Szczecin

One of the greenest cities in Poland - above 20% of its area is covered with parks and green. Popular for its port and impressive architecture. The city‛s history begins in the VIII century as a Slavic Pomeranian stronghold, built at the side of the Ducal castle. In XII century it lost its independence and was assimilated by settlers comming from Western European states. In the late XIX century Stettin became an industrial town. After the WW II Stettin was renamed Szczecin, and became a part of Poland.

Formerly Haken‛s Terraces, one of the most beautiful places in Europe. From here you can watch the vast panorama of the Odra river and the harbour. The viewing terraces are 500 m long and are located 19 m above the Odra river bank. The earliest written history of the area dates back to the sixteenth century. In 1873, a demolition of the eighteenth century fortifications of Szczecin began. Thanks to the great commitment of Hermann Haken in the years 1902-1905 a viewing terrace was formed on the site of Fort Leopold. Wide staircases run on both sides from the terrace to the banks of the river and to the fountain at the bottom, decorated with figures of John of Kolno, Wyszak and two tall columns stylized as lighthouses.

One of the main centres of cultural life in the Western Pomerania. Rebuilt after war destructions it became the seat of many administrative and cultural institutions, which aim is to support and popularise artistic activity in Szczecin and the province. Here take place chamber, classical and past music concerts, as well as artistic exhibition galleries, where each year about 30 exhibitions are presented. The exhibitions include photographic, historic and fine art exhibitions. Owing to contacts with Polish and foreign art galleries, museum archives, artistic environments the expositions presented at the castle are often a good opportunity to see the works of the best creators and exceptional collections. The Pomeranian Dukes Castle runs also evidence of the past history and history of the building and Western Pomerania. Here are such workshops as archaeological, preservation of work of art, cultural heritage and photographic.

Established in 1187 and completed in the XIV century. One of its two towers collapsed during a storm in 1456 and destroyed part of the church. Reconstructed and remodeled in 1503 basing on a single-tower hall church design. Destroyed again in 1677 during the Scanian War and rebuilt between 1690 and 1693 in baroque style. In 1893 again remodeled, however the west tower collapsed again during a storm in 1894 and had to be rebuilt again. The remodeling was completed in 1901 leaving the church with a spire of 119 meters. The church destroyed during WW II was pull down and reconstructed in a more modern and stabilized style.

A wide greenery located near to the city hall, limited within the Ogińskiego, Szymanowskiego and Moniuszki streets. From north-west it enters into the Kasprowicza Park. Founded in 1925-1927 on land of the Quistorp family, designed with flower arrangements in the middle and was named Quistorp-Avenue.

One of the many Bismark Towers built in the former German Empire (Kaiserreich) and located in Szczecin, now in north-western Poland. Its construction began relatively late, in 1913, and was only finished in 1921. The tower is located on top of a small hill and was surrounded by a small wood, although the surrounding area is now generally industrial. It is approximately 6 km from the city centre, close to a tram terminus. Although one can visit the tower, the main entry way is full sealed off, as are all windows, making entry impossible. It is also in need of restoration.

A lake in the Wkrzański primeval forest (Leśny Głębokie Park). By the northern lake shore is a popular bathing beach good communicated with the city centre.

The National Museum in Szczecin was established on 1 August 1945. The main part of the exhibition is placed in the Landed Gentry House on the Staromłyńska 27 Street, and consists of five parts:

• the main building of the national museum in Szczecin on the Wały Chobrego 3 Street - maritime museum
• the Szczecin‛s History Museum in the old city town hall in Szczecin on the Księcia Mściwoja II 8 Street
• the old art gallery of the National Museum in Szczecin on the Staromłyńska 27 Street
• the Museum of Contemporary Art on the Staromłyńska 1 Street
• the Narrow Gauge Railway exhibition in Gryfice

The Sea Days Festival - SAIL SZCZECIN - is one of the biggest outdoor events in Poland where not only large and old ships, but also a vintage car rally can be seen. Every year thousands of Szczecinians and tourists gather on the embankment in the city centre to enjoy concerts of artists of the Polish music scene, look at breathtaking fireworks, participate in many sport events and see various presentations, attractions and competitions.