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A natural site worth seeing, the Odra River bisects Wroclaw.
The city owes its origins to the river: it was this watery route that transported
goods to and from this early market town.
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Wroclaw remains a market town. An updated version of the 1908 original, the Market Hall offers
a colorful variety of food and other essentials.
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Symbol of Wroclaw for 700 plus years, the Town Hall owes its
beginnings to a Tartar sacking. Originally a simple affair, the Hall was added to
over the centuries until it fully reflected Wroclaw's position as an important
European trading center.
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Like most post-war towns in Poland, 'old' refers more to
historic age than reality. Although Wroclaw suffered damage in WWII, its sparkling
new 'Old Town' proves what a little effort can achieve. Originally
established in the 13th century, the present day square remains one of the largest
in Europe.
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A common site in this millennial-aged city, old contrasts with new as Wroclaw once again rebuilds it past and builds its future.
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Built in the 18th century, this Baroque masterpiece sits
on the site of the old defensive castle. Its crowning glory is the main assembly
hall which pulls together the various contributions of the Baroque period to
splendid effect. You can also enjoy a view of the city from the observation tower
perched on top.
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Panorama of Raclawice Battle
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So big it required a home of its own, this
bigger than big painting glorifies the defeat of Russian troops by Kosciuszko and
his bravely insurgent army in the year before Poland was fully partitioned. This painting is yet another contribution from the displaced citizens of Lwow.
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Constructed at the end of the last century, the Ostrow
Tumski Bridge joins the religiously-dominated island with the rest of the city.
Cross this bridge to reach the oldest part of Wroclaw where trade initially began and now churches abound.
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Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
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While the site is original, the Cathedral
is the fourth to be built on it. The first church housed the newly appointed
bishop of Wroclaw, while this version was the first done in Gothic style. Mostly
destroyed in WWII, it has been renovated since.
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The Houses
of Johnny and Maggie
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Two tiny 16th century Baroque houses called 'Jas
and Malgosia' in Polish mark the gateway to the Church of St. Elizabeth.
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You cannot miss the 90 m tower which took a century
and a half to build. This Gothic beauty remains one of Wroclaw's most incredible
churches, despite the considerable competition.
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Enjoy a watery respite after a long day of
sightseeing in this docked steam boat-cum-cafe.
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