Wrocław

Wrocław (pronounced Vrots-waf; also known as Breslau, its German name, and English name until 1945) is the largest city in Lower Silesia in Poland. It is home to 630,000 people within the city limits and the metropolitan area has a population of 1.2 million making it the largest city in Western Poland.

Wrocław is the historic capital of Silesia and it has changed hands repeatedly over the centuries. At different points throughout history, Wrocław has been in the Kingdom of Poland, Bohemia, the Austrian Empire, Prussia and Germany. In 1945 the city became a part of Poland again as the borders of Poland were moved westwards in the immediate aftermath of World War II. The city came to international fame as it hosted a number of football matches during the Euro 2012 Championships and is the 2016 European Capital of Culture. The World Games 2017 will take place in Wrocław.

Understand

History

Like many cities in Central Europe, it is a city with a troubled past, having seen a lot of violence and devastation. Prior to the Second World War, Breslau was the capital of the German province of Prussian Lower Silesia. It became Polish territory when, after the War, the Soviets moved the German/Polish border westward to the Oder/Neisse Line and ethnically cleaned the area of Germans. Breslau was almost completely destroyed during the end of the War as the Red Army fought its way into Germany towards Berlin, being declared a "Fortress City" by Adolf Hitler. However, since the end of the Communist regime in 1989 it has been wonderfully restored and can now be counted among the highlights of Poland and of all Central Europe.

See

• ⊙Market Square (Rynek). It is the architectural centre-point of Wroclaw, and its most obvious attraction. It is one of the biggest town squares in Europe, and is lined on all sides with photogenic and interesting buildings. Centre of tourist life, place where tourists drink beer. 
  • ⊙Old Town Hall (Stary Ratusz), ul. Sukiennice 14 (south side of the Rynek). open 11AM-5PM (closed Monday). It now serves as the Museum of Burgeois Art (see below). Construction of the town hall began in the 13th century. It was one of the few major buildings in Wrocław to survive World War II. The interior features stunning Gothic interiors. admission 4 zł. 
• ⊙Salt Square (Plac Solny). Formerly a salt market, now a flower market. 
• Cathedral Island (Ostrów Tumski). A group of islands on the Oder River with beautiful cathedrals and a few hundred year old buildings, for those who would have romantic evening, walking through mystery brick stoned streets it is a must. It is complete with hand-lit oil lamps lit nightly. 
  • ⊙Cathedral of St. John the Baptist (Archikatedra św. Jana Chrzciciela), ul. Katedralna. Open 10AM-6PM (closed Sundays). Dating from the 13th century, featuring stunning architecture and the largest church organ in Poland. Has elevator to the top, so this is the one to go to if you can't climb. Good river views from this one. Admission 4 zł, tower admission 5 zł. 
• ⊙St. Elizabeth's Church (Bazylika św. Elżbiety Węgierskiej), ul. Elżbiety 1. 9AM-4PM (1PM-4PM Sundays). Tower: Apr-Oct: daily 10:00-19:00, Nov-Mar: closed. On the northeast side of the Rynek, this is a large and imposing medieval building with a 90m high tower with spectacular views over the old town. Tower admission (no lift) 5 zł. 
• ⊙St. Maria Magdalena Church (Katedra św. Marii Magdaleny), Szewska 10. Tower/bridge: daily 10:00-20:00. The big church a block south of the Rynek, you can also climb this tower for 5 zł. Between the two towers, there is a small bridge known as the Pennants' Bridge, where you can walk along and enjoy the cityrama. Views are great, but if you can only do one, St Elizabeth is probably the one to do. However, the bridge makes a good story to tell people at home. 
• ⊙Synagogue "Under the White Stork", ul. Pawła Włodkowica 7. 19th-century synagogue. 
• Wrocław Dwarves (Wrocławskie Krasnale). The first dwarf statue was installed in 2001 in Świdnicka Street to commemorate the Polish anti-communist underground movement Orange Alternative, whose symbol was a dwarf. Some years later smaller dwarf statues, each with their own theme, appeared and they can now be found all over the city. (updated Jan 2016 |)
• ⊙Botanical Garden of the University of Wrocław (Ogród Botaniczny Uniwersytetu Wrocławskiego), ul. Henryka Sienkiewicza 23,  ☎ +48 71 322 5957. May-Aug: 08:00-20:00; Sep - mid-Nov, Spring-May: 08:00-19:00; mid-Nov - Spring: closed. Ticket office closes at 18:00. 15 zł adults, 5 zł concession. (updated May 2016 |)

Further afield

• ⊙Centennial Hall (Hala Stulecia), ul. Wystawowa 1,  ☎ +48 71 347 5151. A historic building, constructed according to the plans of architect Max Berg from 1911 to 1913, when the city was part of the German Empire. As an early landmark of reinforced concrete architecture, it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006. 
  • ⊙Wrocław Fountain. A multimedia fountain located within in the Pergola next to Centennial Hall in Wrocław. The one hectare fountain incorporates about 300 jets to create a screen of water for animation display. There are also 800 lights. When frozen in winter, the fountain is a 4700-square-meter ice skating rink. 
  • ⊙Wroclaw Iglica. A distinctive object placed close to the Centennial Hall. 
• ⊙Park Szczytnicki (East-central Wrocław). Very large, spanning over a few kilometers, it's a common place for walks. Becomes incredibly colorful in autumn and should not be missed if you travel there in late September or October. 
  • ⊙Japanese Garden (Ogród Japoński). Apr-Oct: 09:00-19:00. A remainder from the 'World Expo' of 1913 held in Wrocław, this is a large landscaped garden restored post-flooding with the assistance of the Japanese government. A part of Park Szczytnicki. Admission 2zł. 
• ⊙Eastern Park (pl: Park Wschodni). On the bank of Oława river is a masterpiece of design, but left forgotten for decades. After few years of restoration it's now a true gem especially worth visiting in April when wetland flowers are blooming or autumn when vegetation turns into picturesque blend of reds, yellows and gold. As it borders semi-wild forests and has plenty of water, you may even watch swans taking care of their nests just few meters from the walking path. 
• ⊙Zoo Wrocław (Ogród Zoologiczny), ul. Zygmunta Wróblewskiego 1-5. 40 zł adults. (updated Jan 2016 |)
• ⊙Wrocław Water Tower (Wieża ciśnień przy alei Wiśniowej), Sudecka Street. A 63m high water tower constructed between 1904-1905 with an observation deck at 42m. Provided water supply until mid-1980. In 1995 it was restored and converted into a restaurant. (updated May 2016 |)

Museums

• National Museum branches:
  • ⊙Panorama Racławicka, Jana Ewangelisty Purkyniego 11,  ☎ +48 71 344 1661, +48 71 344 1662. Apr-Sep: daily 09:00-17:00; Oct-Mar: Tue-Sun 09:00-16:00, Mon closed. Perhaps the most-visited tourist site in Wrocław, it consists of a large canvas painting wrapped around a viewing rotunda. It creates a 360 degree view of the Battle of Racławice (1794) between Russian troops and Polish insurrectionists. The battle was a victory for the Poles, however the Russians won the war. Visits are conducted in tour groups roughly every half-hour and foreign-language audio guides are available. 30 zł adults, 23 zł students and families (per person). 
  • ⊙National Museum in Wrocław (Muzeum Narodowe we Wrocławiu), Plac Powstańców Warszawy 5. Apr-Sep: Tue-Fri, Sun 10:00-17:00, Sat 10:00-18:00; Oct-Mar: Tue-Fri 10:00-16:00, Sat-Sun 10:00-17:00. Mon closed. Features a large collection of Polish art. The Gallery of Contemporary Art is in the attic. Admission 15zł adults, 10 zł concessions. Free on Saturdays (permanent exhibitions). 
  • ⊙Ethnographic Museum (Muzeum Etnograficzne), Traugutta 111/113 (Take tram 3 or 5 and get off at stop pl. Zgody),  ☎ +48 71 344 3313, +48 71 342 1267. Tue-Wed, Fri-Sun 10:00-16:00, Thu 09:00-16:00, Mon closed. Located in the former summer Palace of Wrocław Bishops. Collection concentrates on folk art. Adults 5 zł, concessions 3 zł. Sat free. (updated May 2016 |)
  • ⊙Museum of Contemporary Art (next to the Centennial Hall). Will open on June 25, 2016. The Four Dome Pavilion (Pawilon Czterech Kopuł) which is part of the historic Exhibition Grounds will house the collection of Polish contemporary art of the National Museum, which comprises works from 1945 until present. (updated May 2016 |)
• City Museum of Wrocław has several subsidiaries:
  • The Museum of Bourgeois Art (Muzeum Sztuki Mieszczańskej), Stary Ratusz, Rynek (in the Old Town Hall (Stary Ratusz)). Wed-Sat 10:00-17:00, Sun 10:00-18:00, Mon-Tue closed. Permanent exhibitions: free, temporary exhibitions: 10 zł adults, 7 zł concessions. (updated Dec 2015 |)
  • ⊙Museum of Archeology (Muzeum Archeologiczne), ul. Cieszyńskiego 9 (in the City Arsenal (St. Nicolas Arsenal)). Wed-Sat 10:00-17:00, Sun 10:00-18:00, Mon-Tue closed. Permanent exhibitions: free, temporary exhibitions: 12 zł adults, 7 zł concessions. (updated Dec 2015 |)
  • ⊙Military Museum (Muzeum Militariów), ul. Cieszyńskiego 9 (in the City Arsenal (St.Nicolas Arsenal)). Wed-Sat 10:00-17:00, Sun 10:00-18:00, Mon-Tue closed. Permanent exhibitions: free, temporary exhibitions: 12 zł adults, 7 zł concessions. (updated May 2016 |)
  • ⊙Historical Museum (Muzeum Historyczne), ul. Kazimierza Wielkiego 15. Tue-Sat 10:00-17:00, Sun 10:00-18:00, Mon closed. Located in the Royal Palace. The Royal Palace is also home to The Museum of Medallic Art (Muzeum Sztuki Medalierskiej). Permanent exhibitions: free, temporary exhibitions: 15 zł adults, 10 zł concessions. (updated May 2016 |)
  • ⊙Museum of Cemetery Art (Muzeum Sztuki Cmentarnej), ul. Ślężna 37/39. Daily 10:00-18:00 (in autumn and winter: open till dusk). The Old Jewish Cemetery (Stary Cmentarz Żydowski). (updated May 2016 |)
• ⊙Wrocław Contemporary Museum (Muzeum Współczesne Wrocław, MWW), Plac Strzegomski 2,  ☎ +48 784 973213. Mon 10:00-18:00, Wed-Sun 12:00-20:00, Tue closed. Contemporary art, photography, also a club and a cafeteria with nice views. Until 2016 the museum is located temporarily in a World War II air-raid shelter. The permanent home will be in a modern building on Purkyniego Street. Admission 10 zł, reduced 5 zł, Thu free. Permanent exhibitions: free. (updated May 2016 |)
• ⊙Museum of Architecture (Muzeum Architektury), ul. Bernardyńska 5,  ☎ +48 71 344 8279, +48 71 343 3675. Mon closed. Museum is located in a 15th-century post-Bernardine Gothic buildings - St Bernardine of Sienna Church and a monastic quadrangle with a garden. Tickets 10 zł, reduced 7 zł, Wed free. 
• ⊙University of Wrocław Museum (Muzeum Uniwersytetu Wrocławskiego), Plac Uniwersytecki 1,  ☎ +48 71 375 2767. Mon-Tue, Thu-Sun 10:00 - at least 15:30 (longer in summer), Wed closed. Ticket office closes 30min before. The four halls are: Aula Leopoldina, Oratorium Marianum, Mathematical Tower (Wieża matematyczna) and Exposition (Wystawa). The first two are still used by the university for events (so they can be closed at times). Audio guides are available. 10/11/12 zł for visiting 2, 3 or 4 halls (adults), reduced tickets available. (updated May 2016 |)
• ⊙Museum of Natural History (Muzeum Przyrodnicze), ul. Sienkiewicza 21,  ☎ +48 71 375 4145. Tue-Fri 09:00-15:00, Sat-Sun 10:00-16:00, Mon closed. The museum is part of Wrocław University and has its origin in 1814. The collections display many specimens of extinct and rare species including the skeleton of a Blue Whale, the largest animal that lived on the earth. Adults 10 zł, concessions 7 zł. (updated May 2016 |)

Do

• ⊙Wroclaw Food Tour, Pregierz,Rynek (Monument in front of Mc Donalds' in the Central Market),  ☎ +48 791 782792. Mon- Fri 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm Sat-Sun noon to 3:30pm. Wroclaw Food Tour is an easy and enjoyable way to discover traditional Polish food in authentic locales alongside with other food lovers from all over the world. It is not just about eating food, but also touching upon Polish culture by finding out about the many intriguing facts concerning Polish cuisine under the guidance of an English-speaking food expert. 40€. (updated Aug 2015 |)

Useful

Inside the range of 4 km:

• ⊙   Tourist Information Wrocław, Wrocław
• ⊙   Wroclaw Glowny Station, Wrocław