Travellers to Poland will be enchanted by its remarkable history of heroic resilience and tragedy, and delight in the charming character of its cities and in the natural beauty of the countryside. From romantic tales of medieval knights and battles, kings and splendid castles, to the horrors and destruction of World War II, from its determined stand against communism to today's modern outlook and booming economy, the country abounds with evidence both of a historically turbulent past and a bright future to come.

It was the country most devastated by World War II in Eastern Europe, losing about a quarter of its population and almost its entire Jewish community. The aftermath of the war greatly influenced the character of the country. Former Jewish centres in the cities and the stark concentration camps where the Nazis carried out their extermination atrocities remain as the most stirring reminders of the nation's tragedies. Cities destroyed by the war had to be rebuilt from scratch and the many meticulously restored buildings and historic old towns are testimony to the pride and determination of a strong and durable nation.

Warsaw, the capital, was almost totally destroyed by the war and now presents an unusual mix of beautifully restored historic buildings, communist-era concrete structures, and modern fashion and consumerism. The maritime city of Gdañsk, home to the historic garrison at Westerplatte and the legendary Lenin shipyards, was the stage for both the beginnings of the Second World War and the disintegration of Eastern European communism. But it is Krakow, the ancient royal capital, that draws the crowds, rivalling the elegance of cities like Prague and Vienna. Having largely escaped the destruction of the war it retains its charming medieval character: the Royal Castle, the grand Market Square, the old Jewish quarter and the nearby Nazi death camps of Auschwitz are all steeped in historical importance.

The unspoilt Baltic coastline and the splendour of the rugged mountain ranges of the Tatras will impress outdoor enthusiasts, with a variety of activities and scenery to provide a peaceful and relaxing break from the intensity of the country's history. Along with the legendary hospitality of Polish people, a sense of nationhood to which the Catholic Church is fundamental, and a strong musical and cultural sense of identity, its tourist infrastructure is flourishing and the country is experiencing a remarkable increase in the number of visitors to its shores.

Chopin's House

Address: Zelazowa Wola 3 Warsaw

Admission: 12 PLN, which includes entry to the park, house and concert.

Telephone: +(48-46) 863 33 00

Old Town (Starego Miasta)

Address: Warsaw

Historical Museum of Warsaw

Address: Rynek Starego Miasta (Old Town Square) 28-42 Warsaw

Admission: 6 PLN (adults), 3 PLN (concessions). Free on Sundays. An English-speaking guide costs 20 PLN Open Tuesday and Thursday from 11am to 6pm; Wednesday and Friday from 10am to 3.30pm; and Saturday and Sunday from 10.30am to 4.30pm. Closed on Mondays

Telephone: (0)22 635 1625

The Royal Way

Address: Krakowski Prezedmieœcie becoming Nowy Œwiat Warsaw

Admission: Palace: 20 PLN, which includes a guide. Park: 2 PLN, but free on Sundays Wilanów Palace: open daily except Tuesdays from 9am to 4pm. From 15 May to 18 September, the Palace is open until 6pm on Wednesdays and until 7pm on Sundays. The park is open daily from 9am until dusk

Telephone: (+48) 801 011 779

Westerplatte

Address: Gdansk

Malbork Castle

Address: Ul. Staroscinska 1 Gdansk

Admission: 35 PLN (adults) Open Tuesday to Sunday from 9am to 7pm (May to September); and from 10am to 3pm (October to April)

Telephone: (0)55 647 0800

Main Market Square (Rynek Glówny)

Address: Krakow

Wawel

Address: Krakow

Admission: Castle attractions range from 3 PLN to 24 PLN. Concessions are available Wawel Hill: Open daily from 6am until dusk. The various castle attractions are open on Mondays from 9.30am to 12pm; Tuesdays and Fridays from 9.30am to 4pm; Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 9.30am to 3pm; and Sundays from 10am to 3pm. The Royal Private Apartments are closed on Mondays. The Cathedral is open from Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm, and on Sundays from 12.15pm

Telephone: (0)12 422 1697 or 422 5155 ext 291

Kazimierz District and the Old Synagogue

Address: Old Synagogue: Ulica Szeroka 24 Krakow

Admission: Old Synagogue: Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 3.30pm; Friday from 11am to 6pm. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays

Telephone: (0)12 422 0962

Wieliczka Salt Mine

Address: Ul. Danilowicza 10, Wieliczka Krakow

Admission: 48 PLN, with concessions available. Guided tours only. A 10 PLN fee is charged for taking photos and filming Open daily from 7.30am to 7.30pm (April to October), and 8am to 5pm (November to March). Closed on major holidays

Telephone: (12) 278 7302

Auschwitz Memorial Museum

Address: Ul. Wiezniow Oswiecimia 20 Krakow

Admission: Free. Documentary film is 2 zlotys Daily from 8am to 3pm (December to February); from 8am to 4pm (March and November); from 8am to 5pm (April and October); from 8am to 6pm (May and September); and from 8am to 7pm (June, July and August)

Telephone: +48 (0)33 843 2022/844 2077

Galicia Jewish Museum

Address: Ul. Dajwor 18 Krakow

Admission: 15 PLN (adults) and 8 PLN (concessions) Daily from 9am to 7pm in the summer, and from 9.30am to 5.30pm in the winter. Closed on Yom Kippur

Telephone: (12) 421 6842

Polish Poster Gallery

Address: No. 23 Old Market Square, Warsaw Old Town Warsaw

Piwnica pod Baranami

Address: Main Market Square, Krakow Krakow

Bieszczady Mountains

Address: Krakow

Bialowieza National Park

Address: Warsaw

Admission: Forest tours cost about EUR40

Sopot

Address: Gdansk