frantic search for its independence, this resilient nation has survived the centuries by forging a strong identity.
The Middle Age
The Slavs seized Poland around the XNUMXth century to found the the Piast dynasties who will reign until 1370. The Christianization of Poland begins in 966 with the marriage between a Polish prince and a Czech princess. This phenomenon is gaining momentum over the years to leave a nation totally devoted to Christianity.
During this time, Silesia and Pomerania were annexed to Polish territory following a defeat of the Germanic army. A Mongol invasion devastated the south of the country in 1241. A welcome union then emerges to successfully counter the threatening Teutonic Knights: thealliance between Poland and Lithuania.
Modern primitive eras
A powerful new union was founded in 1525 between Prussia and Poland. Of new alliances emerge during this period, between Poland, Lithuania and Ukraine to constitute the most important power of Europe in 1569. The apogee of the Polish power will take place with the defeat of a Russian tsar vis-a-vis the people Polish. The son of the King of Poland is then proclaimed sovereign of the defeated state. Bitter wars against the Swedes and battles against the Turks, pushed back to Vienna, followed in the 1721th century. In XNUMX, Poland becomes dependent on the Russian Empire which affirms its predominance and in 1772, it sees its territory divided between Russia, Prussia and Austria.
Alliances and wars
Modern times
In 1794, the Polish state, after yet another division of its territory, disappeared from the political landscape. A few years later, the Poles supported the Napoleonic campaign by hoping regain their independence. 1815 sees the defeat of Napoleon and the formation of the Holy Alliance between Russia, Prussia and Austria. Following the Congress of Vienna, the kingdom of Poland was reestablished under the complete yoke of the Russian tsars. An armed revolt began against the Russian invader in 1830 to end a year later. In 1893, the first polish political power is set up under the name of the National League.
The XX and XXIst century
The First World War took place mainly on the Eastern Fronts. In 1918, the independence of Poland was proclaimed, without mitigating the many ongoing conflicts with neighboring countries. In the 20s, Poland stopped the Bolshevik army and became a republic. At the beginning of September 1939, the Nazis attacked the country and at the end of September, Russia invaded it. Poland once again loses its independence for the benefit of the powerful Russian nation.
In 1943, the heroic uprising of the Jews of the Warsaw ghetto took place before it was completely razed. The extermination camps and the genocide continue unabated. In 1944, the city of Warsaw was completely demolished following a fierce struggle by the insurgents against the Germans. In 1945, the Soviets returned to Poland and its borders were once again modified. Territories are annexed to Russia and part of the population finds refuge in towns abandoned by the Germans.
A monument of homage to Warsaw
The Warsaw Treaty seals the alliance between the states of the soviet bloc in 1955 and anti-Soviet riots began in 1956. In 1980, the Solidarność movement embodied the hope of a return to freedom. A year later, a state of war was declared with full control exercised by the army. In 1989, Lech Valesa's non-communist movement wins free elections and the Cold War is officially over two years later. Poland joined NATO in 1998 and became a member of the European Union in 2004.
Poland, its history, its culture and its contrasts!
The intense past of this eastern country is today all the richness of the culture of Poland. These warm people invite you to soak up a special atmosphere, to visit its essential sites and to immerse yourself in its exceptional nature! Browse all our articles on this still little-known destination!
