 Wroclaw
is the centre of Silesia - one of the biggest provinces of which Poland is composed.
With population of 660,000 inhabitants it is the fourth largest Polish city and
definitely one of the most interesting ones.
Similarly to other cities,
the present Wroclaw is a product of tumultuous historical development. Founded
by Czech princes in 10th century it soon got under control of Polish Piast dynasty.
In 14th century (1335) was the Silesia region annexed by Luxembourg dynasty reigning
in Prague back to Czech crown, being for several hundred years the second town
after Prague. The citizens were predominantly German of catholic origin and created
opposition to protestant Czechs. During 16th to 18th centuries Wroclaw was administered
by Austrian emerors, until 1741 when it was lost to Prussians. Silesian lands
were one of the economic cores of Germany until the end of World War II. Wroclaw
(Breslau) defended itself against attacting Soviet troops longer then Berlin,
the fall of Festung Breslau (Wroclaw fortress) was signed as late as on
May 6, 1945. After the war Wroclaw became a Polish city, the majority of population
changed dramatically. Most newcomers came from former Eastern provinces which
were lost to the Soviet Union.
 The
reasons why you might want to visit it is firstly its unique location. The town
is nestled on the confluence of two rivers - Odra and Olawa. Add to it several
other tributaries, canals and the result is that Wroclaw lies on 12 islands which
are connected by aproximately 120 bridges (about 40 just for pedestrians).
Not
all historical sights are original - the city was also half in ashes after WW2,
but wandering around the city core you will get a taste of all important histrorical
architecture styles. In few places on earth you can see such accumulation of Gothic
cathedrals and churches like in Wroclaw - the hot spot is definitely the "Ostrow
Tumski" - Tum Island. Spiritual feeling and traditions are visible on
every step. We recommend mostly the 13th century Cathedral and the Church
of Holy Cross - a gothic building consisning of two levels. On the upper level
Catholic masses are celbrated, while the lower level is devoted to the Orthodox
rite.
 The
main square ranks among the largest in central Europe and is decorated by an unforgettably
beautiful Gothic town hall. The old town is not smal and gives you enough
opportunity for a longer stay.
If you are an admirer of Baroque art, the
place is then the the Aula Leopoldina - the representative hall of the
University founded by Leopold I in 1702. If you are in for museums, do not miss
the Historical museum in the main square, the National Museum or the Arsenal.
If
you want to try something special, go for the Raclawice  Panorama
- a monstrous painting 115 meters long and weighing 3500 kg. It depicts a
victorious battle in 1794 which was led against Russian as one of the last attempts
to preserve an indepandent Polish state, before it disappeared from map for 130
years). The painting is on display in a separate rotunda-like building on the
outskirts of the Old Town.
Alternatively, venture to Eastern suburbs to
see more of Wroclaw. Wroclaw is famous for constructivist German architecture
from the first half of the 20th century. Besides the Market hall in the
very centre built in 1905, your target should be a jewel of modernism, the original
Hall of Century, designed by Max Berg. Presently it is a place where Silesian
fairs take place. Opened in 1914, the hall commemorated the centenary of Napoleon's
defeat. The hall can house 6000 people and the shape is inspired by Rome's Pantheon
and St.Peter's cathedral, Babylon's ziggurats, the Hagia Sophia dome in Istambul
or Gothic architecture. Another example is the Olimpic stadium - to rememberace
the wish of Hitler's wish to hold the Olympic Games there in 1940.
Nature
lovers may enjoy nearby zoo, arguably the best in Poland and a lovely Japanese
garden with a larch church buit originating in the 16th century. Very pleasant
is the Park Szczytnicki.
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