Parts of Italy, Kosovo, Nth Macedonia, Greece, Albania, Poland and Germany.

[VPS]

Ahh some of those photos are beautiful. So many places and so little time

 

[RB]

Ahh some of those photos are beautiful. So many places and so little time

Yes saw some great spots & know there are plenty we haven't seen. Enjoying being home but also looking forward to another trip somewhere

 

[Cossie]

I did want to try for Albania, etc, next year, but this thread has made me seriously think about Poland, the boss has some history there, although her father was German, her surname is very Polish.....
Now if I can just fit it in with a rally!

Thanks again, for a great TR.

 

[RB]

I did want to try for Albania, etc, next year, but this thread has made me seriously think about Poland, the boss has some history there, although her father was German, her surname is very Polish.....
Now if I can justbfit it in with a rally!

Thanks again, for a great TR.

As mentioned it was 25 yrs since our other visit & we were super impressed by Poland. Excellent transport for us, quality stays, good food choices and nice people offering good service. We thought the people were generally a bit reserved at first but then good once engaged. Mind you we also had a great time in the parts of Albania we saw.

 

[RB]

Wroclaw to Swindica
A bit over an hour on a full suburban train with minimal legroom and it seemed not many tourists were venturing here. More of the same rich rural scenery along the way, with the agriculture, level crossings etc. but we did see some distant mountains to the south east (Czech). We briefly passed what I understand to be a railway museum. We were off at the end station then an easy 5-10 minute walk to our apartment.


Apartment No.5 City Centre Swindica

Apartament No. 5 City Center, Świdnica (updated prices 2025)

A great 2 night stay in a quality apartment with excellent communication by the owner, features as described and all facilities working as expected. A superb location with easy access to all the sites we were seeking and a short walk to an excellent restaurant. Excellent & highly recommended.










Complimentary wine










Views- no traffic noise inside the apartment

 

[RB]

Around Swindica

Świdnica - Wikiwand

Not much on the agenda here for our 2 night stay but the Church of Peace (UNESCO listed) was a priority and it’s nice to spend a couple of nights in a real Polish town that hasn’t changed for the tourists. It seemed there were not many tourists & most of those seemed to be on day tours. Swindica was first mentioned in the 11th Century as an important trade centre. There have been a few changes of occupation - Bohemia, Hungary, Hapsburgs, Prussia & after WW2 back to Poland.

The Church of Peace (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) rates right up there & is a must do if visiting. It was allowed to be built outside the city walls with no steeple or bell tower so it didn’t resemble a church from the outside - but on the inside it held 7,500 Protestants and it's magnificent. It also had to be made of only wood, sand, straw and clay (assuming it wouldn't stay up long).

We received a printed guide on entry that certainly helped take in some detail. It is the biggest wooden church in Europe but we were confined to the base level as ongoing maintenance takes place. Some amazing wall & roof paintings, excellent high altar, galleries, nave, special boxes for the elite, amazing organ- in summary a sensory overload.

Within the area there is a German cemetery, the bell ringers house, the bell tower (heard a very unique and beautiful ring while there) a former school, and a watchman’s cottage.

First stop of the day but almost forgotten after visiting the Church Of Peace






Now a gallery but formerly the Hodge House


Bell Tower


Plan of the site


Some external views




Now inside

 

[RB]

More of Church of Peace
















I thought to photograph the info brochure (limited English versions) that were returned on exit.- unfortunately 1 page out of focus!

 

[RB]

Last of the Church of Peace




Very difficult to get photos of the rambling cemetry with all the shade


Another side










Below link should play an aerial video of the church
Church of Peace in Świdnica. Poland, Świdnica