Lublin, a modern city full of monuments
Lublin played an important role in the history of Poland, as it was there, in 1569, that the Lublin Union was signed. It was an international agreement between the Kingdom of Poland and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, which established the Polish-Lithuanian Principality. The states formed a real union and had common state institutions. The Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth was established and existed until 1795. Three years ago the 450th anniversary of the Union of Lublin was celebrated there. Because of that numerous events were organized in the city, e.g. music festivals.
In many places in Lublin you can notice a goat leaning on a vine - this is the city's coat of arms! It is strongly associated with the legend of the Tatars invasion of Poland. During the invasion, children found shelter in a certain ravine. They had no food or drink. But there was a goat nearby that saved their lives. The children survived only because of the milk she fed them. Several decades later, when these children had grown up, they began to rebuild Lublin. They were very anxious for it to receive city rights. Therefore, they went to the king and told their story about the Tartar invasion. The king liked the story so much that he granted Lublin city rights and ordered that a goat be included in the coat of arms. However, creating the coat of arms proved to be a challenge. The painter painted a billy-goat instead of a goat, and since then the billy-goat has represented Lublin.
This city really offers many attractions and we believe that everyone will find something interesting! Here are some suggestions of places which are worth visiting while in Lublin!
Picture: Alina Kovalchuk, unsplash.com
Lublin Castle with the Chapel of the Holy Trinity
Lublin Castle is a place full of the history of Poland and the Lubelskie region. Currently, it houses a branch of the National Museum. However, the castle in Lublin remembers tsarist, Nazi and Soviet times. It was usually used as a prison then.
Its history does not end here. In the castle there is the Holy Trinity Chapel called the pearl of Lublin. It is a world-class monument as it is decorated with Byzantine-Ruthenian frescos from the beginning of the 15th century.
The Lublin Castle complex also includes the Castle Tower, called the Donjon. It is a monument of Romanesque art, which was erected in the 13th century, so it is the oldest preserved castle building. For 10 years it has served as an observation deck from which tourists can admire a panorama of Lublin. The Holy Trinity Chapel and the Donjon Tower are the only original parts of the Castle.
Fot. Maksym Harbar, unsplash.com
Old Town
Lublin's Old Town has been preserved in exceptionally good condition. As much as 70 percent of its buildings are original. Its entrance is guarded by the Krakowska Gate. The Museum of the City of Lublin is located there. This place also provides an ideal view of the Town Hall, and at 12:00 every day, you can watch the bugler and listen to the bugle call of the city.
Walking along the narrow, charming streets, you can find Renaissance decorative elements. If you like the atmosphere of that epoch, you can safely visit Zamość and Kazimierz Dolny, because they are characterized by a similar style and are only a stone-throw away from the city.
The Old Town also offers an unusual attraction, which is the underground. It is a combination of cellars and tenement houses creating a series of corridors under the Old Town of Lublin.
Pro-tip: when in Lublin do not call the Old Town the Old Town. Inhabitants of Lublin consider this name not very dignified and it makes the place look less important.
Fot. Maksym Harbar, unsplash.com
The executioner's stone
If you find it, do not touch it! The executioner's stone is located in one of the streets, but we won't tell you where, so you won't come across it. In the distant past it was used by hangmen to carry out sentences and cut people's heads off. A superstition says that touching this stone brings bad luck.
Lublin's Saski Garden
After a long sightseeing you should relax! You can find peace in the middle of the city, in the Saski Garden. While strolling through the garden alleys, you can admire numerous plants. Don't be surprised if you meet a peacock on your way.
The Garden was inspired by the Czartoryski Park in Puławy. The Saski Garden was created in the 19th century, which makes it the oldest garden in Lublin and one of the oldest in Poland! Another attraction for tourists is the sundial made of boxwood. The hours indicated by the falling shadow are cut out of boxwood. There is also a sundial in Saski Garden in Warsaw, but this one is made of marble. In the Lublin Saski Garden there is also a concert shell named after Romuald Lipka, the composer and keyboard player of the famous Polish band, Budka Suflera.
Fot. Maxim Bober, unsplash.com
Concrete, metal and glass, that is the Meeting of Cultures Center
It is a very interesting place on the city map, created from concrete, metal and glass. Interestingly, it is quite a modern building, but its history dates back to 1794! It hosts concerts, plays and other cultural events. You can find there the second largest opera stage in Poland.
On the roof of the building there are viewing terraces with glass corridors. From this place you can also admire the panorama of the city. This is definitely a place for brave people who are not afraid of heights. Additionally, in the summer, you can watch a movie in the open-air cinema on the roof.
Carnaval of Magicians
The annual Carnaval of the Arts has been held in Lublin since 2008. The event is so characteristic that it has become one of Lublin's showpieces. During the festival people come from all over Poland to admire numerous shows. Circus artists, acrobats and magicians on the streets of the city exhibit and show their amazing skills. Dancing with fire, rope walks over the town square is something for viewers with strong nerves!
Fountain show
On summer evenings we encourage you to visit Krakowskie Przedmieście, where a multimedia fountain show takes place. This is an amazing show in which technology makes water, light and sound create an extraordinary show.
Cebularz: an onion bun
If you visit Lublin, you have to try it. Cebularz is a famous Lublin delicacy and a traditional product. It is a classic wheat pancake with poppy seeds and onions. It originates from Jewish cuisine, just like many other dishes from this region. You can learn about the history of this regional product in the Cebularz Museum. You can buy it on every corner of the city. The locals like to eat it with butter and tomato.