Warsaw Arsenal, Royal fortress in Old Town, Poland
The Warsaw Arsenal is a two-story early Baroque building with a large internal courtyard and arched galleries running along both sides. Its thick walls and symmetrical layout reflect its original purpose as a military installation.
King Władysław IV ordered construction of this military fortress in 1638 to support artillery development in Poland. After its completion in 1643, it served for centuries as a center for weapons production and storage.
The Warsaw Arsenal houses the State Archaeological Museum, presenting extensive collections of artifacts from prehistoric times through the Middle Ages.
The building sits at 52 Długa Street near Ratusz Arsenał metro station, making it straightforward to reach by public transport. Visitors should check current conditions before arriving, as interior access may vary depending on exhibitions.
The building was defended by resistance fighters for 18 days during the 1944 Warsaw Uprising before German forces burned it. This episode ranks among the fiercest battles fought in the Old Town during that time.
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