I’m not sure if they are mind-blowing but I hope you will find them at least interesting:
- Poland as a part of Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth was the biggest realm in Europe in early 17th century.
- Only 174 years after that glorious time Poland completely disappeared off the world map for 123 years (Partitions of Poland).
- It is said that Poland rescued Europe twice:
- Polish King John III Sobieski led Christian forces against Ottoman Empire and won the Battle of Vienna stopping the expansion of Islam into Europe.
- Poland defeated the Red Army in the Battle of Warsaw (1920), also known as “the miracle on the Vistula”, and stopped the spread of communism.
- Constitution of May 3, 1791 was first modern constitution in Europe and second in the world.
- Białowieża Forest - Europe’s last ancient forest and home to European bison, Europe’s heaviest land animal, is located in Poland.
- The largest castle in the world - Malbork Castle is located in the Polish town of Malbork.
- Masurian Lake District - region in northern Poland famous for its 2,000 lakes is thought to be one of the most beautiful places on Earth and was a finalist of New7Wonders of Nature.
- The world's second-tallest clock tower is in Warsaw, Poland. It's on 237 meters tower of Palace of Culture and Science built in 1955 (the clock itself was installed in 2000).
- Poles are very successful in climbing Eight-thousanders, especially in winter - Poland accomplished 9 out of 13 first winter ascents.
The second person to climb all 14 eight-thousanders was Jerzy Kukuczka (it took him only 7 years and 11 months):
- A grove of oddly-shaped pine trees called Crooked Forest is located in West Pomerania, Poland.
- Świętokrzyskie Mountains, located in central Poland, is one of the oldest mountain ranges in Europe.
- One of the earliest public libraries in the world - Załuski Library was opened in Warsaw (capital of Poland) in 1747.
