Situated at the crossroads of East and West, Poland has a unique culture that has been shaped by its central location and layered history, and Poland’s architecture reflects this ever-changing complexity. From Gothic castles to Modernist museums, the buildings themselves tell the story of Poland’s past and convey the country’s commitment to bettering its future. With influences from all over Europe, Polish architecture brings together the contemporary with the traditional and is as varied and surprising as the country’s culture itself. For this reason, we’ve pulled together a guide to exploring and understanding Poland through its architecture. Read on to learn more about Europe’s architectural melting pot!

Gothic

Although many of Poland’s ancient structures were destroyed during World War II, there remain some Gothic gems that are very much worth exploring. In the 12th and 13th centuries, the Order of Teutonic Knights blazed through Poland on the Crusades, leaving behind them a string of castles and monasteries that still stand today. The best way to experience these Gothic masterpieces is to travel along the trail of Teutonic castles, starting off at the stronghold in Toruń, and passing through Bydgoszcz, Nowy Jasiniec, and Świecie, among others. Another must-see is Malbork Castle, which is the largest castle in the world by area, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the 13th century, Malbork Castle is a stunning example of Poland’s Gothic architecture; complete with intricate brick detailing and ramparts studded with rounded towers, the castle is truly a sight to behold. Don’t forget your camera!

Renaissance

Poland’s Renaissance architecture evolved throughout the 16th and 17th centuries, passing through various periods of grandeur and monumentalism. Most notably, Mannerism, or Late Renaissance, was very popular in Poland in the late 1600s and left a lasting impact on the country’s buildings and cities. To get a glimpse of this style, head to Zamość, where an entire section of the city’s old town has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its remarkable Mannerist architecture. Likewise, Poznań’s Town Hall exemplifies the ornate beauty of the Late Renaissance style with its turreted facade and intricate main tower. And, visible from Market Square below, every day at noon a display of mechanical fighting goats is played above the clock on the building’s front wall. Although they’re somewhat of a comic attraction, the goats are another historical gem: the original goats dated back to the mid-1500s, but have been destroyed (once by lightning!) and restored over the intervening centuries.

Socialist Classicism

Perhaps the best way to understand Poland’s history is through its architecture, and nowhere is that more evident than in the marks left by the Soviet era. If you want to get a sense of socialist classicism, look no further than Warsaw’s Palace of Culture and Science. Forever controversial, this monumental tower has been a point of derision since its construction in 1955. Despite its austere and somewhat menacing presence in the city, the building also offers some of the best views of Warsaw from its observation deck. So, once you’ve ogled at the building, be sure to take in the view (which some say is the best in the city, because you can’t see the palace itself)!

Modernist

As with other countries in Europe, Poland’s architectural legacy suffered in World War II. Luckily, some of the pre-war Modernist buildings were protected, and, what’s more, post-war Poland is a haven for Postmodernists seeking to reinvigorate the country’s architectural identity. One of the best places to experience the glass walls and stark lines of Modernism is in Poznań. The city is full of buildings that exemplify the remaining pre-war Modernist buildings, and you can even embark upon an audio-guided walking tour along a Modernism route. For a taste of Polish Postmodernism, head to Warsaw, where the style really flourished in the last decades of state socialism as a pushback against rigidity (politically and architecturally). In this sense, Postmodernism became a vehicle for change in Poland and symbolized a tectonic cultural shift. This history is imbued in many of the city’s buildings, in particular, the Warsaw University library. Even if you don’t go for the books, be sure to check out the building’s rooftop garden, which is open to the public and offers views of the surrounding area!

Interested in knowing more about Poland’s history and architecture? Dive into its many UNESCO World Heritage sites, or read our palace guide!

Header and other uncredited images by Lily Allen and Kyle Peters.