Walk in Warsaw: City Center

Modern Warsaw is as interesting as the old one. When visiting the capital, don't forget to have a walk along Marszałkowska Street, visit Zachęta Art Gallery and relax in Saxon Garden.

Warsaw - Romand Dmowski roundabout / Franciszek Mazur / Agencja Gazeta

Marszałkowska Street

This is one of the main communication routes in the capital and owes its name to the Grand Marshal of the Crown, Franciszek Bieleński. The Marshal's Palace was located at the present-day crossroads of Marszałkowska and Królewska streets. The street was created as part of Stanisław August Poniatowski's huge urban project, called the Stanisłowska Axis. Marszałkowska's golden age was the turn of the 20^th century, when luxury townhouses were built along the road with exclusive shops, cafes and restaurants on the ground floor. Its importance is confirmed by the fact that before the war over a dozen cinemas could be found here. During the Nazi occupation the street was renamed Marschallstrasse, but by the end of the 2^nd World War, most of the buildings has been totally demolished. The rebuilding work started immediately after the war and grocer's shops opened very quickly, offering Varsovians basic food supplies. Mieczysław Fogg opened a cafe at number 119. The communist authorities decided to widen the street, which the buildings and their remains had to be demolished, including the beautiful Marconi Palace which had somehow survived the war. More demolition work was needed to prepare the way for the Palace of Culture and Science and MDM residential district.