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Description

In August 1944, during the Second World War, more than 85 per cent of Warsaw's 18th-century historic centre was destroyed by occupation troops. After the war, a five-year reconstruction campaign by its citizens resulted in today's meticulous reproduction of the churches, palaces and the market-place. It is an exceptional example of a total reconstruction of a span of history from the 13th to the 20th century.

In September 1980, the World Heritage Committee inscribed the old town of Warsaw as a World Heritage being a declared the old town in Warsaw a monument of world culture.

The world paid tribute to this unprecedented reconstruction effort. The restored Old Town, together with the Cathedral and the Royal Castle, was entered on the UNESCO World Heritage List as a unique example of the complete reconstruction of a whole historic complex. The 20th century reconstruction of churches, palaces and mansions which were symbols of Polish culture and national identity was recognized as a fully original work.

The destruction of the Historic Centre

The Old Town, together with the cathedral and the castle, were partly damaged in September 1939 as a result of bombing and artillery shelling. On entering Warsaw, the invaders immediately set about plundering and destroying the castle interiors, leaving only the bare walls of the buildings.

The complete destruction of the Old Town, together with the cathedral and the churches, took place in 1944. The same fate befell the Royal Castle and other historic buildings.