What Makes Poland Special: Heritage, Genius and Polish Pride

Poland is a country of resilience and achievement: medieval Kraków, a Warsaw old town rebuilt after its destruction in the Second World War, an underground salt mine full of carved chapels, Europe's last primeval lowland forest, and Chopin, Copernicus and Marie Curie. Here is what makes it special.

Eighteen World Heritage Sites

UNESCO lists 18 World Heritage properties in Poland. Among them:

• Historic Centre of Kraków, a former royal capital with one of Europe's great market squares
• Historic Centre of Warsaw, carefully rebuilt after near-total destruction in 1944
• Wieliczka and Bochnia Royal Salt Mines, with chapels and sculptures carved from salt
• Białowieża Forest, a primeval forest home to the European bison

Minds that changed the world

Nicolaus Copernicus placed the sun at the centre of the solar system. Marie Skłodowska-Curie, born in Warsaw, became the first person to win Nobel Prizes in two different sciences. Frédéric Chopin, born near Warsaw, is one of the most loved composers in history.

A nation that rebuilt itself

Warsaw's old town, rebuilt from ruins after the war, has become a symbol of national determination and a source of deep pride.

Family traditions

Polish families treasure their traditions: Christmas Eve dinner with an extra place set for an unexpected guest, name days celebrated alongside birthdays, and Sunday meals together.

Food from home

Pierogi, soups and rye bread are loved by Poles at home and in the large Polish communities abroad.

Pride in every home town

From the mountains in the south to the Baltic coast, every Polish city and town has its own character and pride.

Carrying the pride with you

Great cities, great minds and treasured traditions: Poland gives its people a great deal to celebrate. That pride is what our Poland designs are made for, and our guide to choosing a gift based on someone's home town shows how to make it personal.