Places to visit in Poland: Chopin's statue, castles, 13th century salt mine

Poland, also called the land of vast fields, has scenic views as well as historic spots where important lessons can be learned.

As seen in JP Soriano's report on "24 Oras," a tourist can begin exploring the capital of Warsaw at Plac Zamkowy or Castle Square.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the square is home to the Royal Castle and Old Town, which were wrecked by World War II and later rebuilt. The castle is now one of the most admired reconstructions in the world.

From Castle Square you can walk the Royal Route, where you can find the Wilanow Palace, where kings and their families lived in the 17th and 18th centuries. When the monarchy ended, the property went to aristocratic families.

Wilanow Palace is also called Polish Versailles and was built in the 17th century for King John III Sobieski. Outside, there is a preserved garden where royal parties and events were held.

A visit to Poland is not complete without listening to the music of Frederic Chopin at the Łazienki Park or the Royal Baths Park. Free piano performances of Chopin's pieces are held at the foot of his statue.

Meanwhile in Southern Poland, another UNESCO World Heritage Site can be found: the Wieliczka Salt Mine in the town of Wieliczka. It first operated in 1295 and continued commercial salt production until the 1990s.

The mine has a depth of 327 meters. One-hundred meters deep is an underground cathedral as the majority of the Polish population is Catholic. The statues, chandeliers, and other décor are all made of salt by miners—everything is edible.

At the altar, there is a blood relic of Saint John Paul II. —Nika Roque/MGP, GMA News