Royal Baths Park, Warsaw (must see)

Royal Baths Park, or Lazienski Park as it is also known, is Warsaw's largest municipal park. The area is nearly 190 acres that includes a botanical garden, a stadium, numerous monuments, palaces, temples, green space and Lazienski lake.

The park was formerly owned by King Stanislaw August Poniatowski. This last Polish king was instrumental in creating the classical layout of the gardens, palace and amphitheatre. The "Palace on the Isle" was originally a bath house that the king converted into his private quarters in the late 18th century, thus giving the park its name.

Visitors to the park can explore the Palace on the Isle by crossing a footbridge. Inside the palace they will find a paintings gallery with works from artists like Rubens and Rembrandt. They will also see statues, columns and many examples of Neoclassical Architecture.

Another popular feature of the park is Bialy Domek, or the White House. This was the home of Louis XVIII while he was living in exile. However, the house was originally built for the mistress of King Stanislaus II Augustus. It was mostly destroyed during World War II, but was painstakingly restored using most of the original furnishings.

The orangeries are features that should not go unexplored during a visit to Royal Baths Park. The Old Orangery was built in 1788 in a space large enough to accommodate 200 guests. Paintings, sculptures and medallions dating to the 16th century are on display.

The deceptively named New Orangery was built in 1860 to accommodate Tsar Alexander II of Russia's tropical plant collection. Those plants died when left unattended during World War I, but the building is still used as a tropical plant sanctuary.

Visitors will find these areas of interest and many more throughout the park. Because there is so much to see and do, tourists should plan an entire day around exploration of Royal Baths Park.

Why You Should Visit:
- To see the largest park in Warsaw
- To admire numerous buildings and works of art from different eras

Tips:
The park is open daily from 6 AM to 8 PM. Most of the buildings are open for tours from 10 AM to 4 PM every day except Mondays and holidays.