Wrocław

Photo: Dolnośląska Organizacja Turystyczna

  Wrocław is a picturesque city located in the west of Poland, on the Odra River. It is the capital of Lower Silesia, and at the same time its largest city. It was founded in the 10th century by the Polish Duke Mieszko I of the Piast dynasty. Throughout the Middle Ages, Wrocław flourished as a prominent centre of commerce, culture and learning. The city was a melting pot of different ethnicities and religions, with a sizable German-speaking population alongside Poles, Jews, and Czechs. Wrocław is known for its impressive Gothic architecture, including the stunning Cathedral of St. John the Baptist and the Market Square with its iconic Town Hall. In the 18th century, Wrocław became part of the Kingdom of Prussia. The city underwent a period of rapid modernization and industrialization, becoming a major center of trade, industry, and education. During World War II, Wrocław suffered heavy damage. The city was rebuilt in the following decades, with a mix of restored historical buildings and socialist-era architecture.

The beauty of the city resulting from, among other things, its location by the river, is exposed at the Xawery Dunikowski Boulevard with a view of the medieval sacral complex, one of the most beautiful in Europe – Ostrów Tumski.  Wrocław is called the 'city of meetings', which manifests itself on many levels. Over the centuries of its history, many cultures, ethnicities, and nations have woven through it.

Speaking of the diversity and openness of Wrocław, it is impossible not to mention such a unique place as the District of Four Denominations – at a distance of about 300 m there are Orthodox, Evangelical, Catholic and synagogue churches next to each other. As an intercultural city – in 2021, it joined the Intercultural Cities Programme (ICC), which aims to promote policies and practices that enhance interaction, mutual understanding and respect between different cultures and ethnicities.          

In 2016, the capital of Lower Silesia was awarded the title of the European Capital of Culture. As part of this event, various institutions and initiatives were created, including:  New Horizons Cinema offering a repertoire of arthouse films, film reviews and festivals (New Horizons Film Festival), workshops, educational activities for children and young people.

Wrocław is famous not only for its film festival – moreover, since 1966, it has hosted the International Festival 'Wratislavia Cantans', the Stage Song Review, the International Jazz on the Odra Festival and the most outstanding opera productions presented in the Centennial Hall. As far as the cultural aspects are concerned, it is impossible not to mention the Ossoliński National Institute and the Ossolineum Library, which is currently the largest book collection of the Polish Academy of Sciences

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Wrocław is also one of the best connected cities in Poland – it has an international airport, many railway stations, river shipping ports and is connected to the A4 motorway leading from Berlin to the border crossing with Ukraine. In 2018, Wrocław received the award for the best tourist region in Europe – European Best Destination. On the other hand, the most recent award that Wrocław can boast of is the victory in the ranking of 'European Cities and Regions of the Future' in the category of medium-sized cities.

A unique trail that you can use to travel and explore Wrocław is the Wrocław Dwarf Trail (there are about 400 of them!) – dwarfs in the form of small carved statues symbolize one of the many legends set in Lower Silesia.

There ar emany culinary events and places where you can taste cuisine from all over the world. Every year, at the beginning of June, you can visit the 'Europe on a fork' festival at the Market Square in Wrocław, where you can enjoy fairs of regional dishes and products, culinary shows and a European feast.

Market Square (Rynek) - The historic centre of Wrocław with colourful buildings, lively cafes, and the Gothic Town Hall.

Photo: Magdalena Szymków-Cieniawska

Wrocław Cathedral - A stunning landmark in the city with its twin towers and beautiful interior decorated with murals and stained glass windows.

Photo: Magdalena Szymków-Cieniawska                                              Photo: Magdalena Szymków-Cieniawska

Panorama of Racławice - A 360-degree painting that depicts the Battle of Racławice, a significant event in Polish history.

Photo: Magdalena Szymków-Cieniawska

Ostrow Tumski - The oldest part of Wrocław, this island is home to the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist and historic architecture.

Photo: Magdalena Szymków-Cieniawska

Wrocław Zoo - One of the oldest and largest zoos in Poland, with a variety of animals and attractions.

Photo: Magdalena Szymków-Cieniawska

Photo: Magdalena Szymków-Cieniawska                                                  Photo: Magdalena Szymków-Cieniawska

Centennial Hall - An iconic building and UNESCO World Heritage Site designed by architect Max Berg.

Wrocław Fountain - A multimedia fountain located in the Szczytnicki Park with water shows and light displays.

Wrocław University Botanical Garden - A peaceful oasis in the city with a variety of plants, greenhouses, and picturesque landscapes.

Japanese Garden - A serene and contemplative park designed in the traditional Japanese style, featuring ponds, bridges, and cherry blossom trees.

Market Hall - a lively market with fresh produce, local crafts and Polish vendors of traditional products.

https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20171017-the-truth-behind-wrocaws-cheeky-gnomes