Like most of Warsaw’s best and original architecture, the Teatr Wielki (Grand Theatre) was virtually flattened during WWII. It’s since been rebuilt and fortunately for purists the striking facade managed to survive the shells, providing a solid stone link to Poland’s pre-war cultural heritage—even if said heritage arrived courtesy of an Italian art form and a Tuscan architect, but that’s just nitpicking.

After its completion in 1833 the Poles embraced the Grand Theatre as well as the import of opera and ballet from Italy. Aside from war and a twenty year hiatus for renovation, it’s perennially been business as usual for this stunning institution, staging some of Warsaw’s most refined opera, ballet and drama.