Wroclaw Poland population. Wroclaw - the historical capital of Silesia

Geographical encyclopedia

WROCLAW, a city in Poland, on the Odra River. 643 thousand inhabitants. Mechanical engineering, chemical, textile, clothing, printing industries. university (1702). Museums: Silesian, architecture. Opera House (1945). Known since 980 (historical... ... Modern encyclopedia

- (Wroclaw), city on southwest Poland, in historical region Silesia. It was first mentioned in 980 under the Old Slavic name Breslavl. The old districts of the city are located on the banks and islands of the river. Odra (Oder): Gothic churches of the Virgin... ... Art encyclopedia

Noun, number of synonyms: 2 city (2765) port (361) ASIS synonym dictionary. V.N. Trishin. 2013… Synonym dictionary

Wroclaw- WROCLAW, a city in Poland, on the Odra River. 643 thousand inhabitants. Mechanical engineering, chemical, textile, clothing, printing industries. University (1702). Museums: Silesian, architecture. Opera House (1945). Known since 980 (historical... ... Illustrated Encyclopedic Dictionary

- (Wrocław) a city in the southwest of Poland, on the river. Odra (Oder). 523 thousand inhabitants (1970). Administrative center of Wroclaw Voivodeship. It was first mentioned in sources in 980 (ancient Slavic name Breslavl). From 1000 the center of the bishopric. From 1163... ... Great Soviet Encyclopedia

- (Wrocław), a city in southwestern Poland, a port on the river. Audra, administrative center Wrocław Voivodeship. 643 thousand inhabitants (1995). Mechanical engineering, chemical, light, woodworking, food industries. University. A number of scientific... ... encyclopedic Dictionary

- (Wroclaw) Polish city, adm. economical center of Silesia, ch. Wroclaw Voivodeship. Us. 429 thousand people (1960). First mentioned in 980 under other glory. name Breslau. From 1000 the center of the bishopric. In 1264 1335 the capital of the Wroclaw prince. In 1335... ... Soviet historical encyclopedia

Wroclaw- name of a human place in Poland... Spelling dictionary of Ukrainian language

Wroclaw- city, adm. c. military, Poland. Mentioned at the beginning of the 11th century. as Wartizlawa, modern. Wroclaw. The name comes from Slava, the dual-base personal name Vratislav. Old Slav, form of the name Bratislavl (from Bratislava with the suffix jь), until 1945 also German. Breslau... ... Toponymic dictionary

Books

  • Microcosm. History of the Central European City, Lev Oborin, Norman Davis, Pavel Kudyukin, Roger Moorhouse, Norman Davis - the largest modern British historian of Welsh origin, professor at Oxford. From his pen came such fundamental works as “God’s Playground. A History… Category: Non-fiction Publisher: Summer Garden,
  • Poland. Thousand-year neighborhood, E. L. Krushelnitsky, Poland and Russia... Relations between our countries have not been easy for centuries. But today, when the barriers dividing us have collapsed and serious changes are taking place in both countries, for the first time in... Category: Non-fiction Series: Historical Guide Publisher:

The castle in Księż is the largest princely castle in Lower Silesia and the third largest in Poland. It was founded in 1288-1292.

Over the centuries, the castle has had different owners, but the building owes its current appearance to the Hochberg family, which owned it for more than 400 years.

During World War II, the castle was occupied by the Nazis; one of Adolf Hitler's headquarters was planned here. Then almost all the valuables were removed from the castle. And in the rock on which the castle stands, the construction of tunnels began, which, according to some theories, were supposed to connect the castle in Ksiaz with the Sowa castle in the mountains.

Despite the loss of all valuables, there is something to see in the castle. From photographs you can restore the beauty of the Maximilian Hall, the Chinese Hall, the Italian Hall and others.

And walks around beautiful garden and dinner in a cozy restaurant will complete an unforgettable stay in Księż.

In addition, there is a riding center, an exhibition of local artistic ceramics and porcelain, and in the summer there are exhibitions of flowers and shrubs, as well as demonstrations of medieval battles and palace dances.

Wroclaw Market Square

Wroclaw's Market Square is the heart of the city and its main attraction. It was founded in the 13th century. The buildings on the square are examples of architectural styles from different periods - from Gothic to Art Nouveau. During the Second World War, the Market Square was almost completely destroyed, so all the buildings on it today are skillfully executed reconstructions.

The uniqueness of Market Square is that in its center there is an entire block of buildings and internal streets. Here are famous mansions with beautiful names: “Under the golden sun”, “Under the blue sun”, “Under the seven electors”. Notable persons, kings, presidents stayed there, and negotiations were held. Also on the square there is a unique city hall from the 13th-16th centuries - a masterpiece gothic architecture and the symbol of Wroclaw.

What sights of Wroclaw did you like? Next to the photo there are icons, by clicking on which you can rate a particular place.

Racławice panorama

The Raclawice Panorama in Wroclaw is a monumental canvas (15x114 m) depicting the battle of Polish rebels at Raclawice near Krakow led by the national hero Tadeusz Kosciuszko with Russian troops on April 4, 1794.

Thanks to a combination of special artistic and technical operations, the painting “transports” the viewer to another reality and another time. The Racławice Panorama is the first and only Polish work of its kind that has survived to this day.

This legendary creation of Jan Styka and Wojciech Kossak could be seen in Lviv at the beginning of the 20th century. The artists worked on this monumental painting for 9 months, and a specially woven canvas was purchased specifically for the panorama in Brussels, and the design of the rotunda itself was provided by Austria.

In 1944, the painting was partially damaged by bombing. And in 1946 it was handed over to the Polish authorities and transported to the city of Wroclaw. For many years, the panorama in the form of a roll was kept in the National Museum in Wroclaw. The painting was opened to the general public only in the mid-80s of the 20th century and immediately became the main attraction of Wroclaw.

On Rinek Street in Wroclaw there is a one-of-a-kind cafe "Pod Z1otym Dzbanem" (Under the Golden Jug).

For many years, residents of the city have been inviting family and friends here to offer them the best unique cakes and ice cream pies in Wroclaw. Visitors can sit on the ground floor in comfortable armchairs and sofas or in the cozy basement in the style of a 13th century Romanesque chamber. The legend of the Golden Jug says that the old cellar brings happiness to people.

Wroclaw-Strachowice International Airport

Copernicus Airport is a commercial airport international Airport, located 10 kilometers from the city center of Wroclaw, in southwestern Poland. Currently, companies such as RyanAir, Wizz Air, LOT, EuroLOT, OLT Express and Lufthansa, as well as Scandinavian Airlines System are based here. The airport was named after Nicolaus Copernicus on December 6, 2005.

The history of this airport began in the 1930s, when an airfield was built here, used for German army, and in February 1945 the airport was occupied by Soviet troops. In June 1945 it was located here civil Aviation. First international flights were opened at Copernicus Airport in January 1993. After 6 years, the construction of a cargo terminal, an international hall and the installation of a new meteorological system were completed.

In 2015 it is planned to increase runway up to 3000 m, expansion of the taxiway, apron and parking, as well as improvement of navigation equipment. At the first stage of restoration, the passenger capacity of the airport was already increased to 3.5 million people per year.

Wroclaw City Hall

City Hall located in the center of Wroclaw, on the Market Square. This building is one of the most beautiful examples of Gothic architecture in Europe and one of the most valuable attractions of the city.

The construction of this masterpiece began in the 13th century and lasted three centuries - this led to an organic mixture of different architectural styles with a predominance of Renaissance and Gothic. In 1945, the town hall was completely destroyed; later it was restored thanks to miraculously preserved drawings.

The city hall has an astronomical clock reminiscent of the famous Prague clock. The building houses the Museum of Medal Art, as well as Historical Museum. In the basement of the town hall there is a famous restaurant “Pivnica Świdnicka”.

Wroclaw City Stadium

The city stadium in the city of Wroclaw is one of the best in Poland. This football arena hosted matches of the 2012 European Championship. It is the home stadium of FC Slask and the Polish national team.

The stadium was opened in 2011. This is one of the "youngest" football stadiums in Europe. It was built specifically for the Euro 2012 championship. Construction lasted for three years. The stadium has a rounded shape and fully covered stands that can accommodate more than 42 thousand people. This is one of the most modern stadiums in the world today.

Gola Castle

Gola Castle is located in southwestern Poland, in the village of Gola Dzierzoniowska, Lower Silesian Voivodeship. Construction of the castle began in the second half of the 16th century by the Silesian feudal lord Leonard von Rochnau. The stone for construction was taken from granite rock. At the beginning of the 17th century, the architecture of the castle was supplemented with new elements in the Renaissance style, which finally shaped its appearance.

In 1821, the castle became the property of Baron Prittwitz und Gaffon, whose family owned the estate until the end of World War II, during which the building received significant damage.

In the post-war period, the castle was not restored and gradually turned into ruins.

In the 2000s, a large-scale reconstruction of the castle was carried out. Currently, there is a luxury hotel with a restaurant and a spa center. The castle has a park with an area of ​​more than 13 hectares. The Gola River flows through the park, and there are also several picturesque ponds.

Cathedral of John the Baptist

The building was built in the Gothic style and is the first Gothic church in Poland. The cathedral is located on the site of an old church. The history of the cathedral building begins in the 13th century. The choir was completed in 1272 and the nave was built in 1341. The facade with two spiers 98 m high faces west. Built in 1913, the organ was for some time the largest in the world. During the storming of Breslau, the cathedral was destroyed by 70%. In 1946-1951. its reconstruction was carried out.

Church of St. Elzbiety

The Church of St. Elzbieta is one of the famous landmarks of Wroclaw. It was erected in the 13th century and is a Gothic building, the tower of which reaches a height of 87 meters. Initially, the tower was slightly taller and was one of the tallest buildings in Silesia, but after reconstruction a few decades later, it was unfortunately demolished by a hurricane. This story later became a legend that the tower was held by angels.

The Church of St. Elzbieta is one of the most beautiful buildings in Wroclaw. It delights not only with its decoration, which is inherent in the Gothic style, but also with its majesty and height. And if you climb the spiraling staircase to the top of the tower, you will see a simply stunning and breathtaking panorama of the city, and in excellent weather, also a view of the blue mountains in the distance.

Japanese garden

In 1913, Poland hosted the World Exhibition, and the Japanese Garden, located in Wroclaw's Szczytnicki Park, became a real gem of the exhibition. The concept of the garden was developed by the greatest expert on Japanese culture and traditions, Count Fritz Von Hogberg. He was actively assisted by the Japanese gardener Mankichi Arai, and their creation created a real sensation - it was one of the first Japanese gardens in Eastern Europe.

Unfortunately, after the end of the exhibition the garden did not receive further development, and after the outbreak of the First World War, it was practically abandoned. Only in 1994 did the city authorities decide to restore it. Representatives of the Japanese embassy were enthusiastic about this idea, and in 1996 a team of specialist horticulturists from Nagoya arrived. The garden was restored by analogy with the garden of 1913, but at the same time received many completely new elements. The old cascades were rebuilt, decorative gates and a wide alley appeared in the direction of the central part. The main attractions are located in the center: a bridge topped with an ornate roof, stone lanterns and additional paths along the pond.

The renovated garden opened in 1997, but just two months later it was almost completely destroyed by flood. Again, a decision was made to restore the park, and once again, thanks to joint efforts, the Japanese Garden opened its gates to visitors. Now this is a real corner of Japanese culture and one of most popular places in the city.

The most popular attractions in Wroclaw with descriptions and photographs for every taste. Choose best places for visiting famous places Wroclaw on our website.

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Wroclaw (Poland) - the most detailed information about the city with photos. The main attractions of Wroclaw with descriptions, guides and maps.

City of Wroclaw (Poland)

Maps of Wroclaw with interesting routes and attractions

Let's talk about the most interesting tourist routes cities with marks on the map.


Embankment of the Odra River

Embankment of the Odra River

A route along the Odra embankment, during which you can enjoy the architecture of Wroclaw, parks, bridges.


Old Wroclaw

The most ancient places in Wroclaw can be seen along the route below.

Sights of Wroclaw

Tumsky Island

Ostrom Tumski is the oldest part of Wroclaw. A unique ancient place, whose history began in the 14th century. On the way to the center of the island and its dominant feature - the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, you can admire the ancient buildings in the Renaissance style, the Church of St. Bartholomew (Holy Cross), palaces of bishops.

Cathedral of St. John the Baptist is a magnificent masterpiece of Gothic architecture and one of the most large temples Silesia. The history of the temple began 10 centuries ago. The cathedral suffered destruction after fires and wars, but each time it was restored in a form no worse than before. Inside the cathedral you can admire ancient frescoes and sculptures. Climbing the cathedral tower you can enjoy a magnificent panorama of Old Wroclaw. Near the cathedral there is a Gothic sarcophagus chapel, ancient towers, and a small old church.

If you like museums, then you can visit the Archbishop's Museum, which contains several interesting exhibitions such as Etruscan jewelry, Egyptian mummy, and Greek amphorae.


Then you can cross the Tumsky Bridge to the small ancient island of Sand.

Here you can look at the old Gothic church built 600 years ago, a mill, and a university library. After crossing the bridge over the Odra, you can go along Boulevard X. Dunikowskiego through the park to observation deck former defensive bastion. From here a beautiful panorama of Tumsky Island opens.

A little further away is Gondol Bay, where you can rent a boat and go on a trip around the Odra. Also here are the remains of the old moat, the Racławice Panorama - a panorama painting depicting the Battle of Racławice during the Polish national liberation uprising of Kościuszko.


On the street Crozdka you can go to the University building, look at the Baroque Church of the Holy Name of Jesus and go to the old slaughterhouses (Jatki). These are ancient rows formed in the 14th century for the meat trade. Now artists and various art galleries have found refuge here.

Nearby is one of the largest basilicas of the medieval city, dedicated to St. Elizabeth. And at the intersection with the street. Świętego Mikołaja there is an old arsenal. Built in 1459, this building is the oldest building of its kind in this part of Europe.


The next notable attraction will be Royal Palace, built in the 18th century, which now houses the regional museum.

Mythical Wroclaw

The residents themselves often joke that Wroclaw has 1000 years of history and 50 years of tradition, but in fact, traces of old stories and legends can also be found here. Residents have created their own urban legends about underground city, gnomes, eccentric and strange personalities. We present the most mystical places Wroclaw.

  • Main Train Station includes legends and stories about tunnels, Nazi bunkers with secret weapons, treasures taken from other countries. Some of the tunnels are now flooded or collapsed.
  • Fountain Gnomes on Theater Square- is dedicated to stories about gnomes who, according to legend, live underground in the capital of Lower Silesia.
  • Hotel Monopoly, built in Art Nouveau style, is a legendary hotel where many famous personalities lived - Adolf Hitler, Picasso, etc.
  • Basilica of St. Elizabeth - gothic cathedral, built on the ruins of an ancient temple. In the 16th century it was one of the tallest churches in Europe. According to legend, the master of the crusaders lost it at cards and handed it over to the Protestants.
  • Mill Bridge (Most Młyński Południowy) - the water test was carried out on this bridge during the Inquisition. Women accused of witchcraft were wrapped in a red cloak and thrown into the waters of the Odra.
  • Church of St. Bartholomew on Tumsky Island is another legendary place. This is an unusual two-level church. According to legend, the Duke, the owner of these places, after reconciliation with the bishop, decided to build a church and name it in honor of St. Bartholomew. During the construction of the foundation, a strange stone in the shape of a cross was discovered here. This was taken as a sign that the church should be named after St. Cross. But the Duke, not wanting to break his promise, named the church in honor of Bartholomew. Then he ordered to build another level and name it in honor of St. Cross. This is how it turned out to be a church with two levels and names.
  • Cathedral of St. John the Baptist is probably the most legendary place in Wroclaw. The most famous legend is related to the stone head. The story goes that a young apprentice fell in love with the daughter of a jeweler. But, since he was not rich, his father did not approve of this marriage. The young man began to steal and rob. Having become rich, he proposed again, but the jeweler realized where his wealth came from and drove him away. In rage and revenge, he set fire to the goldsmith's house, watching the fire from a small window in the cathedral tower. Kara overtook him here. The walls of the cathedral closed around his neck, and his head turned to stone, becoming a warning to all who would follow his path. Another well-known legend is about the head of a lion without a mane. According to legend, the stonecutter who carved the sculpture, having not received money for his work, decided to destroy it. But he only cut off the lion's mane. This was seen as a sign, and the sculpture became a symbol of stinginess.

In conclusion, I would like to say that Wroclaw is amazing city, a city of ancient streets, churches with its own amazing history and atmosphere. We highly recommend visiting here.

Video - city of Wroclaw

During its existence, Wroclaw changed citizenship more than once, becoming part of various states, but for the most part the Germans dominated here (then the city was called Breslau). However, everything changed after the war, when Poles displaced from Lviv, which was legally annexed by the USSR in 1939 and now belongs to Ukraine, began to populate the depopulated Breslau, taken from. The combination of different national traditions determines the appearance of the city with its huge German cathedrals, Flemish-style mansions and Baroque palaces. The last reconstruction took place after a catastrophic flood in the early 1990s, when most of center was under water.

Arrival and accommodation in the city of Wroclaw

The main station (Wroclaw Glowny) faces the wide Pilsudskiego street, a 15-minute walk south of the Market Square. The main bus station is located behind the station. Through the travel agency, which is located in building No. 14 on Market Square (daily May-August 10.00-21.00, September-April 10.00-18.00), you can either find accommodation in the private sector. Several modest hotels are located near the station, the closest of which is Hotel Piast on Pilsudskiego Street 98, which offers discounts to ISIC international student ID holders. Between the station and the Old Town, on Kosciuszki Square 19, there is the Savoy Hotel.

The best option in the Old Town is Bursa Nauczycielska on Kotlarska 42 with simple double and triple rooms. As an alternative, we recommend Dom Turystyczny Trio 1 kilometer from the Market Square, on Trzemeska 4: take tram 22 to the Mlodych Technikow stop. Hostel Tumski is adjacent to expensive hotel with the same name and is located at Wyspa Slodowa 10 (curfew 22.00). From July to September you can stay in one of the excellent hostels of the Orange chain: Nad Fosf on Podwale 27 or Straszny Dwor on Grunwaldzki 61.

Sights of Wroclaw

The center of Wroclaw is outlined by the Oder River in the north and the arched Podwale street, running along the former city walls, next to which there is a moat bordered by a shady park. In the center of the city is the vast Market Square with the majestic 15th-century town hall. The most spectacular are the western and southern facades of this building, which now houses the Historical Museum (Wednesday-Sunday 10.00/11.00-17.00/18.00). On the northwest corner of the square are two curious baroque buildings known as Jas and Malgosia. They are connected by a gate leading to the Church of St. Elizabeth with a huge tower 9 meters high (Monday-Saturday 9.00-16.00, Sunday 13.00-16.00).

To the southwest of the Market Square is the former Jewish quarter, whose inhabitants fled or were taken from Wroclaw by the Nazis. The synagogue “Under the White Stork” (Sunday-Friday 10.00-17.00), one of the largest in the city, is hidden in the courtyard of house no. 9 on Wlodkowicza Street. A specially built rotunda houses a panorama of the Battle of Racławice (Tuesday-Sunday April-November 8.00-19.30, December-March 9.00-17.00; excursions every half hour, including the National Museum).

The panorama, 120 meters long and 15 meters high, was created in 1894 in honor of the centenary of Tadeusz Kościuszko’s victory over Russian troops near the village of Racławice between Kielce and Kielce. At the other end of the park is the National Museum, where you can see the touching medieval tomb of Henry the Pious with a group of mourners. To the north of the Market Square, between Uniwersytecka and Grodzka streets, lies the university quarter. In the center of the quarter, on Uniwersytecki Square 1, rises the huge Collegium Maximum building, on the second floor of which there is the meeting hall of Aula Leopoldina - one of the most beautiful interiors of the Baroque era, where architecture, painting and sculpture merge into one whole.

The Piaskowy Bridge at the town hall leads to the Sandy Island (Wyspa Piasek) and the Church of St. Mary of the Sands (14th century), which amazes with its majestic arches and altar with images of playful children. Two graceful bridges connect Peschany Island with the religious center of the city - Tumsky Island. Past baroque palaces, Katedralny Street leads to the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, rebuilt after the war. You can take the elevator up to the tower (Monday-Saturday 10.00-18.00), from where a beautiful panorama of the city opens up.

Food and drink in Wroclaw

You can eat cheaply in the student canteen Mis on Kuznicza Street 48 (Monday-Saturday until 17.00/18.00), as well as in the Kurna Chata cafe on Odrzanska Street 7, where you will be offered delicious dishes of the Polish highlanders. For vegetarians, we recommend the Vega Café at Rynek-Ratusz 27a (daily until 17.00/19.00). Le Bistrot Parisien on Nozownicza 1 offers excellent pies, salads and wines.

You can have a drink at the Pod Kalamburem cafe on Kuznicza street 29-a or at the Kalogrodek bar next door, at number 29-b. We recommend the quiet basement bar Gumova Roza (entrance from Sw. Wita alley) and the stylish bar Prac OFFnia Klub on Wiezienna 6. Spiz on the Market Square offers beer from its own brewery. For house music lovers, there is the Vulevu club on Swidnicka street 53. The Wagon Klub on Orlat Lwowskich square 20a is also recommended. There is a 24-hour Internet cafe on Kuznicza street 11/13.

In contact with

Old city

Will you be able to find a miniature statue of a gnome under your feet, not far from the houses of Yasya and Malgosi? There are about 150 such gnomes throughout the city. These funny little men are a symbol of the Orange Alternative, a group of dissidents who used humor as their weapon during communism. They often painted gnomes on city walls in places where the administration had painted over anti-communist slogans. IN tourist office for 5zl you can buy a map of the location of the gnomes and go in search of them.

In the center of the Old Town there is the second largest ancient market square (the largest is in Krakow) in the country, in Polish it is simply the Market. It is an attractive and lively place, surrounded by brightly colored facades and a row of old houses in the centre. In the southwestern corner of the Market is Salt Square (Plac Solny), salt was once traded here, but now it is a 24-hour flower market.

Urban Art Museum (entrance for adults/discount 7/5zt; 10.00-17.00 Tue-Sat, 10.00-18.00 Sun) located in the beautiful town hall building (built from 1327 to 1504) in the eastern part of the square there are various exhibitions, including those dedicated to medal art and famous citizens of Wroclaw.

In the northwestern part of the square (St. Nicholas St.) there are two nice little houses - Yasb and Malgosia, connected by a baroque arch. This couple is also known as Hansel and Gretel.

One block east of the Market is the Gothic Church of Mary Magdalene (ul Laciarska; 09.00-16.00 Mon-Sat) with a Romanesque portal from 1280 built into the south wall. Climb the 72-meter tower with its attached bridge (admission for adults/discount 4/3zt, 10.00-20.00 from April to October) and enjoy the beautiful view of the ancient city.

Away from the houses and bronze gnomes is the Church of St. Elizabeth (ul Elzbiety, 1; entrance 5zt; 09.00-18.00 Mon-Fri, 11.00-17.00 Sat, 13.00-17.00 Sun), erected in the 14th century. You can climb its 83-meter tower and explore the surrounding area.

The pride of Wroclaw and the main attraction that attracts tourists is the giant Raclawice panorama (www.panoramaraclavicka.pl; ul Purkyniego, 11; admission for adults/discount 20/15zt; 09.00-17.00 Tue-Sun from May to October, 09.00-16.00 Tue-Sun from November to April), depicting the Battle of Raclawice (1794), in which the Polish peasant army, led by Tadeusz Kosciuszko, defeated the Russian army, which intended to divide Poland. The work of artists Jan Styka and Wojciech Kossak was completed for the centenary of the battle and was a huge canvas 114 m long and 15 m high. The panorama was brought by Polish immigrants from Lviv at the end of the Second World War. Fearing disapproval of the Soviet government for glorifying the victory over the Russians, the city authorities for a long time did not dare to exhibit it. However, in 1985, the panorama finally took its place in a specially built round building east of the Old Town.

Excursions (with audio guides in English, French, German, Spanish, Russian and other languages) run every half hour from 09.00 to 16.30 (April - November) and from 10.00 to 15.00 (December - March). The ticket also provides access to National Museum on the same day.

National Museum (www.mnwr.art.pl; Warsaw Warsaw Square 5; entrance for adults/discount 15/10zt, Sat - free; 10.00-16.00 Wed-Fri and Sun, 10.00-18.00 Sat) next to the Panorama it displays art objects from medieval Silesia, as well as a collection of contemporary Polish paintings. The entrance fee is included in the Panorama ticket.

Church district

Cathedral of St. John the Baptist (Cathedral Square; 10.0.0-18.00 Mon-Sat, except during services)- the unique Gothic cathedral is equipped with an elevator that takes you to the top of the temple tower (for adults/discount 5/4zl). Next to the cathedral there is a museum of church art (Cathedral Square, 16; entrance for adults/discount 3/2zt; 09.00-15.00 Tue-Sun).

In the north there is Sand Island, on which the ancient (XIV century) Church Holy Virgin Maria (St. Jadwiga St.; opening hours are unstable), decorated with Gothic vaults and a nativity scene.

Cross the small bridge to Ostrow Tumski (Cathedral Island) and appreciate the picturesque area with an abundance of churches and the beauty of the Church of the Holy Cross and St. Bartholomew (Plac Koscielny Square); 09.00-18.00; built from 1288 to 1350)

North of Cathedral luxurious botanical gardens (Sinkevicha St., 23; entrance for adults/discount 7/5zt; 08.00-18.00 from April to October), where you can relax your soul among chestnuts and tulips.

Eastern part of the old city

Historical Museum located in the former palace building (www.mmw.pl; 35 Kazimierz Wielkogo Street; entrance for adults/discount 15/10zt; 10.00-17.00 Tue, Wed, Fri and Sat, 13.00-20.00 Tue, 10.00-18.00 Sun) will tell about the main events in the thousand-year history of Wroclaw. There is also a collection of paintings from the last two centuries on display.

Stunning monument "Transition" (corner of Świdnicka Street and Piłsudski Street) represents sculptural group people going underground and emerging from under it on the other side of the street.

Road there and back

Airplane

Copernicus Airport (www.airport.wroclaw.pl) serves LOT flights between Wroclaw and Warsaw. There are also daily flights to Brussels and Frankfurt and twice daily to Munich. Tickets can be purchased at the LOT office (Tel.: 0801 703 703; Pilsudski St., 36). Jet Air flies to Gdansk.

Airplanes of a number of low-cost airlines fly from Wroclaw to other European cities, including British and Irish destinations. Ryanair and Wizz Air fly daily to London, and Ryanair has five flights a week to Dublin.

The airport is located in Strahovice, 12 km north of the Old Town. From main railway station and the bus terminal there is bus number 406 to the airport (with an interval of half an hour), and also infrequent night bus №249.

Bus

Bus terminal (ul. Sucha, 11) is located south of the main railway station, with five daily services to Warsaw (44zt, seven hours). To travel to other points, it is more convenient to use the train.

Train

Wroclaw Main Railway Station (Pilsudski Street 105) was built in 1856 and is itself historical monument. Trains depart from here every day to Krakow at intervals of one to two hours. (48zt, about five hours), trains go to Warsaw at the same intervals (118zt, five and a half hours), usually passing through Lodz. Wroclaw also has a railway connection with Poznań (37zt, two and a half hours, departure at least one train per hour), Częstochowa (37zt, three hours, four per day), Torunem (51zt, five hours, two a day) and Szczecin (56zt, five hours, seven times a day). Please note that on weekends the number of passengers traveling to/from Wroclaw increases significantly with students, so book your tickets as early as possible.