Warsaw

Warsaw is located on the Vistula River about 230 miles from the Baltic Sea. Its mixture of architectural styles reflects the city’s turbulent history. During World War II, Warsaw was razed by the Nazis, resulting in the deaths of around 200,000 civilians. Nowadays, the Old Town has been completely restored, and its fine medieval architecture includes the city walls and the majestic 14th-century St. John’s Cathedral. Many of Warsaw’s museums suffered irreparable damage in the war. However, in July 2004, the Warsaw Uprising Museum opened in the district of Wola. The renowned International Frédéric Chopin Piano Competition takes place in Warsaw every five years and will next be held in 2015.