Warsaw is a city often celebrated for its rich culture and beautiful architecture, but its experiences over the past century have tended to make people forget its regal history. Because of that its magnificent palaces are all too often overlooked. These are five of the most impressive. If you’ve booked holiday accommodation in the city, they should be high on your list of things to see.

Ostrogski Palace

One of Tylman van Gameren’s masterpieces, this centrally located building, also known as the Gniski Palace, became home to the Warsaw Academy of Music in 1859 and is now the Chopin Museum. Full of fascinating musical treasures it is said to be guarded by a golden duck, the spirit of a princess.

Mostowski Palace

This handsome 18^th Century building is now home to the Metropolitan Police and is much altered internally, but there?s still much to admire about it from the outside. Its neoclassical architecture is embellished with motifs from Ancient Greek and Roman mythology.

Łazienki Palace

Known as the Palace on the Water, this centrally situated neoclassical building looks stunning reflected in a broad lake and surrounded by extensive gardens. Built by Count Stanisław Herakliusz Lubomirski, it features magnificent murals in its lavishly structured interiors.

Wilanów Palace

Built in the late 17^th Century for King John Sobieski III and later modified by King August II the Strong, this sprawling Baroque structure is now open to the public and incorporates the Polish Portrait Gallery. See spectacular marble floors, glittering chandeliers and masterfully sculpted statues.

The Presidential Palace

This spacious structure, now the President’s official residence, was built in 1640 by Great Crown Hetman Stanisław Koniecpolski and later became one of the first places in which Chopin performed. Guided tours of some of its lower chambers are available but must be booked in advance.