Warsaw Lecture Notes

Overview

• Warsaw, officially the Capital City of Warsaw, is the capital and largest city of Poland.
• Located on the River Vistula in east-central Poland.
• Estimated population: 1.86 million residents in the city, 3.27 million in the metropolitan area.
• 6th most-populous city in the European Union.
• Classified as an alpha global city and Poland's major political, economic, and cultural hub.
• Capital of the Masovian Voivodeship.

Historical Background

• Originated as a small fishing town in Masovia.
• Became Poland's most populous city by the 18th century.
• Served as the de facto capital of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth until 1795.
• Annexed by Prussia in 1795 during the partitions of Poland.
• Became the capital of the Duchy of Warsaw under Napoleon.
• Suffered significant destruction during WWII, including the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising and Warsaw Uprising.

Post-War Reconstruction

• After WWII, major reconstruction efforts began.
• Plattenbau-styled housing projects were developed to address housing shortages.
• Warsaw resumed its role as Poland’s capital and a center of political and economic life.

Government and Administration

• Warsaw operates under a mayor-council government.
• Current city mayor: Rafał Trzaskowski.
• Divided into 18 districts, each with a degree of autonomy.

Economic and Cultural Significance

• Economic center with a stock exchange, the largest in Central and Eastern Europe.
• Hosts various international organizations like Frontex and ODIHR.
• Significant educational institutions, such as the University of Warsaw and Warsaw University of Technology.
• Cultural landmarks include the rebuilt Old Town, Royal Castle, and many museums.

Transportation

• Served by three international airports: Warsaw Chopin, Warsaw Modlin, and Warsaw Radom Airport.
• Public transport includes the Warsaw Metro, buses, and an extensive tram network.

Climate

• Experiences an oceanic or humid continental climate.
• Cold, snowy winters and warm, stormy summers.

Demographics

• Diverse city with a significant number of foreign-born residents.
• Historical population was heavily Jewish before WWII.

Notable Landmarks

• Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Royal Route and Wilanów Palace.
• Numerous parks and green spaces, covering about a quarter of the city.

Events and Festivals

• Hosts music and cultural festivals such as the International Frédéric Chopin Piano Competition and Warsaw Film Festival.

Sister Cities

• Among others, twinned with Berlin, Chicago, Kyiv, and Tel Aviv.

Conclusion

Warsaw stands as a vibrant city with a complex history and a thriving cultural and economic scene, continuing to develop its infrastructure and international relationships.