10,000 Hong Kong tourists explore Poland each year

The estimated 10,000 Hong Kong tourists who explore Poland each year are inevitably confused by the historic Old Town of Warsaw. In some ways it appears old, but in others not.

The capital owes its unique discrepancy to World War II. Warsaw was one of central Europe's most beautiful and sophisticated cities until it was almost destroyed during the war.

The Old Town was nothing but a heap of rubble. All that remained of its famous square were the walls of two houses.

But a monumental reconstruction effort between 1949 and 1963 totally re-built the historic centre. Every authentic architectural fragment found among the ruins was incorporated in the restoration.

Today, it is a model restoration, blending the best of Renaissance, Baroque and Gothic architecture, alive with open-air cafes and art stalls.

To appreciate the effort, the Historical Museum of Warsaw occupying the entire northern side of the square features a detailed documentary of the destruction and reconstruction.