Lower Silesia is a region of modern Poland, located in the very heart of Central Europe. It will not be difficult to get to it from all European capitals: the train journey from Warsaw will take 4 hours, from Berlin and Prague - 6 hours. Modern highways link cities and towns, and pedestrian and bicycle paths are laid between villages. Renaissance castles and mountain resorts attract tourists to Lower Silesia.
The city of Wroclaw is the administrative center of the Lower Silesia Voivodeship. It is an ancient and modern city, which ranks fourth in the country in terms of population (630 thousand people). Geographical location, unique beauty and abundance of architectural monuments brought Wroclaw the well-deserved fame of the “flower of Europe”.
At the origins of the ancient city
The rich historical past of Wroclaw is filled with many, often dramatic, events. In the 10th century, the Czechs founded a city on Tumski Island, named Vratislava in honor of the prince Vratislav. After the transfer of Silesia to the possession of the Polish Piast dynasty, Meszko Piastow became the first ruler of Vratislava from Poland. His son Bolislav built a cathedral here and founded a bishopric. After the death of Bolislav, the city of Wroclaw, large by the standards of that time, became the capital of the Polish principality of Silesia in 1138. The Mongol invasion of 1241 brought fire and plunder to the city. The townspeople managed to escape from death by hiding in the castle. In 1262, rebuilt after a fire, Wroclaw received the Magdeburg Law.
Medieval Wroclaw
Over time, Wroclaw has become attractive to people of different nationalities. A German settlement was formed on the southern bank of the Odra. Wroclaw joined the Hanseatic League - a strong and influential association of German cities. Thanks to the union, the city quickly became a major trade center in Europe, its population in the 14th century reached 20 thousand people.
In the Middle Ages, Wroclaw was ruled by a duke from the Piast dynasty. In 1335 the city became part of the Bohemian kingdom. In 1526, after the death of the Czech king, who did not leave heirs, Silesia passed into the possession of the Habsburg imperial dynasty. The city suffered significant damage during the religious Thirty Years War.
Prussian-Germanic period of the city's history
During the Austrian War of 1740, Silesia was taken over by the Prussian Kingdom. Wroclaw was renamed Breslau. The Prussian administration ruled the city after the collapse of the Holy Roman Empire in 1806. In 1871 Breslau was annexed to Imperial Germany. The largest center for linen and cotton production was the city under the rule of the Prussian kings. A railway was built in Breslau. From 1860 to 1910, the city's population tripled and amounted to more than half a million people. In 1928, the city boundaries were significantly expanded.
During the Second World War, Breslau put up fierce resistance to the Red Army for 3 months. The city, destroyed by 70%, capitulated only on May 7, 1945. More than 40 thousand citizens died under the rubble. In the post-war period, Wroclaw was transferred to Poland, the German population was resettled or exiled to Germany. The restoration of the city lasted until the 80s of the 20th century. Unfortunately, many historical monuments have been lost forever.
Historical monuments and landmarks
Modern Wroclaw is a real pearl of Poland. The city is located on both banks of the Odra, which, together with its 4 tributaries, divides it into 12 islands. They are connected by two hundred different bridges that give Wroclaw its charm and romantic appearance. Wroclaw is often called "Venice of the East" and "the city of bridges". The ten-century history of the city, which at different times belonged to Czechs, Germans, Poles and Austrians, has preserved its traces in a variety of architecture: Gothic from Silesia, Baroque from Habsburgs from Austria, modernism by famous architects Berg and Poelzig.
The ancient part of the city - the famous Tumskiy Ostrov - offers a wonderful view from the Cathedral Bridge to both banks of the Odra. The historical buildings of the island, destroyed during the war, were rebuilt and appeared in their original form. The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist (mid-12th century), the Church of Saints Krzyz and Bartholomew, the Church of St. Martin and the Church of St. Idzi (13th century) located on the island are interesting architectural and historical monuments.
Life has always been in full swing in the old Market Square in the city. The Town Hall (13th century) is one of the most beautiful Gothic buildings in Poland. The Church of St. Elizabeth rises above the Market Square. In front of it are the small houses of Yas and Malgosi, built in the Baroque style. The Wrocław University Exhibition Center has been famous as a venue for concerts and balls since the 17th century. The City Museum, famous for its "Ryławice Panorama" (a painting by Polish artists depicting the victory of a Polish army over a Russian), is located near the building of Wroclaw University.
Wroclaw - European Capital of Culture 2016
The talismans of modern Wroclaw are bronze figurines of gnomes located in various places throughout the city. They are especially fond of the townspeople. The gnomes began to "populate" the city in 2001 and now there are already several dozen of them.
Wroclaw is the greenest city in Poland, with 25 square meters of green space per inhabitant. The largest botanical garden in the country is located in the city. Shchytninsky Park is a favorite place of recreation for the townspeople.
The cultural life of the Silesian capital is filled with various festivals. The large-scale New Horizons film festival is held annually in July in Wroclaw. In September, the International Street Art Festival "travels" throughout the region. Various music festivals take place here throughout the year. Wroclaw was elected the European Capital of Culture for 2016. The rich history of the city, the beauty of the architectural structures and the rich cultural life contribute to the special appeal of the historical capital of Silesia - Wroclaw.
The city of Wroclaw is located in the south-west of the country. Note that the geographical feature allows Wroclaw to be called the city of twelve islands. Therefore, there are a lot of bridges that connect the islands to each other - there are about 112 in total.
We get to Wroclaw
It is quite easy to get to Wroclaw, because the city has its own airport, which receives guests from all over Poland, as well as from all over the world. For example, if you are in Krakow, and you have a couple of free days, then by plane you can get to Wroclaw in three hours. True, in this case you will have to pay more for the ticket than in Warsaw itself.
Therefore, it is worth looking at other options. Flights from Russia are also very popular in this direction, so you can choose between regular and charter flights.
The most convenient rail connections were from all Polish cities. The location of Wroclaw allows you to get to other countries much cheaper. During the summer, there are more flights and discounts on travel are available during this time. In addition, it is the railway transport that allows you to enjoy the beautiful nature of this area.
The longest journey is by bus from the capital of Poland, while it takes about seven hours, the ticket costs 13 euros, although tickets become more expensive during the tourist season. Bus routes are also established from other countries of the world. The development of transport links between the countries of the European Union makes it possible to reach Wroclaw by car.
Where to go and what to see
First of all, the guides take tourists to the City Hall. Indeed, this building is the most beautiful example of the Gothic style in Europe. Construction work was completed in 1327. Therefore, the centuries-old monument of antiquity is considered the pride of Wroclaw.
Historically, the city center is famous for its beautiful parks. And thanks to the multitude of cafes and restaurants, it is quite easy to find a suitable option for yourself, while you can choose any cuisine that will appeal to refined gourmets.
Wroclaw University belongs to the architectural values of the city, as it is the largest building in the country, it was made in the Baroque style. Inside the university there is a huge Leopoldin Hall, which has an amazing and unique interior. When it comes to the best architectural sights of Poland, the first thing to be mentioned is the University of Wroclaw - tourists visit this place all year round.
The Gothic style also includes the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, which was built sometime in the 16th century. By the way, it was this cathedral that became the first in Poland, made in the Gothic style. Luxurious interior elements have survived to this day in their original form.
Dwarfs of Wortslav
When the most interesting things in Wroclaw are celebrated, the first thing that comes to mind is the bronze gnomes, who can be found in the most unexpected place in the city. The local name for gnomes is dwarfs. According to an old legend, in time immemorial, a gnome roamed the city, who was recognized by his orange hat. In places where the gnome appeared, they say, images of gnomes began to appear, which later became alive. Poles believe that the gnomes help the city to flourish.
However, returning to reality, it must be said that the sculptures of gnomes appeared in 2001, and the reason for this was the Polish opposition movement, which took place in the 80s.
It was called then "Orange Alternative". Participants in the movement drew little cartoon gnomes, and also handed out orange caps to the townspeople. In other words, the gnomes became the symbol of this anti-communist movement.
It is interesting that each gnome is endowed with a profession and a name, the height of each figure is 30 centimeters. Therefore, in the city, tourists start to play a funny entertainment "Find the gnome". In special gift shops you can buy special search kits that will make this game even more interesting.
Prices for hotels and shopping
Finding a suitable place to stay in Wroclaw is not difficult, because in addition to hotels, tourists will be offered to rent an apartment, a room in a hostel or in hostels. A large section on the official website of Wroclaw is devoted to this issue. In general, as a rule, no one will be left homeless, because there are many options. Hostels are considered the most profitable accommodation.
In the city center there is Boogie Hostel, which offers private rooms for 18 euros even in the height of the tourist season. At the same time, a place in a dormitory will cost only 10 euros. A little more expensive in Cinnamon Hostel, a double room will cost 33 euros, a quadruple room with breakfast - 15 euros, and a shared room - 9 euros per bed.
On average, a hotel in Wroclaw will charge up to 65 euros per night. While in the best Art Hotel the minimum cost of living is 124 euros.
There are a lot of souvenir shops in Wroclaw, which are mainly located in the pedestrianized parts of the city. Various souvenirs and gifts filled with national flavor are offered here. In addition, standard products are sold in large shopping centers located in the main districts of Wroclaw - the Dominican Gallery, Grunwald Palace and Centrum Korona.
Wroclaw cuisine
Locals claim that the Swidnicka Cellar is a must-see for every visitor to Wroclaw. This restaurant is considered the oldest in all of Europe. But despite this, the cost of one dinner is only 20 euros. For this price, the table is set so that then visitors can hardly leave it. The atmosphere here is amazing, so this place is definitely worth a visit.
The Spiz Brasserie serves beer from a private brewery. According to experts, this wheat wine is not inferior in quality to its Belgian counterpart. There are a large number of cafes, restaurants and bars in Wroclaw.
Wroclaw Zoo
One of the largest and oldest zoos in the country is located in Wroclaw, it was founded in 1865. This zoo is spread over an area of 30 hectares. The population of the zoo is quite rich, with over 7100 animals representing 850 species. The zoo was closed only twice during the war years. This place is considered a landmark not only in Wroclaw, but throughout the country. Two years ago, new animals of rare species were brought here, and an oceanarium was built, in which 2600 fish live. For family visits, the zoo is considered the best place, because everything here is equipped for just such purposes.
Wroclaw Pictures
For some reason, some time ago I had no desire to visit Poland. It seemed that as a tourist there was nothing to see. Former socialist camp. The architecture has been destroyed by wars. But whoever was there from friends - everyone praised the beauty of the cities. Now the turn has come for us to go. The country met with good and clean autobahns. The first city of our trip was Wroclaw. Nice, clean, comfortable. And the next 2 cities - Krakow and Poznan are great.
Wikipedia about the city of Wroclaw.
Wroclaw (Polish Wrocław), the old Russian name is Breslavl, German. Breslau is the capital of Silesia, the fourth most populous in Poland and one of the oldest cities in Poland. The population is about 635 thousand people. Five rivers flow through the city: the Odra and its four tributaries. Before World War II, there were three hundred and three bridges in the city, now there are about one hundred and thirty.
In the 4th - early 5th century, one of the Vandal tribes settled in the vicinity of Wroclaw - the Silingi, from which, probably, Silesia got its name. The name Vortitslava and Vratislava appeared around 900 as the name of a Slavic settlement with a marketplace. It was located on an island near the confluence of the three tributaries of the Odra.
According to legend, the city was founded by the Czech prince Vratislav (ruled 915-921). The Latin name Vratislavia comes from his name. The Polish name Wrocław is of the same origin. The letter "W" in the city's coat of arms is considered the monogram of the city's founder, Wratislaw.
By 990, Wroclaw and all of Silesia were conquered by the Polish prince from the Piast dynasty Mieszko I. In 1000, his son Boleslav the Brave and the Holy Roman Emperor Otto III established a Roman Catholic bishopric in the city. A castle was built on Cathedral Island (Ostrov Tumsky), approximately on the site of today's Martin Church. A cathedral was built inside the castle. At this time, the population of the city numbered about a thousand people. Although the city existed earlier, this date is officially considered the beginning of its history - in 2000, the celebration of the millennium of Wroclaw was celebrated.
In 1109, the German emperor Henry V sent an army against Boleslav Crooked-mouth. The German army was defeated in this battle, and the battlefield became known in history as the "Dog Field". After the death of Boleslav in 1138, Wroclaw became the capital of Poland (until 1335, when after the death of Wroclaw Prince Henry VI the Good from the Piast dynasty (ruled Wroclaw in 1311-1335) the city came under the rule of the Bohemian Kingdom) the principality of Silesia. In 1241 Wroclaw was taken and devastated by the Mongols.
A little later, the first German settlers settled on the southern bank of the river, on the site of today's university. There they built a new city, which in 1259 became the capital of the independent Duchy of Silesia.
Since 1335, as part of the Bohemian Kingdom, it served as an arena for the struggle between Bohemia, Poland and Hungary. From the end of the 15th century, together with the rest of the Czech Republic, it came under the rule of the Habsburgs, the Germanization of the city intensified. After the War of the Austrian Succession in 1741, Breslau was annexed to Prussia (Austria renounced its rights to it only in 1764). During the Napoleonic Wars, Breslau became one of the centers of the patriotic movement, the Lutz Volunteer Corps gathered here, and King Frederick William III announced the declaration of war on France in 1813.
In the 19th century, the industrial importance of Breslau, as well as of Silesia as a whole, increased; the city became the textile capital of Germany and an important railway junction. The socialist movement was active. Since 1871 - within the German Empire, the overwhelming majority of the population is Germans (out of 471 thousand population in 1904, only 6 thousand Jews and 20 thousand Poles). In the Weimar Republic, the city became the administrative center of the new province of Lower Silesia (1919). During the Nazi period (from 1933) the city's coat of arms was changed (the letter W was considered "too Slavic"), and many suburbs and districts bearing Slavic names were renamed. The Polish and Czech minorities were persecuted and partly deported to concentration camps.
Breslau became one of the few cities that stubbornly resisted the advancing units of the Red Army in the spring of 1945.
From the beginning of March, under the influence of the first setbacks, the Red Army changed its tactics and began gradually suppressing strong points with artillery fire in squares and using the tactics of squeezing the enemy into the city center using assault groups with the support of sapper units. Three battalions of marines of the Red Banner Baltic Fleet were brought into battle as selected assault units. Artillery fire destroyed the landing strip on the Kaiserstrasse. An attempt was repeated to build a new airfield in the city center, but it was successfully suppressed by the actions of Soviet artillery and ground attack aircraft. German troops fiercely resisted, leaving house after house with battles. On May 4, the mastermind of the defense of Breslau, Gauleiter Karl Hanke, was evacuated from the city by plane "Fieseler Fi.156 Storch" to take the post of Reichsfuehrer SS in place of the deposed Himmler. A week later, he went missing in the Prague area.
Tumskiy bridge on the Oder river. Built in 1889 to replace the wooden structure. There used to be car traffic on the bridge, today it is a pedestrian bridge. In 1976 the bridge was recognized as a historical monument.
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Embankment
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Cathedral of John the Baptist is a Catholic cathedral.
The building was built in the Gothic style and is the first Gothic temple in Poland. The cathedral is located on the site of an old church. The history of the building of the cathedral begins in the XIII century. The choir was completed in 1272 and the nave was built in 1341. The façade with two spiers, 98 m high, faces west. Built in 1913, the organ was for some time the largest in the world. During the assault on Breslau, the cathedral was destroyed by 70%. In 1946-1951. its reconstruction was carried out.
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Market Square
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City hall
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Railway station
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Church of St. Macieus the Apostle and the monument to St. John of Nepomuk
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City photos
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University Square
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University building. It was impossible to take a picture completely due to the narrowness of the street. Fragments.
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Sky Tower. The third tallest building in Poland. The construction lasted 5 years and was completed in 2012. Height 212 m with a spire. Residential apartments, offices, offices and shops are located here.
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Wrocław gnomes (Polish: Wrocławskie krasnale, krasnoludki) - the name of the bronze statuettes of dwarf dwarfs installed in Wroclaw since 2001. Their number is constantly growing: in 2016 there were 385 gnomes in the city. The background of the gnomes is in the symbolism of the Orange Alternative, an underground group, and later a happening movement operating in several cities in Poland, mainly in Wroclaw, in the 1980s. The first painted gnomes appeared according to the idea of the head of the movement Waldemar Fiedrich, nicknamed "Major", and the most famous organized action was the Demonstration of the gnomes on June 1, 1987. In 2001, a monument to the Orange Alternative was erected in the center of Wroclaw. He is a 40 cm high bronze gnome standing on a thumb-shaped pedestal. Its author was a young Wroclaw sculptor Olaf Brzeski. Subsequently, the monument received the nickname "papa-gnome" (Polish. Papa Krasnal), since it was he who became the "progenitor" of numerous Wroclaw gnomes.
In 2005, the city authorities approached the Wrocław sculptor Tomasz Moček with an order to make new dwarf figurines that would fit into the cityscape. He created the first five bronze figurines, ranging in height from 30 to 40 cm, trying to give each of them its own individual character. The gnomes are located in the central streets of the city; according to Mochek himself, he tried to create the impression that they "were always here." Among them were the so-called "Sisyphki" (Polish. Syzyfki) - two gnomes rolling a stone ball, which later became one of the most famous and recognizable sculptures.
The mass appearance of new figures began in 2006 and were sponsored by various institutions and firms. As a result, many gnomes of various professions appeared in Wroclaw, corresponding to the specialization of the company that ordered them.
Over time, the gnomes have become a real symbol of Wroclaw and one of the main tourist attractions in the city. There are special maps, guided tours and brochures that help you find them in the city, as well as describe the individual history of each gnome.
New gnomes are regularly installed in Wroclaw, and old ones are stolen and broken.
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According to the 2010 census, more than 630 thousand people live in Wroclaw, the ethnic majority are Poles. This ancient city in southwestern Poland will surely appeal to fans of excursion-rich travel, medieval Gothic architecture, European regularity and tranquility.
Germans call Wroclaw - Breslau, Hungarians - Borozhlo, Romanians - Braslavia. In the Czech Republic, the name of the city sounds like Vratislav, in Lithuania - Wroclavas, and Russians have long known it as Breslavl.
Story
For the first time, the historical region of Silesia, where the city is located, was mentioned by ancient Roman historians in the II century. The official history of the city dates back to 1000, although the settlement existed long before that. In 1241, Wroclaw was completely destroyed by the Mongols, after which it was rebuilt.
Throughout its existence, the region has been an arena of struggle between Poland, the Czech Republic, Germany and Prussia. He suffered significantly during the Second World War. Now it is a developed industrial and cultural center with a large number of architectural attractions. Wroclaw rightfully bears the title of the center of science and art, and in 2016, by the decision of the EU, it will become the cultural capital of Europe.
Map
How to get to Wroclaw
The city has an international airport named after Nicolaus Copernicus, so tourists can get here by plane... The airport accepts flights from many European countries such as Italy, France, Norway, Great Britain, as well as major Polish cities. However, there is no direct flight Moscow-Wroclaw, so those wishing to visit this unique city will have to change trains.
Trains run here regularly from most regions of Poland and a number of European cities, and there is a bus service. The average price of a flight with a stopover will be from 10 to 17 thousand rubles. Tourists who prefer trains will cost a little more. Often people go to Wroclaw by their own or rented car.
When is the best time to go
Like any European city with an ancient history, this cultural center does not have a low season as such - travelers come here in any season... However, May, summer months and September are characterized by the most favorable weather and little rainfall. In winter, Wroclaw is no less interesting and very beautiful.
Many tourists prefer to combine a trip to the city with visiting famous music festivals: "Jazz over the Oder", "Bratislava Cantats", the International Chopin Festival and the festival of contemporary music. The popular "Days of Old Masters Music" is also held here.
In 2017, Wroclaw hosts the World Games (competitions in sports that are not included in the program of the Olympic Games). Sports lovers are already planning their trip by choosing hotels and convenient routes. Meanwhile, this is not the best time to travel for the budget traveler, as housing prices will increase significantly.
Weather
Southwest Poland has a temperate continental climate with mild winters and warm summers. In winter, temperatures in Wroclaw rarely drop below -5 degrees Celsius, although this time of year can be a surprise. So, in the winter months, the lowest recorded temperature was -30 degrees.
Mild summer also sometimes surprises with night coolness to zero degrees, although the average temperature is 18-20 degrees... Here they rarely suffer from heat, and the shade from the green spaces that adorn Wroclaw in abundance saves from increased solar activity. The air humidity in the region reaches 70%, and the average annual precipitation is 540 mm, most of which falls in June, July and August.
Where to go, what to see in Wroclaw
This ancient city with an interesting history is rich in sights. Exciting excursion programs are designed for both history lovers and connoisseurs of art and architecture.
- Wroclaw, in addition to its spectacular Gothic appearance and historical component, is famous for its original tourist attraction called "Find the gnome"... Little "dwarfs" are scattered throughout the city, each with its own biography and unique "appearance".
Every year thousands of travelers come here to try to find all the gnomes, using special sets, which include a map, magnifying glass and soft slippers.
- One of the must-see points of all excursions in Wroclaw is a visit to the market square, which is an important part of the city. Reconstructed after the destruction of World War II, it is an exact replica of the original square dating back to the 13th century. The building of the city hall is also located here.
- It is also recommended to visit the historical part of the city - Ostrow Tumski, from where Wroclaw began its formation. Here tourists can enjoy the medieval atmosphere of the old streets, the grandeur of the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, the monumentality of the iron Tumski bridge.
- Visitors to the city will undoubtedly be amazed by the colossal construction of the dome of steel and concrete, which is the Hall of the Centenary - a landmark included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The Art Nouveau building, built in 1913, hosts a variety of exhibitions.
Wroclaw is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Walking along its streets, one can see both grandiose Gothic buildings and impressive baroque architecture, trace how different artistic styles and trends harmoniously fit in and coexist in the city space.
Where to live
For budget tourists, the best option would be to rent an apartment for vacation in Wroclaw. Numerous hostels will also help save money, in which travelers are invited to rent a bed in a dormitory room or a private room for little money. In the historical part of the city, not far from the key tourist routes, there are several cozy hostels: Moon Hostel, Cilantro Bed & Breakfast, MoHo S Hostel and others.
There are also luxurious comfortable hotels in Wroclaw. Unlike hostels, where you have to pay 500-600 rubles for a bed, a room in famous hotel chains and local authentic hotels will cost a traveler from 4 to 10 thousand rubles per night. Radisson Blu Hotel, Hotel Monopol Wrocław, The Granary - La Suite Hotel will delight tourists with exclusive rooms and high quality service.
How to get around Wroclaw
Wroclaw is a city with a well-developed ground transportation system. You can get here from the airport by bus or taxi. Trams and buses run around the city, there are no trolley buses. Budget tourists are provided with an excellent opportunity to save money - there is a bicycle rental network in the city with three dozen pick-up points.
Trams and buses run around the clock here, although at night the interval of movement can stretch up to 60 minutes. If you decide to get around Wroclaw by public transport, you should take care of purchasing your ticket in advance. They are not sold from drivers and conductors; they can be purchased from vending machines in squares and bus stops, as well as from newsstands.
For travel on the bus and tram is used single sample ticket... Moreover, there are "disposable" coupons on sale and those that are valid from half an hour (cost 3 zlotys) to 72 hours (26 zlotys). In public transport in Wroclaw, there are often controllers, but the ticket must be punched in the punch on your own at the entrance to the salon.
A taxi ride will cost tourists much more (from 3 to 6 zlotys per kilometer). In this case, it is better to order a car through a special website or by phone (this can be done by a waiter in a cafe or an administrator of your hotel). If you catch a taxi on the streets of Wrocław, be prepared for high rates and negotiate the cost of your trip in advance.
Where to eat
In the historical part of the city there are many cozy restaurants and cafes where tourists can enjoy dishes of national cuisine, among which are especially popular perogs (dumplings with various fillings), bigos (hot sauerkraut with sausage), various meat dishes with vegetable garnish.
Among the national restaurants of Wroclaw with traditional cuisine and atmosphere, Karczma Lwowska, Pod Fredra, Wieza Cisnien are worth highlighting. And in the cellar of the old town hall building there is a unique national restaurant Piwnica Swidnicka, which has been welcoming visitors since the 15th century. This establishment, located in the very center of the city, is recommended for all travelers who want to enjoy authentic traditional Wroclaw cuisine.
Budget tourists can satisfy their hunger in small cafes located at a distance from tourist routes. There are also numerous fast food outlets for travelers: McDonald's, KFC, local bary mleczne (milk bars) and street stands with hamburgers, toasts and casseroles.
What to bring from Wroclaw
Various European brands of clothing, footwear and accessories for shopping lovers are represented in Wroclaw. Shopping can be done in large shopping centers of the city: Grunwald Passage, Wroclaw Arcades, Magnolia Park.
Traditionally, tourists bring from this city souvenirs with a national flavor, magnets and figurines depicting key attractions of the region. And, of course, a visit to Wroclaw cannot be imagined without buying one or several gnomes for which this Polish city is famous.
In winter, during the Christmas Market in the Old Town, local craftsmen's arts and crafts, silver and amber jewelry, Christmas decorations, the finest lace and much more are sold.
Most people don't associate the word Wroclaw, and this is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Wroclaw is one of the oldest and largest Polish cities. The official date of the foundation of the city is considered to be 1000. This year, Prince Boleslav the Brave began the construction of the castle and the city cathedral, but the first settlers settled on the territory of Wroclaw much earlier - in the 4th-5th century.
Initially, the city was called Vrastislavia and most likely was named after the prince Vrastislav, who ruled in 915-921. In the middle of the 14th century, the castle was renamed by the Germans to Breslavl, this name was kept until 1945.
During its more than a thousand-year history, Wroclaw has seen everything: there were wars and conquests, the planting of cultures and religions, great construction projects and destruction. Several times the castle changed its registration, passing under the control of the Czech Republic, Germany, Austria, Hungary and, naturally, Poland. Each of these nations tried to instill in the city something of its own: culture, religion, architecture ... As a result, a masterpiece and unique appearance of the city has turned out, which has absorbed the best of 5 cultures.
Today Wroclaw- the fourth largest (population 630,000) and the most beautiful city in Poland. Wroclaw is the capital of Lower Silesia, which borders the Czech Republic and Germany.
What sets Wroclaw apart from other cities is its unique geographical position - the city practically floats on water, like Venice. Five rivers at once (Odra and its 4th tributary) windingly and leisurely pass through the city, dividing it into twelve islands. A myriad of all kinds of bridges, bridges and isthmuses are thrown between the islands. Because of this, the old Breslavl is often called the city of canals and bridges, by the way, the number of the latter is more than two hundred.
The largest island of the Polish pearl is Tumski, which is also the oldest part of the city. This place delights everyone who has been here: unsurpassed Gothic architecture, combined with beautiful parks and water bodies, give the island a special atmosphere. And in the evening, when old gas lamps turn on and illuminate the Tum landscapes with their dim, soft light, it seems that this is the most romantic place in the world.
Landmarks of the Polish city of Wroclaw
Another distinctive feature of Wroclaw is its amazing architecture... Here you can see grandiose buildings of a wide variety of architectural styles and eras, among which Gothic, Baroque, Renaissance architecture and, to a lesser extent, Art Nouveau and Functionalism prevail. They say that it is enough just to walk along the streets of the city and a feeling of delight is guaranteed to you.
And you can visit the already recognized architectural masterpieces "pearls" of Poland. An honorable place among them is Church of St. Elisabeth... This is a magnificent building in the Gothic style with a huge 90-meter tower, which offers a stunning view of the Tumskiy Ostrov.
Also a must visit Cathedral and Town Hall building on the same Tumskiy island. The Cathedral, one of the oldest buildings in Wroclaw, was erected in 1158 and at that time was the first Gothic cathedral in the Slavic expanses.
Aula Leopoldina- one of the most beautiful halls in Europe. It was built by order of the Austrian Emperor Leopold I in 1732. The creators of Aula were outstanding European painters, sculptors and architects. The vault of the hall is decorated with allegorical paintings that merge into a single picture, and the walls are decorated with unusual molding and gilding.
For those who are not interested in architecture, Wroclaw can offer its beautiful gardens and parks. The largest and oldest park - Shchitnitsky, was founded in the 18th century and now has 370 plant species. Also, it will not be superfluous to visit the Japanese Garden and the Wroclaw Botanical Garden.
For those who like to drink real beer, there is also a place here - delicious Svidnitsa beer is still brewed in the dungeons of the town hall.
As an afterword, we can say that Wroclaw is a unique city, it enchants with its appearance and its inviting atmosphere. Wroclaw - this is a real pearl of Poland.
