ONE OF THE OLDEST AND MOST BEAUTIFUL CITIES IN POLAND
a dynamic centre of culture
'THE CITY THAT UNITES'
Wroclaw is the meeting place, the city that unites”. This is how Pope John Paul II described Wroclaw during his visit to our city in 1997. Wroclaw is over 1000 years old. In medieval times royalty met here and important trading routes crossed.
The power and influence of the city has grown over the centuries. Regardless of the changes in ruling dynasties and borders, it remains the capitol city of the Silesian region to this day. (more info)
'THE MEETING PLACE'
The origin of the city’s name remains unclear. One of the theories claims it comes from the Bohemian duke Vratislav I, legendary founder of the city who died in 921. Over the centuries the name of the city has been written in many different ways - Wrotizlava, Wrotislavia and finally Breslau until the end of WWII.
For non-Polish speakers, the pronunciation of ‘Wroclaw’ is without doubt the biggest language challenge. ‘Wroclove’ is the friendliest option for tourists visiting Wroclaw from all over the world ?. In 2018, Wroclaw was ranked as the ‘Best European Destination’.
One of the most interesting places and areas of Wroclaw is in fact the oldest part of the city – the Cathedral Island. This is the place where you can see the pearls of Gothic and baroque architecture, the Cathedral of John the Baptist and the Church of the Holy Cross.
In this part of the city you can also meet the Lamplighter and see a copy of the Turin Shroud. You can also listen to the story of Casanova’s visit to the city and find yourself wandering over the ‘Lovers bridge’, known also by its real name of Tumski Bridge.
The most interesting and visited place in the city, by both locals and tourists, is the Main Square or ‘Rynek’. This is one of the biggest and oldest main squares in Europe with picturesque tenement houses and the magnificent old Town Hall. In the heart of the city you also can find the Witches Bridge, the Sinner’s Bell and have your lunch in the authentic medieval jail!
Without doubt, Wroclaw is an ideal place for lovers of architecture. Many buildings erected over the centuries have survived to be world class monuments. In spite of the horrific damage caused during World War 2, thankfully we are still able to admire spectacular Gothic churches, the Cathedral, which is over 1000 years old, the Baroque complex of the University of Wroclaw and the impressive Jesuits church & Aula Leopoldina. Admirers of architecture from the last century will also be amazed by the city’s Modernistic constructions. The Centennial Hall, for example was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006.
Wroclaw is also a meeting place for different cultures and religions. In 1995, from an initiative between Christian clergymen and the heads of the Jewish community in Wroclaw, the Four Denomination District was created. Within an area of only 400m, this area houses four religious temples; a Catholic church, an Orthodox church, a Protestant church and a Jewish Synagogue, each of them with its own fascinating story. It is considered by many to be one of the most unique and informal districts of Wroclaw.
Wroclaw was voted European City of Culture in 2016. Thanks in part to the various annual festivals held in the city such as the ‘Wratislavia Cantans’, and ‘Jazz nad Odra’, Wroclaw is celebrated by classical and jazz aficionados from all over the world. Another very important stop during your visit to Wroclaw will be the Panorama of the Battle of Racławice – a unique art museum housing a monumental cycloramic painting depicting the Battle of Racławice.
Wroclaw is also favoured by world class movie directors. Steven Spielberg’s spy thriller ‘Bridge of Spies’ with Tom Hanks was filmed in the city’s streets, as well as many famous Polish productions as ‘More Than Life at Stake’ – the story of Polish WWII double agent Hans Kloss.
Surrounded by the river Oder and her many waterways, Wroclaw has over 100 bridges. The most famous being Grunwaldzki Bridge and his contemporary competitor, the tallest and longest suspension bridge in Poland.
In Wroclaw, the fourth largest city in Poland, you will also find many ‘green’ places to relax. The city centre offers both The Promenade and the Botanical Gardens.
Football fans may also remember that Wroclaw co-organised UEFA EURO in 2012. These days the city’s football Stadion is also utilised for other sports competitions and you may also practice drinking beer in June during the Festival of Good Beer! We invite you to meet us in Wroclaw.
With our Wroclaw tours, you can see Wroclaw breathtaking sights. Choose your next walking tour with a licensed guide and discover the most interesting places to visit in this beautiful city.
