Lazienki Park, Warsaw

Lazienki is a beautiful park/museum located in Warsaw. It was created in 1764 when the last King of Poland, Stanislaus Augustus Poniatowski, commissioned painters and architects to create a summer residence for him.

Palace on the water originates from 1689 and it was initially intended to be a bathhouse (lazienka means bath in Polish) for Stanislaw Lubomirski, a military commander, who owned a nearby castle.
The King decided to convert it into his private quarters. the palace is a crown jewel of polish neoclassical architecture.

In 1944 the Germans drilled thousands of holes into the walls with intentions of filling them up with dynamite. They never carried out the plan to destroy the palace.

The Greek - inspired Amphitheater - a site for concerts and performances during the summer.

Old Orangery - this is one of very few 18th century court theaters remaining in the world.

If it is warm outside, people will line up for good ice cream. This place in the park is always very popular.

Peacocks are a huge presence in the Lazienki Park, if you are lucky, the tail will be open.

Another very popular activity at the park is feeding the squirrels. Yes, they are red in Poland! On the weekends, you can spot families with small kids holding their hands out with small nuts and yelling "Basia, Basia!".

The park is a beautiful oasis in the middle of a busy city. It is peaceful, fragrant and quiet.

A stunningly undisturbed meadow.

If I could, I would have set up a tent to sleep next to these lilacs. They were massive and the scent was intoxicating.

Lazienki Park is open daily until dusk.

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