Warsaw, the capital of Poland, is known as the 'Phoenix City' because it has been destroyed and rebuilt several times throughout history. The most significant reconstruction occurred after World War II, during which approximately 85% of the city was deliberately razed to the ground by occupying forces. In an unprecedented act of national pride, the citizens of Warsaw meticulously rebuilt the Old Town using 18th-century paintings by Bernardo Bellotto as a guide. This feat of reconstruction was so accurate and culturally significant that the 'rebuilt' Old Town was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. Today, Warsaw is a bustling metropolis that features a unique mix of medieval replicas, Soviet-era 'Socialist Realism' (like the Palace of Culture and Science), and modern glass skyscrapers. It is the only city in Poland with a metro system and serves as a major center for research, development, and international finance in Eastern Europe.