With manicured lawns, lush flowerbeds and exquisite sculptures, the elegant and well-kept Saxon Gardens are among the finest green spaces in the city. Once a royal playground, this city centre park is now a tranquil rest stop, popular with dog walkers, families and strollers.
Amble around the park and ponder its history. This site was originally chosen by King Augustus II Mocny for his royal gardens, before opening as a public space in the 18th century. These gardens were once part of the “Saxon Axis,” a series of parks on the outskirts of the old city.
Join locals in enjoying the park’s pleasant formal surrounds. Stroll along the handsome chestnut tree-lined avenues and admire the detailed Baroque-era sculptures. These depict allegorical figures representing the Virtues, Sciences and Elements. The park’s centerpiece is the huge Marconi Fountain, an elegant 19th-century addition. Show the kids the large sundial found near the fountain and let them burn off excess energy on the park’s play equipment. Bring along a picnic to eat in the grounds or simply lie out on the grass.
Before the destruction wrought by World War II, the cityscape around Saxon Gardens, and indeed the whole of Warsaw, looked very different. Pay your respects to fallen soldiers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a monument to all the Polish lives lost in war. Found at the edge of the park, this memorial is sheltered under the only remaining arches of the once-magnificent Saxon Palace, another casualty of World War II. In place of the palace is Piłsudski Square, a central plaza where crowds gather for protests, marches and events.
Come back to the gardens after dark when the floodlit walkways are perfect for a romantic evening saunter. The Saxon Gardens are located in the centre of Warsaw near the Królewska tram stop. Combine a visit here with a trip to nearby historical sites, such as the University of Warsaw.
