Warsaw is where air, rail, and road routes come together in the heart of Poland. It is a survivor, reborn after it was nearly leveled during the Second World War. With five star hotels, elegant restaurants, and a brand new airport, it represents everything that is exciting about modern Poland. Although the Old Market Square was destroyed during the war, it was faithfully rebuilt from old plans. The Old Town, with Barbican fortifications and the remains of defense walls, has retained much of its charm. Today, crowds of visitors flock to its cafes, restaurants, and museums.The reconstructed Royal Castle begins what is known as "the Royal Route".The castle was the residence of Polish kings and the site of the signing of the world's second constitution (after the U.S.) in 1791. Further along the route is the beautiful English-style Lazienki park, with its miniature blakes and palace. Here outdoor Chopin concerts are held in the summer and visitors can take gondola rides on the lakes. The route continuesjust outside the city with Wilanow Palace, the summer residence of King Jan III Sobieski. Its sumptuous l7th century rooms have been well preserved and the English and Italian gardens are elegantly manicured. Downtown Warsaw buzzes with the energy of a city transformed. The Palace of Culture looms over the ide boulevards, offering visitors a scenic view of the city as well as a modern convention center. Around the central rail station rises the Marriott Hotel, the chain's busiest hotel in Europe, and modern skyscrapers. Shoppers are drawn to the fashionable boutiques of ul. Nowy Swiat and Blikle's famous cafe, which has the best donuts in town. Just outside of Warsaw is Chopin's birthplace, Zelazowa Wola. The family home has been turned into a museum and welcomes thousands of visitors each year. Also worth visiting is Lowicz, a popular center