Welcome Welcome toto Poland Poland

Do you want to know Do you want to know anyanything thing about that marvellous about that marvellous

country?country?

General informationGeneral informationPoland is situated in the Poland is situated in the

centre of Europe. It is the centre of Europe. It is the member of European member of European Union from 2004. This Union from 2004. This country has population of country has population of over 38 million people. Its over 38 million people. Its capital city is Warsaw. capital city is Warsaw. TThe he officiofficial al language of Polandlanguage of Poland is Polish.is Polish.The total area The total area consists of 312,679 square consists of 312,679 square kilometres. Its official kilometres. Its official name is name is the the Republic of Republic of Poland (Rzeczpospolita Poland (Rzeczpospolita Polska). Polska).

History of Poland History of Poland

The first Polish state was The first Polish state was established and established and christianized christianized in in 966 by 966 by Mieszko I. The Piast Mieszko I. The Piast Dynasty ruled from 966 to Dynasty ruled from 966 to 1370. The next dynasties 1370. The next dynasties wwereere Jagiellonowie and Jagiellonowie and election kings. The last election kings. The last emperor of Poland was emperor of Poland was StanisStanisllaw August aw August Poniatowski. From 1795 to Poniatowski. From 1795 to 1918 the area of Poland 1918 the area of Poland was divided was divided intointo Russia, Russia, Austria and Prussia.Austria and Prussia.

The first Polish Constitution was established on 3rd May, 1791. Its principal co-author was Stanislaw August Poniatowski. The Constitution was the first in Europe and the second in the world.

History of PolandHistory of Poland

In 1914-1918 Poland took part in In 1914-1918 Poland took part in thethe First First World War and 20 years World War and 20 years later the later the SecondSecond World War World War begbegan.an. Poland was under Poland was under German and Soviet occupation. German and Soviet occupation. In 1944 inhabitants of Warsaw In 1944 inhabitants of Warsaw ffoughtought in in the the Warsaw Warsaw Rebellion.Rebellion. In In 1945 the war ended and Poland 1945 the war ended and Poland became independent. Polish became independent. Polish politicians under Soviet force politicians under Soviet force established socialistic system established socialistic system from 1945 to 1989. From 2004 from 1945 to 1989. From 2004 Poland is a member of Poland is a member of European Union. European Union.

Sejm – the lower house of Polish parliament. It consists of 460 deputies elected every four years.

Polish literaturePolish literature

One of the earliest Polish texts is Bogurodzica, the One of the earliest Polish texts is Bogurodzica, the sacral hymn to Virgin Mary. The text is full of sacral hymn to Virgin Mary. The text is full of archaisms. archaisms.

Jan Kochanowski (1530-1580), the prominent poet Jan Kochanowski (1530-1580), the prominent poet and writer of the Polish Renaissance. He created and writer of the Polish Renaissance. He created Laments and another poetry.Laments and another poetry.

Wespazjan Kochowski (1633-1700) – the Polish Wespazjan Kochowski (1633-1700) – the Polish historian and poet. He wrote many religious historian and poet. He wrote many religious poems. poems.

Ignacy Krasicki (1735-1801) , the most prominent Ignacy Krasicki (1735-1801) , the most prominent writer in the Enlightement. His most popular works writer in the Enlightement. His most popular works are Fables, Satires and the War of the Monks. are Fables, Satires and the War of the Monks.

Polish literaturePolish literatureAdam Mickiewicz (1798Adam Mickiewicz (1798--1855), 1855),

the most outstanding poet of the most outstanding poet of the Polish Romanticism, the the Polish Romanticism, the author of the national epos author of the national epos Pan Tadeusz.Pan Tadeusz.

Henryk Sienkiewicz (1846-1915) Henryk Sienkiewicz (1846-1915) –the writer of novels (Quo –the writer of novels (Quo Vadis, The Teutonic Knights, Vadis, The Teutonic Knights, With Fire and Sword). In 1905 With Fire and Sword). In 1905 he won the Nobel Prize.he won the Nobel Prize.

Konstanty Ildefons Gałczyński Konstanty Ildefons Gałczyński (1905-1953)- a poet, he wrote (1905-1953)- a poet, he wrote many grotesque and satiric many grotesque and satiric poems as well as short poems as well as short comedies.comedies.

Zbigniew Herbert (1924-1998)-a Polish poet and essayist. He wrote a cycle of poems about Mr Cogito. His first poems were published in 1950.

Polish MusicPolish Music

Venceslaus Samotulinus (1520-1560) the Venceslaus Samotulinus (1520-1560) the Renaissance composer of religious motets.Renaissance composer of religious motets.

Karol Kurpiński (1785-1857) –the Karol Kurpiński (1785-1857) –the Polish Polish composer, conductor and composer, conductor and educator. educator. At the At the age of 12, he became age of 12, he became an an organist at churcorganist at church. h. HeHe wrote operas and symphonic works. wrote operas and symphonic works.

Stanisław Moniuszko (1819-1872) a composer, Stanisław Moniuszko (1819-1872) a composer, a conductor and a teacher. He wrote operas a conductor and a teacher. He wrote operas and songs (The Haunted Manor, Helen, and songs (The Haunted Manor, Helen, Verbum Nobile) Verbum Nobile)

Polish MusicPolish Music

Frédéric François ChopinFrédéric François Chopin (1810-1849) – the (1810-1849) – the most prominent composer of most prominent composer of Romanticism.He wrote mazurkas, Romanticism.He wrote mazurkas, polonaises, sonatas and other piano polonaises, sonatas and other piano pieces. His works contain Polish ethnic pieces. His works contain Polish ethnic themes. themes.

Ignacy Jan Paderewski (1860-1941) - Ignacy Jan Paderewski (1860-1941) - a Polish a Polish pianist, composer, diplompianist, composer, diplomaat, and politician, t, and politician, and the third Prime Minister of Poland.and the third Prime Minister of Poland.

Polish MusicPolish Music

National dancesNational dances

- KrakowiakKrakowiak

- PolonaisePolonaise

- MazurkaMazurka

- Oberek Oberek

- KujawiakKujawiak

Polish architecturePolish architectureThe Wawel Cathedral is the Polish national sanctuary.It is located on the Wawel Hill in Cracow. It has a 1,000-year history and it was the traditional coronation site of Polish monarches. It is the Cathedral of the Archdiocese of Cracow. The Pope John Paul II was buried there.

Main Market Square in Krakow

Polish architecturePolish architecture

The Great Theatre and the Polish National Opera in Warsaw

The Lazienki Park (is the largest park in Warsaw and occupies 76 hectares of the city center. The Lazienki Park was established in the 17th century by Tylman van Gameren, in the baroque style.

FamousFamous Poles Poles

John Paul II (Karol Wojtyła) – John Paul II (Karol Wojtyła) – the the Roman Catholic Pope, religious Roman Catholic Pope, religious leader, writer, poet. He remains one leader, writer, poet. He remains one of the most-travelof the most-travellled world leaders ed world leaders in history. He was the only Polish in history. He was the only Polish pope and the first non-Italian pope pope and the first non-Italian pope since Adrian VI (Dutch) in the 1520s.since Adrian VI (Dutch) in the 1520s.

Lech Wałęsa – Lech Wałęsa – the the Polish politician, Polish politician, the the PPresident in years 1990-1995. resident in years 1990-1995. Established the Independent Self-Established the Independent Self-governing Trade Union „governing Trade Union „the the Solidarity”, which was anti-Solidarity”, which was anti-communistcommunist. The w. The winner of inner of the the Nobel Nobel Prize in 1983. Prize in 1983.

Polish landscapesPolish landscapesThe River Vistula is the longest one in Poland (1047 km). The picture shows the river in Modlin. The Vistula flows in Cracow, Warsaw and Gdańsk.

The fabulous landscapes of Masuria, the area in the north-east of Poland

Warsaw – the capital cityWarsaw – the capital city

Warsaw is the capital city Warsaw is the capital city of Poland since 1596. It of Poland since 1596. It has 1 700 536 has 1 700 536 inhabitants. inhabitants.

Modern centre of Warsaw

Polish languagePolish language

Polish language is the official language Polish language is the official language of Poland. of Poland. It is the West Slavic It is the West Slavic language with the greatest number language with the greatest number of speakers . of speakers . Polish language is Polish language is spoken by 42.7 million people. spoken by 42.7 million people.

Świętokrzyskie districtŚwiętokrzyskie district

Poland is divided into 16 Poland is divided into 16 districts. Świętokrzyskie districts. Świętokrzyskie district is situated in district is situated in south-eastern Poland. Its south-eastern Poland. Its capital city is Kielce. It capital city is Kielce. It takes its name from Góry takes its name from Góry Świętokrzyskie Świętokrzyskie mountains. The mountains. The population is1,281,796. population is1,281,796. In Swiętokrzyskie are In Swiętokrzyskie are situated Old-Polish situated Old-Polish Industrial Region and Industrial Region and Świętokrzyski National Świętokrzyski National Park. Park.

The location of Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship in Poland

Świętokrzyskie MountainsŚwiętokrzyskie MountainsŚwiętokrzyskie Mountains are Świętokrzyskie Mountains are

treated astreated as a a mountain mountain range in central Polandrange in central Poland. . They are one of the oldest They are one of the oldest mountain ranges in Europe. mountain ranges in Europe. The mountains are part of The mountains are part of the Świętokrzyski National the Świętokrzyski National Park. The highest summit of Park. The highest summit of Świętokrzyskie Mountains is Świętokrzyskie Mountains is Łysica (612 m), where is Łysica (612 m), where is possible to see a stone run. possible to see a stone run. The name of the mountains The name of the mountains comes from a monastery comes from a monastery with Relic of Holy Cross. with Relic of Holy Cross.

Landscapes of Świętokrzyskie Mountains

KielceKielce

Kielce is the capital city of Świętokrzyskie district. Kielce is the capital city of Świętokrzyskie district. It has 205 665 inhabitants. Kielce is a cultural It has 205 665 inhabitants. Kielce is a cultural and economical center of the region. The city is and economical center of the region. The city is famous of Kielce Trade Fairs. It is a modern firm, famous of Kielce Trade Fairs. It is a modern firm, which organizes international exhibitions of which organizes international exhibitions of miscellanous products. The best known building miscellanous products. The best known building in Kielce - The Kraków Bishop’s Palace is in Kielce - The Kraków Bishop’s Palace is constructed in baroque style. The palace is constructed in baroque style. The palace is arranged as a National Museum with worth arranged as a National Museum with worth paintings of prominent artists. Kielce has also an paintings of prominent artists. Kielce has also an university and an Institute of Technology. The university and an Institute of Technology. The city is known in Poland for the Dance Theatre. city is known in Poland for the Dance Theatre.

Centers of KielceCenters of Kielce

The Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption of Mary in Kielce functions as a religious center of the city. The cathedral is built in the baroque style. The painting of Virgin Mary was coronated in 1993 by the Pope John Paul II.

The Culture Centre of Kielce is a modern building. There are situated: the philharmony, the local television and many language schools. It is a place of miscellaneous performances.

Architecture of KielceArchitecture of Kielce

The photographs show the Cracow’s Bishops Palace, the Karsch’s Manor House and the building of the District Office

ZagnańskZagnańsk

Zagnańsk is a village situated 13 km Zagnańsk is a village situated 13 km in the north of Kielce. Zagnansk in the north of Kielce. Zagnansk functions as a center of Zagnansk functions as a center of Zagnansk Commune. Commune (gmina) isCommune. Commune (gmina) is the principal unit (the principal unit (the the lowest lowest uniform level) of uniform level) of the the territorial territorial division in Poland.division in Poland. The main The main touristic attraction of Zagnansk touristic attraction of Zagnansk Commune is the oak ”Bartek”, Commune is the oak ”Bartek”, which is about 700 years old. Other which is about 700 years old. Other interesting places in this Commune interesting places in this Commune are: an old quarry of dolomite, are: an old quarry of dolomite, ”Bohema” - the center of luxurious ”Bohema” - the center of luxurious parties and ceremonies. The parties and ceremonies. The Commune contains also a library, a Commune contains also a library, a bank, primary ,gymnasium, schools bank, primary ,gymnasium, schools and a high school. and a high school.

The high school specialised in forestry. It is one of the biggest buildings of Zagnańsk.

ZagnańskZagnańskThe number of population of The number of population of

Zagnansk Commune is 12 746. Zagnansk Commune is 12 746. There are many cultural There are many cultural institutions. For example, the institutions. For example, the Commune Public Library Commune Public Library contains 45 492 books to borrow. contains 45 492 books to borrow. It also has several computers It also has several computers with free Internet access for all with free Internet access for all users. The next touristic users. The next touristic attraction is an old church from attraction is an old church from XVII century. It is situated close XVII century. It is situated close to the Chelm Hill – the point of to the Chelm Hill – the point of picturesque views. The picturesque views. The Zagnańsk Commune possesses Zagnańsk Commune possesses in its territory a Suchedniowsko-in its territory a Suchedniowsko-Oblęgorski park krajobrazowy. Oblęgorski park krajobrazowy.

The modern architecture of Zagnańsk. The picture shows a center of health care. Library and pharmacy are situated next to that building.

ZagnańskZagnańsk

Zagnańsk is also a good recreation place. Zagnańsk is also a good recreation place. There are three artificial lakes in There are three artificial lakes in villages: Umer, Kaniow and villages: Umer, Kaniow and Zachełmie. It is possible to swim in Zachełmie. It is possible to swim in them and rest on their coasts. them and rest on their coasts. In the In the village village are also organised ”The Dare also organised ”The Days ays of of ZagnańskZagnańsk", ", these arethese are cultural cultural and and entertainmententertainment parties parties with the with the promotion of Zagnańsk Commune. promotion of Zagnańsk Commune. TheThe Landscape Park is located Landscape Park is located oon the n the area of the area of the CommuneCommune. It is . It is a a complex complex of forests, enabling of forests, enabling walkswalks full of full of delight and the admiration for the delight and the admiration for the nature. nature.

The artificial lake in Kaniów.

Primary school and Primary school and Gymnasium in ZagnańskGymnasium in ZagnańskPrimary School and Gymnasium Primary School and Gymnasium

in Zagnańsk are situated at in Zagnańsk are situated at Turystyczna 59 Street. The Turystyczna 59 Street. The main building exists since main building exists since 1971. The new building of the 1971. The new building of the sports centre was built in sports centre was built in 2003. The school contains 18 2003. The school contains 18 classrooms with the complete classrooms with the complete equipment, the canteen, the equipment, the canteen, the library and cloakrooms. There library and cloakrooms. There are about 486 students and 50 are about 486 students and 50 teachers. The school organizes teachers. The school organizes obligatory lessons as well as obligatory lessons as well as the additional ones. The the additional ones. The headmaster in Mrs Marzanna headmaster in Mrs Marzanna Moćko. Moćko.

The main building of the school consists of three floors and a concourse used for sport and solemn events.

Primary school and Primary school and Gymnasium in ZagnańskGymnasium in ZagnańskThe patron of the school is The patron of the school is

Stanisław Staszic – the Stanisław Staszic – the leader of Polish leader of Polish Enlightement, a priest and Enlightement, a priest and political writer. The school political writer. The school possesses two computer possesses two computer rooms. The institution rooms. The institution organizes miscellaneous organizes miscellaneous journeys and trips e.g. to journeys and trips e.g. to cinemas and theaters. cinemas and theaters. Many students of the Many students of the gymnasium take part in gymnasium take part in District Competitions. District Competitions.

Students are writing a final examination in the concourse.

Primary school and Primary school and Gymnasium in ZagnańskGymnasium in ZagnańskThe sports centre is a modern The sports centre is a modern

recreation and entertainment recreation and entertainment object. It contains the main object. It contains the main court, two classrooms, court, two classrooms, cloakrooms, a fitness room cloakrooms, a fitness room and an auditorium. The and an auditorium. The centre is widely used, centre is widely used, particularly on lessons on particularly on lessons on Physical Education. It is also a Physical Education. It is also a place of other sport events. place of other sport events. The hall possesses two floors. The hall possesses two floors. It is owned by the Commune It is owned by the Commune Centre of Culture, Sports and Centre of Culture, Sports and Recreation. It is possible to Recreation. It is possible to rent the part of centre or the rent the part of centre or the whole one whole one for a day. for a day.

Interior of the sports centre. You can see there the main court and the auditorium.

THE ENDTHE END