Former Jewish District: the districts of Mirow and Muranow housed the Jewish ghettos established by occupying Nazis during WWII. Most of the city's Jews were forced to live here, and the residents were eventually killed and the buildings demolished in 1943. A route memorialising the history and events of the period has been established and tours are also available. The memorial route starts at the Monument to the Heroes of the Ghetto, and along the way you’ll find 16 black granite blocks as markers commemorating the events that occurred and the people involved. As you wander through the gardens you’ll see several neo-classical buildings, including: an Egyptian temple and a number of pavilions along with an orchard of orange trees; and the Palace on the Water – which was the king’s residence. During the summertime, theatrical performances are staged in the amphitheatre. Old Town Market Square (Rynek Starego Miasta): is in the heart of Warsaw’s old town. For centuries, the square was used for fairs, market days – and also occasional hangings. Many buildings around the square were levelled in WWII but restoration efforts have brought the area back to how it appeared in the 17th century. Palace of Culture and Science: built in the early 1950s, this 42-storey skyscraper is still Warsaw’s tallest building. It was a gift from the Soviet Union to the Polish people, and is the most recognisable of the city’s landmarks. A viewing terrace is available on the building’s 30th floor, which can be reached by a high-speed lift. Royal Castle: this castle, built in Gothic style, dates from the 13th and 14th centuries, when it belonged to the Mazovian dukes. It has, over time, served as the residence for kings and has housed offices of state. Not long after it was built, the castle was enlarged; and by the 17th century, it had been converted into a private home. Wilanow Palace: was at one time the summer residence for King John III Sobieski. It was seriously damaged in WWII, and eventually rebuilt. This palace is one of Poland’s loveliest examples of Baroque architecture and houses memorabilia of the Sobieski family, such as furniture, a portrait gallery and collections of china from the 16th through 19th centuries. | 
