It was a gift that nobody wanted. For decades it was hated because it was the symbol of Soviet domination of the country.

. Despite the recent addition of modern skyscrapers nearby, it still dominates the city skyline. Its outline can be seen from 15km (nine miles) away.

16 Russians died during construction

When communism collapsed in 1989, many Varsovians thought the palace should too. In fact, many of the capital's younger residents - too young to remember communism - actually like it.