King Sigismund III Vasa Column And Tenements In Warsaw’s Old Town, Poland. Editorial Image

The Warsaw's Old Town was established in the 13th century. The town originally grew up around the Castle of the Dukes of Mazovia that later became the Royal Castle. It is the oldest historical district of the capital of Poland. During the German invasion of Poland in September 1939 much of the district was badly damaged by the Luftwaffe which targeted the city's residential areas and historic landmarks in a campaign of terror bombing. During the Warsaw Uprising in August-October 1944 intense street fightings between German army and Polish underground forces - the Home Army - took place. About 90% of the Old Town buildings were destroyed. Remains of the tenements were systematically blown up by the German troops after the Upraising.