Varsavia, Polonia

Warsaw is a young city with a centuries-old history. Much of the Polish capital was rebuilt after World War II. Today this alpha city of skyscrapers and multinational corporations plays a key role in global economics.

It’s also a place of green spaces. Twenty-five percent of Warsaw is given over to parks, flowering courtyards, squares and gardens. Theater and music are particular points of cultural pride. The composer Frederic Chopin was a native son of Warsaw, and strains of classical music can be heard in concerts virtually every day of the week.

Śródmieście is the city center and the site of many of Warsaw’s most important museums and monuments. Within the district is Old Town featuring Europe’s largest medieval square. Despite its name even Old Town is less than 70 years old. More than 85 percent of Warsaw’s historic center was destroyed by Nazi troops. National landmarks such as the Royal Castle, the one-time seat of the Polish monarchs built in the 14^th century, and Sigismud’s Column were recreated after the war over a five-year span. Reproductions of original gothic, renaissance, baroque and neoclassical buildings now stand along Communist-era social realist and 21^st century modern architecture.

Real estate in Central Warsaw primarily consists of apartments and semi-detached homes.  Varsovians--as the local residents are called--who prefer larger homes and more acreage find it in the city’s outer districts such as Mokotów and Wilanow, both affluent areas that are also popular with international buyers. 

Mokotów is situated on left bank of the Vistula River. An area of old villas, luxury apartments and embassies, it is also home to many ambassadors and members of foreign delegations. International schools, easy access to mass transit and a suburban feel make the neighborhood especially attractive to young families. Wilanów is another highly sought-after area. Politicians, diplomats and artists are drawn to its pretty and tranquil setting.