The Royal WayKnown as the Royal Way, this two-and-a-half mile (4km) route
stretches from the Royal Castle in the Old Town to the stately
King's Palace at Wilanów on the outskirts of the city. It is the
most important thoroughfare, bisecting the central city from north
to south, and is lined with galleries, museums and historical
buildings (including St Anne's Church, where the Polish princes
used to swear homage to the King). Along the way are the royal
gardens of Park Lazienki, one of the city's beautiful most
beautiful green spaces with its lakes, peacocks and the charming
18th-century Palace Upon the Water, the royal summer residence.
There is a monument to the famous Polish composer Frederic Chopin,
and outdoor concerts of his classical music are held on the lawns
in summer. The Royal Way ends at the splendid Wilanów Palace, the
former residence of King Jan III Sobieski that was modelled on
Versailles. It is now a museum containing a marvellous collection
of old paintings and furniture. I Address: Krakowski Prezedmie�cie becoming Nowy �wiat Website: www.wilanow-palac.art.pl Telephone: (+48) 801 011 7 Opening Time: 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 Admission: Palace: 20 PLN, which includes a guide. Park: 2 PLN, but
free on Sundays |