Wroclaw, with over 630,000 inhabitants, is the fourth biggest city in Poland and the economic, administrative as well as cultural capital of Lower Silesia. It is undoubtedly one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in the country. Situated at the foot of the Sudety Moutains, upon the Odra River and cut through by its numerous tributaries and canals, it is an exceptional city of 12 islands and 117 bridges.
Wroclaw’s complex and dramatic history is embedded in the city walls. We are reminded of the early medieval times in Ostrow Tumski, where one of the most stunning sacral architecture buildings in Europe has been preserved. Wroclaw Town Hall, located in the very heart of the city – Market Square, is considered one of the most splendid Gothic buildings in central Europe. In Wroclaw one can also see the biggest baroque interior in Poland, which has remained until today - the Leopoldine Hall, located in the 17th century University building. One of the city’s biggest attractions include:
Panorama of the Battle of Raclawice which is the oldest and only extant example of panorama painting in Poland commemorating the 100th anniversary of the victorious Battle of Racławice, a famous episode of the Kościuszko Insurrection, a heroic but in the end fallen attempt to defend Polish independence. Worth visiting is also the Centennial Hall, an architecturally unique building constructed in the beginning of the 20th century by Max Berg and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Wroclaw, multicultural and open to new ideas and challenges, fascinates and attracts. The city’s remarkable history and diversity combined with Polish hospitality guarantee that everyone visiting Wroclaw will certainly see and experience something interesting.
Bowling World Cup guests are welcome to participate in Wroclaw Sightseeing Tour with a local tourist guide which can be arranged every day (26.11 – 30.11) depending on the interest of the World Cup’s guest. The Organisers provide the tour guide and transportation. However the entrance fees must be paid individually when signing for the trip.
Wroclaw sightseeing tour lasts approx. 3-4 hours and includes visiting:
- medieval Ostrow Tumski with one of the most stunning sacral architecture buildings in Europe - the Cathedral
- the very heart of the city - Market Square and the Town Hall which is considered one of the most splendid Gothic buildings in central Europe
- the biggest baroque interior in Poland which has remained until today - the Leopoldine Hall located in the University building (closed on Wednesdays, entrance fee 10PLN – 2,5 EUR)
- Panorama of the Battle of Raclawice which is the oldest and only extant example of panorama painting in Poland (closed on Mondays, entrance fee 25PLN – 5,5 EUR )
- the Centennial Hall, an architecturally unique building constructed in the beginning of the 20th century by Max Berg and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Moreover, all World Cup guests have a free entrance to the following Museums:
- The Historical Museum
- The Museum of Burgeois Art
- The Archeological Museum
- The Military Museum
- The Museum of Medallic Art
- The Museum of Cemetery Art and The Old Jewish Cemetery
For more details and the opening hours please see: http://www.en.muzeum.miejskie.wroclaw.pl/
Also, we would like to offer two trips outside Wroclaw:
The minimum number of people to run a tour is 10 and the maximum is 30. Tours available in English and German. Signing for the tours will be possible upon the arrival at the World Cup’s reception desk. Guests are kindly asked to sign for tours at least two days earlier. The Organisers provide the tour guide and transportation. However the entrance fees must be paid individually when signing for the trip.
1. Trzebnica and Lubiaz – approx 4-5 hours (27.11)/ entrance fees: 20PLN= 4EUR
Trzebnica is located among the picturesque Wzgorza Trzebnickie Hills, 25km away from Wroclaw.
The tour includes visiting the Church of St. Bartholomew and St. Jadwiga, the first brick building in Silesia. Its oldest part is the crypt under the chancel with small spring. The spring is believed to have miraculous properties. This Romanesque church had been reconstructed many times. The artistic portals are the only 13th century details which have been preserved. In the 18th century the Cistercian Sisters gave the church a Baroque style.
(source: www.turystyka.dolnyslask.pl)
The Cistercian Abbey in Lubiaz in is one of the largest Christian architectural complexes in the world and is considered a masterpiece of Silesian Baroque architecture. The monastery’s First Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary was constructed in Lubiaz in 1200. The abbey was given its present look during the reconstructions of the 17th and 18th centuries. In accordance with the spirit of the times, the Gothic Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary was given Baroque furnishing and a two-tower facade.
(source: www.turystyka.dolnyslask.pl)
2. Świdnica and Ksiaz Castle – approx 4-5 hours (29.11)/ entrance fees: 35PLN = 8EUR
Ksiaz is among the largest castles in Poland. It contains more than 400 rooms with a total cubic area of 15,000 m³. The most wonderful is the 18th century Maximilian Hall. The castle can be found on the border of Walbrzych, within the Ksiaz Landscape Park.
(source: www.turystyka.dolnyslask.pl)
An exceptionally rich history and intriguing architecture, make their home in one of the most beautiful cities in Silesia – Swidnica. The Church of Peace of the Holy Trinity, the biggest wooden church in Europe, was established between 1656 and 1657. The church has been preserved, almost intact, until the present day. It has a wooden framework and it is built on a cross plan. In 2001, the church was listed as the UNESCO World Heritage Site. One can also admire the Gothic Church of Saints Stanislaw and Waclaw, whose 103 m high tower, dominates the city.
(source: www.turystyka.dolnyslask.pl)