Lublin

Lublin, Poland's ninth-largest city, is known for its Old Town with cobblestone streets and colorful Renaissance townhouses. You can visit landmarks such as the 14th-century Kraków Gate and the Trinity Chapel with Byzantine frescoes. The city has a large student population, which contributes to its lively atmosphere. You'll find both traditional Polish restaurants and modern cafes throughout Lublin.

Wandering Through Lublin's Old Town

The heart of Lublin is its Old Town, a compact area you can easily explore on foot. Enter through the Kraków Gate and walk along narrow alleys lined with pastel-colored buildings. The Market Square (Rynek) forms the center of Old Town life, surrounded by merchant houses and the former Crown Tribunal. Look closely at the building facades to see intricate details, many dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries. You can join free walking tours led by local guides who share stories about the city.

Exploring Lublin Castle

Lublin Castle sits on a hill overlooking the Old Town and has been part of the city since the 14th century. While much of the original structure was rebuilt in the 19th century, the Gothic Chapel of the Holy Trinity remains from medieval times. Inside, you can see well-preserved Byzantine-Ruthenian frescoes covering the walls and ceiling, dating back to 1418. The castle now houses the National Museum of Lublin, where you can learn about the city's history and see a collection of Polish paintings.

Discovering Lublin's Religious Buildings

Lublin has many churches, each with its own history. The Dominican Church, one of the oldest in Lublin, has an ornate baroque interior. At the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist and St. John the Evangelist, you can see impressive frescoes and experience its acoustics. To learn about Lublin's Jewish history, visit the Chachmei Lublin Yeshiva, once a renowned center of Talmudic studies. Today, it houses a small museum and a synagogue, providing information about the city's pre-war Jewish community.

Experiencing Lublin's Cultural Scene

As the European Youth Capital of 2023, Lublin hosts many cultural events throughout the year. The Centre for Culture on Peowiaków Street, in a renovated industrial space, holds art exhibitions, film screenings, and concerts. You might want to plan your visit during one of Lublin's festivals. In June, the Night of Culture turns the entire city into an open-air art gallery and performance space. In July, the Carnaval Sztukmistrzów brings circus performers, acrobats, and street artists from around the world to Lublin's streets.

Enjoying Lublin's Green Spaces

Lublin has several parks and green areas. The Saxon Garden, dating back to the 19th century, has fountains and flower beds. For a longer trip, go to Zemborzyce Lake on the outskirts of the city. Here, you can rent a kayak, swim, or relax on the beach. The nearby forest has trails for hiking or cycling, allowing you to see the natural landscape of the Lublin region.

Tasting Local Flavors

Lublin's food reflects its location at the crossroads of cultures. Try cebularz, a local specialty of flatbread topped with onions and poppy seeds, originally from the Jewish community. For a filling meal, sample pierogi ruskie, dumplings filled with potato and cheese, at one of the traditional Polish restaurants in the Old Town. Lublin has a long brewing tradition, so you might want to taste local craft beers. Visit the Perła Brewery to learn about the beer-making process and try their products.

Getting Around Lublin

Most main attractions in Lublin's Old Town are within walking distance. For longer trips, the city has a network of buses and trolleybuses. Consider buying a Lublin Pass, which gives you unlimited public transport and entry to several museums. If you're coming from other parts of Poland, you can take a train to Lublin, with regular services from Warsaw taking about 2.5 hours. Lublin also has its own airport, with flights to several European cities.