12 must-see places in Wroclaw

Market Square and Town Hall

The medieval market square in Wrocław is now part of the active city life. The square is a rectangle measuring 205 by 175 meters, which is completely studded with luxurious old architecture, cozy cafes, stores and travelers who have encountered the ancient city of Wrocław on their way.

The Town Hall crowning the square is one of the well-preserved structures of the Middle Ages. The first mention of it dates back to 1299. At that time, it was a two-storey building that housed the city council, court and prison, and later a chapel was added to the town hall. Nowadays it is one of the main tourist points of the city.

Wroclaw gnomes

Small bronze figures of gnomes, called krasnale or krasnoludki by Poles, are scattered all over the city. Today, they can be seen even in remote areas and have become a kind of business card of Wrocław.

The first gnomes appeared in the city back in the 1980s. At that time, strangely enough, they were a symbol of political protest. It all started when the Orange Alternative movement was born in Wroclaw. This underground organization advocated freedom of speech and public assembly against government censorship.

Over the years, the political aspect disappeared and the gnomes became the original symbol of the city. Cute bronze figures were placed near tourist and public facilities, private stores and restaurants. You can organize a quest and try to find five or ten of them.

Sculpture group "Crossing 1977 - 2005"

In the very center of the city, at the crossroads of Marshal Piłsudski and Szwidnicka Streets, seven bronze people go underground. And reappear on the other side. This is not an underpass. It's a stunning installation by sculptor Jerzy Kalina called "Crossing 1977-2005." But this gloomy and beautiful composition is better known as "Monument to the Victims of Martial Law". This monument symbolizes the tragic events of Polish history, when mass repression against the local Resistance began after the introduction of martial law. The sculpture symbolizes the rebirth of the Polish nation.

Centennial Hall and Wroclaw Fountain

There are many reasons to visit this place in Wroclaw. First, the Centennial Hall in Wroclaw is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Secondly, it is now home to an amazingly organized museum. Third, the house is located in a gorgeous quiet park. Fourth, the old nostalgic streetcars run to it. Fifth, there is a zoo across the street — a whole day can be spent walking and sightseeing.

Sixth, and this is probably the most important — nearby is the Musical Fountain, which rightfully holds the title of the largest in the country and amazes visitors with its scale and length.

You can book a hotel in Wroclaw with a discount of up to -65% on the website.

Opera House

Wroclaw's sights are remarkable because most of the buildings have their own unique history. This also applies to the opera house. Thus, during the existence of the opera house, legendary performers such as Richard Wagner, Nicola Paganini, Anton Rubinstein and others have performed on the big stage.

Wroclaw University

Every tourist guide to Wroclaw simply has to make its route through the University of Wroclaw. The oldest educational institution in the city was founded back in 1702. After reorganization in the 20th century, the university enjoyed rapid development and expansion of its teaching staff. The massive, impressive building of the main building educates more than 40 thousand students from all over the world. And the masterpiece-rich university library is the largest in the region.

St. Mary Magdalene Cathedral

This ornate cathedral is a Gothic church located near the city's central market square. It was built in the 13th century, although the first church on its present site appeared at the end of the 11th century.

During the Mongol invasion the church was destroyed, and the successor built in its place was destroyed by fire in the middle of the 14th century. After that, a new large church in strict Gothic style was built here, with giant bells on the towers. The towers were completed in 1488, and several side chapels were added in the 15th and 16th centuries.

Today, the church is an architectural landmark of the city, striking in its decoration and grandeur.

Royal Palace

The Royal Palace is a Baroque structure with a majestic and solemn appearance. The palace was built by a Prussian court architect. The palace was later bought by the Prussian King Frederick the Great. Today, the building houses the city's history museum, and the front of the palace is lined with fragrant flowerbeds and lush streams of greenery.

Racławice Panorama

Traveling to Poland means not only seeing the country's iconic sights, but also taking a look at the history of the region. The Racławice Panorama, first built for the city of Lviv, was moved to Wrocław at the end of World War II. The painting shows the process of the war of liberation for Polish independence under the command of Tadeusz Kosciuszko.

National Museum

The National Museum of Wroclaw dates back to the 19th century and continues the best traditions of German art museums. The basis of the museum collection consists of works of outstanding painters and sculptors of Silesia. The museum also has an extensive collection of glassware, earthenware and porcelain created by local craftsmen.

Among the museum's exhibits are masterpieces of sculpture and painting.

Hidropolis

Among the most popular places to visit in Wrocław, Hidropolis deservedly ranks at the top of the list. In this unique space, visitors can enjoy a demonstration of the power and basic properties of water. Hidropolis is a miniature water universe.

Japanese Garden

The atmosphere of oriental culture can also be found in Wrocław. The work of Japanese craftsmen is very popular with locals and visitors alike. Long paths, oriental flora and Japanese buildings of amazing beauty — this is the Japanese garden in Wrocław.