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Interesting Facts About Poland

Richa Deokar
A country that shares its borders with seven others, Poland is diverse in nature with deserts, lakes, forests, mountains and beaches all under its umbrella. Here are some interesting facts about the 9th largest country in Europe.
Europe's second-oldest restaurant is located in Poland.
Serving since 1273, Piwnica Swidnicka in Wroclaw is Poland's oldest and Europe's second-oldest restaurant. It has and to this day caters to millions of food-lovers.
Jesus Christ stands the tallest in the most religious country in the world.
The city of Swiebodzin boasts of the tallest statue of Christ in the world. Erected in 2010, the statue stands 33 meters (108 ft) high, owing to the belief that Christ was 33 years old at the time of his death.
Education has been a major part of the country's history.
Founded in 1364 by Casimir III The Great, Jagiellonian University in Krakow enjoys the reputation of being one of  the oldest running universities in the entire world.
It houses Poland's largest library and has to its credit some great alumni like Nicolaus Copernicus, President of Poland Andrzej Duda among a few others.
Wieliczka and Bochnia Salt Mines are among the world's oldest.
Before halting operations in 1990 and 2007, Weiliczka and Bochnia Salt Mines were part of the Royal Mining Company since their establishment between the 12th and 13th centuries.
While the mines may not be digging salt anymore, they certainly extend themselves to tourists. To top it all, the mines are also on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list.
Poland has the largest castle in the world, Malbork Castle.
Freed from German shackles in 1945 after 170 years of rule, Castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork is the largest castle in the world measured by land width.
Built in the 13th century, the medieval castle is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Get rewarded for 50 years of marriage.
In a very rare practice, if you live in Poland and have been in marital bliss for 50 years, the government takes notice and honors the couple with a Presidential Medal.
Dubbing is a one-man show.
As weird as it may sound, TV shows in Poland are dubbed by one man. The same man extends a voice over for parts of men, women and children in the same breath. Next time you happen to stumble upon Polish movies or series, do not forget to thank us for giving a heads up.
Happy Name Day to you!
Cultures around the world are mesmerizing on so many levels because every celebration is authentic. Name Day is one such occasion that holds importance in the hearts of Poles.
One day is allotted to every name, and individuals of the specified name get together with family and friends to celebrate.
And the Phoenix rose again...
Known as 'Phoenix City' and 'Paris of the North', Warsaw is the capital of Poland.
Emerging from a tumultous past, bearing the brunt of German invasion in 1939 and the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising in 1943, the city rebuilt itself literally from ashes. Along with a few others sites, Warsaw also made it to the UNESCO's Heritage Sites list in 1980.
The bridge where it all began.
On the morning of 1st September, 1939, the small town of Tczew witnessed the beginning of World War II. This incident makes the Tczew Bridge of utmost importance in the history of Europe.
Situated along the Wisla River, which served as one of the main routes between Germany and Russia, the bridge faced complete destruction and was rebuilt in the later years.
Where the world looks upside-down.
Turned upside-down and tilted (not literally) in 2007, the house in Szymbark is a peculiar attraction which was built to symbolize the reversal and the end of Communism in Poland. It attaches itself with a political message.
Rock 'n' Roll, anyone?
With over half a million attendees since 1995, the Pol'and'Rock Festival is Europe's biggest open-air and free music festival and a truly delightful. It usually takes place at the fag end of July or beginning of August every year.