Warsaw's old town was built in the 1600s but was flattened in World War Two by the Nazi and Russian invading armies. It has been recon-structed since to look the same outside and in. The main square seen above and right is where the action isand it's touristy. Some good restos here though.
The cathedral of St. John the Baptist, on the way to the square was also reduced to rubble. Today it's worth a visit — gothic but with some ultra-modern touches that I liked. The stained glass on the north and south walls is superb and contemporary.
I tried to find a pamphlet about the history and windows, but not one was to be found and all the signs were in Polish, so I don't know the details of what I saw.
Especially striking was this modern sculpture of Christ, the shepherd, in a side chapel. I don't know who the side panels represent, but there were only ten — clearly not the apostles. I could not replicate the gold colour in the very poor light. It was stunning.
Walking through the main streets, take a detour into the side lanes. They are devoid of souvenir shops and less colourful, but most attractive. Here's where the residents live.
On a bit further and you reach the two walls of the old town and the barbican or bastion. These were rebuilt in the mid-50s from old etchings using reclaimed bricks from other parts of Poland. It is a huge tourist attraction and worthy of it.
Tucked into an alcove by the barbican's main gate, a painter does well selling his pictures.
This is part of the New Town outside the double walls. Also reconstructed faithfully. These are some of the better homes from the 1600s and there are others close by that are bigger, detached, and of 1700s design -- very elegant homes today.
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©Photos by Pharos 2017
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