Illumination of the Royal Route in Warsaw (2015) - Łazienki Park

It has become a little tradition that every year I show you on this blog the illumination of the Royal Route in Warsaw. Last year we were at its Southern end in Wilanów, two years age at the Northern end in the Old Town, and three years ago - in the Łazienki Park that lies more or less in the middle.

This year, I decided to check what has changed in the Illumination in and around Łazienki Park over those past three years.

Let's enter the so-called Chinese alley from the South. The entrance itself is already inviting.

The Chinese alley is populated this year by beautiful ladies and some elegant gentlemen. This one looks very classy, don't you think?

This lady reminds me of Mary Poppins - do you think she could fly on this umbrella?

This couple seems to take a walk in the park despite the cold.

And this one is just standing there and watching all the visitors passing by.

The park itself is not illuminated and if fact it is quite dark. Luckily they have put some lights on this little bridge, otherwise some people might have missed it and realise it only with their feet in the little canal.

Let's walk a little on the side of the main alley to see the Palace on the Water. In front of it there is a lovely Christmas tree.

I was a bit disappointed because the Palace itself is not decorated.

Still, the game of light and shadows make it worth seeing after dark.

At the end of the Chinese valley there is a little Chinese pavilion. Easy to spot and to recognise thanks to the traditional red lanterns. They remind me of my trip to Taiwan.

Let's walk out of the park and climb up the Agrykola street. We will be accompanied by a shiny ceiling.

Aleje Ujazdowskie have some new decorations too. I think I like them more that the previous ones.

They look like huge Christmas tree decorations.

And another Christmas tree, this time in front of the Prime Minister Office.

As you might remember, next to the main entry to Łazienki Park there is a monument of the father of Polish independence - Józef Piłsudski. Since a few months it is possible to admire his car, a Cadillac 335D Series 30 from 1935.

The renovation of this limousine was an initiative of the Polish President. Here you can watch a little movie about it.

I hope that you have liked this short walk. Since it is pretty cold (minus eight centigrade today), I propose we finish it in front of the President's offices in Belweder.

Royal Park of Łazienki (in winter)

Unfortunately, during my last trip to Elbląg I caught a little cold. So this week I decided to stay at home and drink hot tea with raspberry juice. In preparation for future adventures I will tell you about my visit the Royal Park of Łazienki. I was there on the New year's Eve.

The first thing that you will surely notice as you enter is the amazing monument of the famous composer Fryderyk Chopin, sitting under a willow tree.

I love this monument, it is so dynamic.

In 2010, Warsaw celebrated the 200 anniversary of birth of Chopin. One of the initiatives were 14 Chopin's Benches. The benches are located in historical spots associated somehow with Chopin. They are not only nice to look at – when you press the button you can hear an air composed by Chopin. One of the benches is located in Łazienki where you can listen to POLONAISE in A major, Op. 40 No. 1; 39” .

I think it is great, especially in winter time. In summer it is much nicer to come to the monument on a Sunday afternoon when piano recitals are held that are open to the public and free.  For the time being, you may enjoy the music from the benches under this link.

The Łazienki park was designed in the 17th century by Tylman van Gameren, in the baroque style. The park is large enough to house many species of animals and birds, including roes …

… and peacocks.

If you start your visit by the Chopin monument then you have to take a walk down the hill.

The most interesting building there is the Palace on the Water.

It is located on an artificial island surrounded by a lake.

The lake is populated by mane fishes, in particular the royal carps, typical for Poland only. The large variety of fishes attracts obviously lots of birds. At some point I felt like in a Hitchcock movie. 

In front of the palace there is a sundial. Oh God, is it so late? I need to run then. I will surely be back here in Spring – this is when the Park reveals its true beauty.



Illumination of the Royal Route in Warsaw (2012)

Today, I will show you a part of the Royal Route in Warsaw. The Royal Route is a common name for streets that led from The Royal Castle in Warsaw to the Wilanów Palace. Nowadays, the Royal Route is beautifully illuminated to celebrate the Christmas time. I then decided to have a look. I turned out to be true, though it is not easy to take a good overall picture.




When you come closer you can see it better.

As I was already there, I went to see some of the governmental buildings located there, in particular the Chancellery of the Prime Minister of Poland. I followed the sign:

The building of the Chancellery is neoclassical and was built in 1900. It used to be a siege of Cadet Corps. I must admit that I like the style of military buildings a lot.

Then, I followed the way to the Belweder, where the President of the Republic of Poland, resides.

First, I saw the monument of Józef Pilsudski a great marshal and the father of the independence of Poland. He is known for loving Chestnut the horse that served with him in the army. My father always told me that she was some great-great aunt of mine.

The Belweder building is not very big but I think it looks really nice, no surprise the president wanted to make it his official residence. 

Unfortunately, because of this, you can only see it through the fence.