Roads, travelling and communication in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth in the 18th century. Russian and West European visitors’ perspective

ENThe article presents the technical condition of roads, waterways, bridges, levees and other engineering structures in Poland based on accounts of visitors from Russia and other foreign countries. It discusses land and water means of transport were discussed along with the quality of service offered by Polish and Lithuanian inns which were valued very poorly by all foreigners. In the 18th century, travelling and communication in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth was a truly fascinating issue. Both Russian and West European visitors saw the country as full of paradoxes, andencountered many obstacles during their journeys. The dramatically bad condition of roads, terrible inns, and poverty of the peasants contrasted with the ostentatious lavishness of travelling Polish and Lithuanian aristocrats. However, the roads were surprisingly safe and the postal service was extraordinarily efficient and swift even during wartime, going beyond contemporary standards by means of ensuring confidentiality of sent documents. In the 18th century, thanks to the expansion of the system of postal station, travelling around Poland and Lithuania became not only more comfortable, but also much faster. It was possible to make 60-100 km per day. However, transport of goods or marching the army was very troublesome, as then the average pace was approx. 10, max. 15 km per day.