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The beautiful Polish city has long been deprived of the attention of tourists — preference was given to Krakow and Warsaw. But in 2016, Wroclaw deservedly became the European capital of culture, and travelers began to come here. Elements of the national culture of Austria, Prussia and Poland, which dominated the city at different times and had a considerable influence on its appearance, were mixed here.
Who and why should visit Wroclaw
This city will be of interest not only to connoisseurs of antiquity and fancy buildings. Wroclaw, which at various times was under the jurisdiction of Austria, Prussia and Poland, has accumulated a unique heritage. Literature, music and painting of different peoples were mixed, reborn into completely new directions and trends. Probably, in no other city in Europe there are such museums, galleries and forums that lovers of beauty and art visit endlessly.
Families with preschool children go to Koleikovo, the zoo, get acquainted with Yas and Malgosya, as well as gnomes — the heroes of Polish fairy tales. Schoolchildren and young people will enjoy the light show, the local university and Hydropolis.
Historical landmarks and architecture
Town Hall and Market Square
The square was founded in the Middle Ages by King Henry I. At the same time, on his orders, they began to build commercial buildings and structures on it. The first shops appeared here at the initiative of the monarch. During the era of mechanization, electric trams began to run along the Market Square.
The ancient buildings were gradually renovated, and mass restoration began after the Second World War, when some of the buildings were destroyed. Many architectural monuments located here are vivid examples of baroque and classicism styles.
The central attraction of the square is the city hall, which was built over several centuries. Initially, it served as a trading place, then court sessions and administrative events were held in it. Today, one of the branches of the Wrocław Museum of Philistine Art works inside.
Centenary Hall
The complex was built by a German architect in honor of the centenary of the Battle of Leipzig. The sports arena was once considered one of the largest among its kind. Externally, the building resembles the Capitol — its reinforced concrete structures are topped with a dome.
At the same time, up to 9,000 people were accommodated in the halls of the complex. Immediately after the construction of the Centenary Hall, an organ was installed in it. The crown prince of Prussia attended the opening of this magnificent structure.
Houses of Yas and Malgos
Both houses are located in the far corner of the Market Square. In the Middle Ages, these buildings were inhabited by people who worked in the church as bell-ringers, undertakers and servants. And now tourists come here to see the workshop and exhibition hall of the artist Get-Stankevich.
Yas and Malgosya are the only surviving architectural monuments of that time. They are connected to each other by an arch through which you can enter the courtyard, where the cemetery used to be. To date, it has not survived. All that remains of him is a mention at the top of the arched passage: «Death is the gate of life.»
sky tower
The skyscraper is considered the tallest in the city and the third in all of Poland. It was built over several years — all construction work was completed only in 2012. Today, the tower reaches a height of just over 200 meters, given the small spire.
Initially, the architects planned to reach almost 300 meters in height, but later the task was adjusted. «Sky Tower» is a residential complex in which there are ordinary apartments, shops, office and technical premises.
Wroclaw water tower
The unusual clinker brick building is made in a mixed style (modern, neo-romantic, plus neo-gothic) and topped with a hipped roof. The building reaches a height of 63 meters, and inside it operates an electric elevator. At one time, he was considered a real know-how.
The sculptors tried to decorate the tower with all sorts of elements borrowed from the bestiary — fantastic creatures made of sandstone. Previously, employees’ apartments were located on the first two floors of the tower, and a fountain functioned in the courtyard.
old city jail
The square building was built at the intersection of Prison and Nozhovnichy streets in the 14th century. In the 17th century, a chapel was added to it, which has not survived to this day.
The most dangerous recidivists were kept in the basement of the prison, who were awaiting the death penalty. There was also a torture chamber on the territory of the building — in the eastern part of the dungeon. Today, on the site of the prison there is a pub, in the courtyard of which there is a summer cafe.
Grunwald Bridge
The bridge over the Oder is 112 meters long and 18 meters wide. It was built at the beginning of the 20th century using steel structures, bricks and granite. R. Plyudeman was engaged in the planning of the architectural structure.
The bridge connects two parts of Wroclaw — the northeastern districts with the city center. The first name of the Grunwald Bridge is Imperial, since Wilhelm II himself was present at its opening.
Entertainment and parks
Koleikovo
This 430-meter railway model runs 15 trains with several dozen cars. The creators made sure that «life» in this impromptu Silesia looked as realistic as possible. In front of the audience in Koleikowo, everyday scenes and everyday worries of ordinary residents of Wroclaw unfold.
Aquapark Wroclaw
In the cold season in Poland there is where to swim. One of the best water parks in the country is located in Wroclaw. For the convenience of visitors, it has special ramps and separate areas for small children. There are cafes and shops in the water park. You can swim in the pools with «geysers», «rivers» or even the «sea», as well as visit the sauna or soak in the Jacuzzi.
There are artificial reservoirs both in the closed pavilion and in the open air. Near each pool there are sunbeds, where in summer you can sunbathe and admire the city views.
Shopping mall on Peschanaya street
Adherents of gastronomic tours first of all follow in Wroclaw exactly here, on Sandy Street. The building of the shopping complex was built by German architects, and its interior decoration is more like a palace.
Numerous boutiques, food stalls, cafes and small shops are located on vast areas. The complex is located in the old part of the city near the center, so it is simply impossible to pass by it.
Szczytnicky park
It is located in the city district of the same name, where the purchase of real estate is considered a profitable enterprise. Today the Szczytnikov Park is the largest in Wrocław. Locals have long chosen it for walking.
At the end of the 18th century, an English-style garden was laid out on this site. In those days, prestigious events and horse races were held here. Now more than 450 species of trees and shrubs grow on the territory of the forest park zone.
Japanese garden
The real oasis of Shchitinsky Park is the Japanese Garden. It became an exhibition composition within the framework of the festival of Asian landscapes. Much has been preserved in it since its opening in 1913. Today, in the restored garden, you can see elements of Japanese architecture, well-groomed ponds and broken flower beds with perennial exotic plants.
hydropolis
The entertainment complex for children and adults is crammed with interactive equipment, thanks to which you can learn a lot about the water world. The discovery of Hydropolis happened only a few years ago. Previously, on the site of the current building, there was a 19th-century underground reservoir that provided the city with drinking water.
The area of the complex is divided into several thematic zones. Inspection of the expositions does not take much time — two hours will be enough.
Zoo
One of the oldest zoos in Poland was opened in the middle of the 19th century. Today, its territory has expanded significantly and is 30 hectares. More than 800 species of animals live in the menagerie.
The opening of the zoo was connected with the order of the mayor of the city Y. Elvanzher, who personally raised funds for the construction of enclosures. And already in the 2000s, an oceanarium appeared on the territory of the park, where visitors can admire 100 species of marine life.
Musical fountain
One of the main attractions not only of Wroclaw, but of the whole of Poland is located next to the Centenary Hall. Previously, this place was an artificial reservoir with a pergola. The fountain functions only in the warm season, and in the evening it is beautifully illuminated. From time to time, musical shows are arranged here.
religious buildings
Cathedral of Saint Mary Magdalene
Another shrine of Wroclaw, which has become truly legendary. The temple was built on the site of a destroyed church in the 11th century. In the original version, of course, it did not reach our time — its walls remember both the invasion of the Mongol-Tatars and the destructive actions of the German army during the Second World War.
The temple is made in the Gothic style, and the Romanesque portal, which was built in the 12th century, is considered a feature of its interior.
Church of St. Elizabeth
It is considered one of the most recognizable sights of Wroclaw. The church was built back in the Middle Ages — now it is located on the central square of the city next to the houses of Yas and Malgos. In the 13th century, the cathedral was considered the tallest building in Poland — the height of its spire reached 130 meters. Alas, after a devastating hurricane, it was partially lost.
Synagogue «Under the white stork»
The only synagogue in Wroclaw that survived the Holocaust is the cultural center of the Jewish community. It was built in the 19th century, and re-consecrated in our time.
In different years, after the persecution of the Jews, the building was used as a university library and a music academy. In the 90s, a private company bought the building from the state and returned it to the status of a religious one. True, by that time only a wooden arched frame remained from the once rich decoration of the synagogue.
Cathedral of John the Baptist
The main decoration of Tumsky Island is the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. This is the oldest building that was built in the early Middle Ages. It was this fact that served as the widespread spread of Catholicism in Wroclaw.
The red-brick gothic temple was consecrated by the first Bishop John Thurzo and faces west, which should symbolize Poland’s orientation towards Europe. The priest also created a sacristy in the cathedral, which is now the main relic of the church.
Cultural attractions
Royal Palace
The Viennese-style palace was built by order of an Austrian baron in the 18th century. After the city became part of Prussia, the building was chosen by King Frederick the Great. Under him, the palace became a residence. It was already passed on to subsequent Prussian rulers by inheritance.
Today, the building houses a museum dedicated to the years of the reign of Frederick the Great. The exposition is located in two separate areas. On the right are exhibited archaeological finds, on the left — ethnographic relics.
Wroclaw Opera
The theater was built in the 19th century and designed by K. F. Langgans. According to his idea, the opera house was to be made in the traditional classical style. Immediately after the opening, serious performances began to be staged on the stage, and a little later, opera works.
Many eminent stage directors worked for the Polish opera. The walls of the building heard the music of Wagner, Paganini, Strauss, Liszt and other famous composers.
National Music Forum
This building was designed by one of the most prestigious studios in Poland. Outwardly, it is an example of a modernist style and resembles a trapezoid in shape. It was made without pompous decorations and frills — in the way that befits the building of a classical philharmonic society.
Inside, the space is divided into several halls: four large and three chamber ones. There are dressing rooms, auditoriums for rehearsals, office space for management and a recording studio.
National Museum
The building was designed by a German architect, so its Gothic facade is, in fact, the cultural heritage of Germany. Most of the excursions that are carried out in Wroclaw begin with a visit to the National Museum.
Its main exhibits are sculptures and paintings of Silesia. Unfortunately, during the Second World War, a huge part of the collection was lost and looted by looters.
Wroclaw University
One of the oldest and most revered educational institutions in Poland was founded at the beginning of the 18th century on the initiative of the Jesuit Order of the Catholic Church. Initially, it had only two faculties, which trained theologians and philosophers. Today students can choose any of 12 directions.
The Wroclaw University Library boasts valuable manuscripts, manuscripts and books that were written back in the Middle Ages.
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