Royal Route

The Royal Route (Trakt Królewski) starts by Castle Square and runs along Krakowskie Przedmieście and Nowy Świat. These thoroughfares were originally developed in the late Middle Ages. Their rural setting, adjacent to the banks of the River Vistula, attracted Warsaw's wealthiest citizens, who built summer residences that were surrounded by gardens. Religious orders also established monasteries here. Although the area suffered enormously during the Swedish invasion (1655), it was soon rebuilt. Krakowskie Przedmieście now features many buildings from the 17th and 18th centuries, particularly churches and palaces. The route extends into Nowy Świat (literally "New World"), which has buildings that are predominantly Neo-Classical in style. These include town houses and palaces, together with exclusive cafes, restaurants, shops and fashionable boutiques.

excerpt from
Eyewitness Travel Guide Warsaw

13 - 14 May 2000