As I finish my research on Chopin, which included everything and anything that could even remotely relate to Poland, I’ve made a short list of famous people who are Polish, events which took place in Poland, and have found a few pictures of some beautiful places in that country.

People

Frederic Chopin – Composer (1810 – 1849)
One of the most well known composers, Chopin was born in Poland in 1810, and is credited with over 100 compositions of various styles.

Maria Sklodowska-Curie – Scientist (1867 – 1934)
Thought to be one of the greatest scientist of her time, Maria was awarded 2 different Nobel Prizes for her work in physics and chemistry.

Jan Karski – Diplomat (1914 – 2000)
A member of the Underground Polish Army during World War II, Karski spent much time seeking help from the western countries, including the USA, even meeting with President Roosevelt.

Pope John Paul II – Pope (1920 – 2005)
Ordained as Pope in 1978, Pope John Paul served until his death in 2005.  A total of almost 27 years, one of the longest periods of service in the history of the Catholic Church.

Events

966 – Then Prince Mieszko adopted Christianity.
1476 – Poland is plagued by grasshoppers and widespread famine.
1500-1600 – Considered the “Golden Age” of Poland & Lithuania when political stability, prosperity, and cultural achievement reached their peak.
1939 – Invaded by German forces as World War II began.

Places

Treblinka – A Nazi death camp during WWII, now occupied by a monument to it’s history.

Palace on the Water – Originally built as a private bathing house, in 1764 King Stanislas Poniatowski began remodeling it into the “Palace” it is now known as.  It is surrounded by a beautiful park called Lazienki, (Lazienki means ‘the baths’).