What to see at the Warsaw Citadel — a guide to the highlights

At the heart of the Warsaw Citadel are four museums of very different character: the Polish History Museum, the Polish Army Museum, the Museum of the Tenth Pavilion and the Katyn Museum. They will fill most of a visit, so it is best to begin by choosing the thread that interests you most.

If you only have time for one museum, do not try to see everything at once - one exhibition seen well gives more than a hurried pass through four. You can always leave the rest for another visit.

The Polish History Museum offers a modern, broad narrative of the nation and its society - a good starting point if you want to set the Citadel in a wider historical context. Free admission applies here on Fridays.

The Polish Army Museum focuses on military history, arms and equipment; it is a strong option for families and anyone interested in technology and the history of weaponry. Free admission falls on Thursdays.

The Museum of the Tenth Pavilion is housed in a former political prison and tells the story of those held there - an intimate, moving exhibition best seen in a calmer part of the day. Free admission applies on Thursdays.

The Katyn Museum is devoted to the memory of the victims of the Katyn massacre and remains free all week. Both touch on difficult subjects, so it is worth approaching them with care and without rushing.

Beyond the museum interiors, the Citadel is also a place of open-air memory. The Execution Gate and the area around the Tenth Pavilion recall the repression and executions of the tsarist era - parts you will not want to hurry through.

It helps to weave them between lighter points of the programme and to leave a moment of quiet for them, rather than treating them as another stop to tick off.

The fortress itself is extensive grounds with gates, ramparts and greenery; the walk between sites can be as interesting as the exhibitions. The adjoining Moat and Slopes park is open and free, so it works well for a rest or a visit with children.

The grounds stay open even when the museums are closed, which gives flexibility - even on a Monday, when most exhibitions are shut, you can come and get to know the layout of the Citadel.

It is most convenient to start with the museum that matters most to you, then move on to the grounds and sites of memory. Distances and the layout are easiest to grasp on the map beforehand, which lets you set a sensible route and avoid extra walking.

If you plan two museums, separate them with a short walk or a break in the park - that rhythm is less tiring and leaves more room for reflection at the parts devoted to remembrance.