Wroclaw – a city with centuries-old culture and architecture
On the borders with the Czech Republic and Germany is located the Lower Silesian Voivodeship of Poland. The center of this province is the city of Wroclaw, which is located on the banks of the Odra River.
The first mention of Silesia refers to 98 AD, and the name of the city itself owes its name to the founder of the city to the Czech prince Vratislav. By the end of 990, all of Silesia was conquered by the Polish prince of the Piast Mieszko I. Ten years later, in 1000, the son of Mieszko I, Boleslaw the Brave, together with the Roman emperor Otto III, established a Roman Catholic bishopric in the city. Despite its more ancient existence, it was from that date that the city began to count down its official age.
Most of the architectural monuments and museums of Wroclaw are located in the Old Town and the surrounding area. Also, most of the hotels, cafes, restaurants and various shops are located here.
The heart of the city, like most ancient cities, is the Market Square. All tourist routes start from this square. Around the Market Square housed Gothic churches – of. Mary Magdalene, which houses one of the oldest and most beautiful Romanesque portals of Central Europe, and St.. Elizabeth, who served as the burial place of local nobility.
On the south side of the square you can see the monument to the Polish playwright, author of comedies Alexander Fredro. This monument in 1956 was moved from the city of Lviv. On the same side there is also a fountain in the form of a bear, which is a favorite resting place for children.
Not far from the square is the building of the University of Wroclaw, built in the Baroque style. Here is the University Church nearby. Next, the tourist route runs through the Tumsky and Sandy Islands, where you can see the churches, made in the Gothic style, as well as the main cathedral church.
Tourists need to get acquainted with the unique building, which was built in the early twentieth century – the People’s Hall or the “Hall of the Century”. As an example of architecture, it is listed in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
You should also visit the Schetinsky Park, which houses the only Japanese garden in Europe. Do not miss the opportunity to stroll along the Planty Park in Wroclaw, which stretches along the city moat for 3,860 meters.
On Saturdays and Sundays from the Theater Square you can go on a jaunt on the tram cafe “Baba Yaga”, and after the walk you can take a photo at the pillory, which dates from the XIV century.
Anyone who has good health can climb the viewing platform along the 300 steps of the belfry of the church of St. Elizabeth For older tourists in the cathedral there is an elevator that goes to the observation deck, located at an altitude of 60 meters.
Next to Wroclaw is the village of Vojnovice, where you can see Europe’s only miniature gothic “castle on the water”. Also visit the largest castle in Lower Silesia, Ksenj, which is located near the town of Walbrzych. The castle has 400 rooms. It was built in the XIII century. In terms of size, it is second only to the Royal Wawel in Krakow and Malbork in Gdansk. Ksenj Castle is surrounded by twelve garden terraces with fountains. In the summer, flower shows are often held here. Those of tourists who want to feel like gold miners can go to Zlotoria, which is an hour’s drive from Wroclaw. Here you can take part in competitions for washing gold on the river Kaczawa.
There are many different museums in Wroclaw, but the most important is the national museum, which houses rich collections of works of art. Also here is the famous Raclawice Panorama. This panorama reflects the battle in which Polish troops under the command of Tadeusz Kosciuszko defeated the tsarist troops. It is one of the largest panoramas, and its length is 120 meters and its height is 5 meters.
Wroclaw is also interesting for its cultural traditions. The city has its own opera house, operetta and many theaters. The city constantly hosts various contests and festivals such as “Vratislavia Kantans”, the jazz festival “Jazz over Odra”, the festival of Viennese music, the competition of the sea song and folk music “Shanty in Wroclaw”.
In addition, tourists can buy here a variety of silver jewelry with precious and semi-precious stones. You can also buy original art glass and ceramics from Boleslawiec, which is called the “Lower Silesian forfor”, as well as a large number of various souvenirs.
