Taking the war out of Warsaw: Polish capital has lessons for post-war cities and devastated communities in Ukraine and Gaza too

Warsaw's Old Town was faithfully created as a matter of cultural pride: who'll pay for other ravaged cities to rise again?

Warsaw's old(ish) Old Town with a rising new metropolis in the background, compete with  skyscraper-filled skyline. Image:  Polish Tourism Organisation

AS WAR and natural disasters ravage so many parts of the world, a visit to the Polish capital of Warsaw gives some hope for the future rebuilding, restoration of beauty and of living cities once more following wars.

Phoenix-like Polish capital Warsaw's old town (left) and palace (right) were  entirely rebuilt in the 1950s and '60s. Hard to tell they're not the 17th and 18th century originals. Image:  Polish Tourism Organisation