The Capital City Warszawa was granted city rights in 1323. Situated on the Vistula River, Warsaw began as a fortified fishing village that led to a Catholic Masovian Duchy and then fought over for centuries by every culture and kingdom around it. Lying between the two established powerhouses of Krakow and Vilnius, the city became the capital of the region in the 1500s. Architecturally influenced by Italians, Germans, French, war/tragic destruction and the Soviets, the city is a rich study in urban planning. The former influence is markedly shown on this cover’s pattern. A spiraling motif of gothic arcs surrounds an inwardly directed polar array of darts. An added coat of arms lies in the center and the city name, manufacturer and modified cover specifications run the perimeter at the thirds.