1. THE OLD TOWN
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VICTORIA TUCHOLKA |
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SANDOMIERZ - 5 REASONS WHY YOU HAVE TO VISIT THE ROYAL CITY 1. THE OLD TOWN Panorama of the Sandomierz Old Town from the top of the Opatowska Gate. On the horizon, Vistula River As opposed to the old towns in other cities, the Sandomierz Old Town is a much more cozy place. Sandomierz called by some people "small Rome" also lies on seven hills. The Old Town is situated on one of them. Though it is a major tourist attraction in the region and in Poland, even such a "wild" nature lover as I does feel well here. The Old Town does not only impress you with many great monuments, churches, tenement houses, cafeterias, but also with such extraordinary sights as a vineyard next to one of the historic churches on the bank of the picturesquely winding Vistula River right in the middle of the Old Town. The charming streets encourage to take a walk downtown not only during the day, but also by night when the streets go romantically peaceful and the facades become colorfully illuminated. It is therefore no surprise that so many renown people, artists and filmmakers fall in love with this city. Sandomierz became, for example, the main filming location of one of the most popular Polish TV series. 2. THE PEPPER MOUNTAINS NATURE RESERVE Panorama of Sandomierz from the Pepper Mountains Although this wild, and I do not exaggerate here, Natura 2000 site poses quite a challenge for an average hiker, the Pepper Mountains are one of mandatory places to visit without which your experience of Sandomierz will just not be complete. Paradoxically, the Pepper Mountains are poorly advertised. However, if you think that the local guide exaggerates by calling Sandomierz "Polish Tuscany", a trip to the Pepper Mountains will surely make you take your hat off. These seemingly low and difficult to locate, even from the highest viewpoint in the city, green mountains offer an unforgettable panorama of the city in a very picturesque surrounding of one of the wildest rosaries in Poland. From here Sandomierz could as well compete with Disneyland. Just like in a fairy tale! 3. VINEYARDS St. Jacob’s vineyard next to St. Jacob's Church. In the background the Sandomierz Royal Castle To my own surprise, I discovered that Zielona Góra (a city located in Western Poland close to the German border) is not the only place in Poland famous for its winemaking. Sandomierz also has many vineyards, which produce wines appreciated not only in the country, but first and foremost abroad. Winnica Płochockich, Winnica "Pod Jarem", Winnica Sandomierska are the names of the most renown regional producers whose wines you can spot on the shopping shelves. Surely there is no better way to start your adventure with Polish wines than just by buying a glass of wine in one of the restaurants on the Sandomierski marketplace. 4. LOESS GORGES Queen Jadwiga's Gorge As opposed to Pepper Mountains, loess gorges are almost part of the Old Town. They play the role of natural corridors in between different parts of the Old Town. The loess formations make a lasting impression with the unique sculpture of the slopes and the roots of the trees clinging to the sides. The gorges are, therefore, a perfect alternative for those who look for a moment of piece from the noisy marketplace. Usually these green avenues also lead to equally charming parks. 5. REGIONAL DELICACIES A befriended seller of obwarzanki next to the Opatowska Gate. The ones on the left are the best! Before you leave Sandomierz, apart from the previously mentioned wines, you also have to try one of the most refined local meads, so called półtorak [pouwtorac]. Sandomierz is also famous for its fruit orchards and one of the best fruit juices in Poland. Personally I do recommend you the apple juice produced by "Owoc Sanodmierski". One of the best apple juices I have ever tried. Sandomierski marketplace could not do without the cult obwarzanki (small ring-shaped buns) - if you want to get the best ones, go to the stand closest to Brama Opatowska (The Opatowska Gate). If you feel like enriching the taste of these classical rusks, you have to try one of the sandomierski lards. As for the dessert, there is no better idea than to buy a box of sandomierski fudges. The choice is staggering - do not hesitate to ask the local sellers for advice, they will for sure suggest the best product to you, just tell them you want the best one - najlepsze [nigh-lep-sha]. A bench with a view on the illuminated city hall If you liked this post, let me invite you to like my official fb profile: https://www.facebook.com/polandforbeginners/
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10 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT SUWALSZCZYZNA 1. DIVING Lake Hańcza is one of the most distinguished diving places in Poland. First-class water, richness of underwater fauna and flora and depth of the lake make it just ideal for diving. In addition, Błaskowizna, a small village by the lake, is home to one of the best equipped and open all year diving base in the region – C.N. Banana Divers. This year I decided to take Open Water Diver course there. Quite an experience! More about the reason I took up diving and what diving is to me soon on Poland for Beginners! 2. CRYSTAL CLEAR WATER There is probably nothing more enchanting than the opportunity to observe life under water or admire the slowly sloping rocky bottom of the lake. Although Hańcza is generally characterized by low trophy, it is famous for its first-class water. There are places where transparency of water reaches up to 6 meters. Hańcza is a glacial lake – the deepest lake in Poland and in the middle of the European Plain. At its deepest point it is more than 108 meters deep. 3. WHITE NIGHTS OVER HANCZA I think there is no more beautiful an evening sky as the one over Hańcza. At least in Poland. I have fallen in love with this sky at the first sight and it is for such sights as the one above I keep on coming back here every year. Silence, I and this magical sky – there is nothing more I need. 4. THROWING FLOWER GARLANDS ON TURTUL It has been long since I dreamt about taking part in the event of throwing flower garlands in Turtul. The event takes part every year in the end of June. It is accompanied with concerts of traditional music, market of regional foods and other kinds of entertainment. As you can see on the photos, the event takes place in a stunningly beautiful natural sanctuary. 5. WEALTH OF THE POLISH COUNTRYSIDE: CHEESE, EGGS, MILK Cheese from Wiżajny, sękacz*, coulibiac**. It is also worth equipping oneself with a good shortbread toadstool in case of emergency ;) I guess I do not have to tell you that morning coffee tastes best with milk straight from the cow, nor encourage you to make scrambled eggs with fresh eggs. Eggs are superb here. It comes as no surprise in those natural circumstances. To put it short, to the heart through the stomach! * Baumkuchen - a kind of layered cake baked on an open fire ** Coulibiac (from Russian: кулебя́ка kulebyáka) – a type of Russian pie ("pirog") usually filled with salmon or sturgeon, rice or buckwheat, hard-boiled eggs, mushrooms, onions, and dill. 6. KARTACZE Finally I had a chance to try a real fresh kartacz! It is not that easy to get such a fresh one even in restaurants. Usually they are thawed. Fortunately I found them at one of the local events. Absolutely delicious! Though I am not a vegetarian, I rarely eat meat. For such specialities, though, it is worth to make an exception. After all, you have only one life, so very little time to leave such delicious things for later. *Lithuanian potato dumplings filled with minced meat served with greaves 7. SĘKACZ* Discovery of the year! Absolutely delicious! I have a soft spot for sweets! I do regret that I have not bought an entire one. Do not make the same mistake as I did! There are also many other regional delicacies worth tasting, such as mrowisko, faworki or grzybki! Do not hesitate to try them all! * Baumkuchen - a kind of layered cake baked on an open fire 8. BICYCLE EXPEDITIONS Suwalki Landscape Park is known for its extremely varied terrain ideal for the most demanding cyclists. The hilly terrain is full of twisting descents, challenging approaches and most importantly numerous viewpoints, which offer picturesque panoramas of the surrounding lakes. Before the expedition, equip yourself with a detailed map of cycling routes, compass and odometer. Raincoat, mountain boots, lightweight outfit are a must. 9. PRISTINE NATURE The abundance of fauna and flora of the Suwalski Landscape Park never ceases to impress me. In June, you can meet many storks in the fields. There are also other birds. It is just an ideal place for nature lovers. There is no better thing to do but sit and watch nature through binoculars, although one does not have to look far. Sometimes you can enjoy exotic company during the morning coffee. 10. BEATUIFUL LANDSCAPES When we think of mountains and hilly terrain, usually the south part of the country comes to our mind. For a change, Suwalszczyzna combines both the charm of the Mazury lakes with the wavy mountain landscape. There is no shortage of breathtaking views here. For me, Suwalszczyzna is such a Polish Scotland.
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POLAND FOR BEGINNERS
Hi! My name is Victoria. Welcome to my personal travel photoblog about Poland created especially for you, my foreign friends, who are curious about Poland!
ABOUT MEEnglish philologist and film editor by education. Translator by occupation. A lover of my motherland Poland and globetrotter with journalist ambitions. Passionate about photography. I love traveling, active way of spending time and contact with nature. Experience and explore - that is what drives me! I am on the look for happy islands. Archives
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