Tourist information and destination rating
Category: Cities, Local time: 14:12:27, Official WWW website:
www.wroclaw.pl
Pros
nice people
breathtaking architecture
delicious meals
bustling destination
jazz clubs
splendid sceneries
distinctive atmosphere
night life and amusement
concerts
tasty beer
UNESCO
flat surrounding area
Suitable for
shopping
history
nightlife
cruises
study
active vacation
Why to go there?
old&new architecture
political centre
historical centre
Transportation and means of transport
railway
air
international airport
business travel (industry)
textile
engineering
chemical
food processing
Information and Facts
Last update: 2012-10-21 16:22:22
Wroclaw is the fourth largest city in Poland and one of the oldest cities in the country. It is also the capital of Lower Silesia Province. The city is located in the southwestern part of the country at the confluence of the rivers Oder and Olawa.
About Wroclaw
The area of today's city had been an important crossroads of trading routes since the prehistoric times. The first written mention of the city Wroclaw dates back to 1000 when a bishop´s residence was established at this site. In 1138 the city became the capital of Silesia. Wroclaw was granted town privileges in the 13th century. In the 14th century the town was a member of the Hanse Association. Later it was a part of the Czech Kingdom. During the Second World War the city was heavily damaged. In the 1980s Wroclaw was a very important center of Polish anti-communist resistance.
Wroclaw currently has a population of about 630,000. It is a city of education, sports and tourists. Wroclaw is third largest education and training center in Poland as there are approximately 135,000 students. Major attractions of Wroclaw include the Wroclaw Cathedral , which is located on the former island, called Ostrów Tumski , which is the oldest part of the city. Then there is a market square from the 14th century - Rynek - , and also the multi-purpose recreational building Stulecia Hall, the UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2006. Tourists usually want to see the Grunwaldzki Place Square, St. Elizabeth's Church, the Palace Wroclaw and beautiful panoramic paintings Racławice Panorama, as well as the Grunwaldzki Bridge.
Shoppers and families with children often visit the amusement and shopping center called Arkady. This post-modern building comprises shops, offices, apartments, a cinema, and an aquarium with sharks.