A relaxing park close to the old town (Krasinski Garden (Warsaw, Poland))

Member Name: dangaroo

Product:	Krasinski Garden (Warsaw, Poland)
Date:	16/05/09 (23 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Good for kids and a place to rest, good location

Disadvantages: The palace is often being renovated

Ogrod Krasinskich which translates to Krasinskich Gardens is a colourful (at least out of winter) park close to the centre of Warsaw. It is in the Muranow district and can easily be walked to from most of the city, the closest Metro station is Metro Ratusz-Arsenal. This was originally made in the 1600's for the Vovoid of Plock and for many years it was Warsaw's largest park before being outdone by its neighbour Ogrod Saski.

Numerous old and rare trees there have entered the record books, they tower above the rest of the park creating a nice bit of shade on hot days. Despite being close to the former Jewish Ghetto, the park was never part of it - that is not to say it's not popular with the Israeli tourists though.

Like the rest of Warsaw, this park also became a battle ground during the war and was in fact increased in size due to buildings being destroyed. Today there is the odd statue dedicated to the war but it is largely the Krasinskich Palace or the duck pond which seems to draw the attention of tourists. An old cobbled road with a tram track left is the only remnant (apart from the palace and wildlife) from pre-war days. There is also a pleasant little waterfall and stream running from a hilly part of the park and plenty of benches throughout the park as well as natural springs.

Today it is a much more tranquil place, a favourite destination of my dog who thinks he owns the park! This park is never particularly busy, except for on weekends when the child's playground is teeming with youthful activity! En-route between Stare Miasto (Old Town) and the former Jewish ghetto, this park is definitely the best way to wander between the two.

The palace is featured in the Venitian artist Bernardo Bellotto's work but despite ongoing sprucing up, it still looks a little bit run down for such a magnificent structure today and may have scaffolding on when you visit!

Summary: Well worth a visit