Wroclaw | Poland
Wander through the history of Wroclaw
Ostrów Tumski
As one of the most aesthetically pleasing cities in Poland, Wrocław is one of the most culturally diverse cities in Europe and a historic gem with unique architecture. Take in the history that the city has to offer with a wander through the oldest part of town, Ostrów Tumski.
The district’s history is closely tied to Catholicism and today you will find an incredible concentration of religious buildings here, making it an incredibly peaceful place to explore and relax. To this day, Ostrów Tumski has remained primarily a place of worship and reflection, though with a few exceptions, you can make a day of discovering the soul of the city.
Start your day with breakfast at one of the only cafes in the area. Located nearby the Church of the Holy Cross, Cafeterie Chic offers delectable sweets and an assortment of beverages.
From here, visit the Church of the Holy Cross / St. Bartholomew’s. One of Ostrów Tumski’s most beautiful and iconic structures, the church hosts an impressive entry staircase and a 70m steeple. The church was completed in 1295 and for centuries is housed the sarcophagus of Henry IV, however, this can now be found in the National Museum.
Ostrów Tumski is home to the city’s most important Cathedral, Katedra św. Jana Chrzciciela (Cathedral of St. John the Baptist). Built in the 13th century, the cathedral offers a wonderful panoramic view of the city from its symmetric spires. Other highlights include a painting of Virgin Mary sleeping that occupies the center of the interior as well as the largest pipe organ in Poland, which was constructed in 1913.
Located by Archikatedra św. Jana Chrzciciela, The Muzeum Archidiecezjalne is the oldest historically continuous museum in Wroclaw and has gathered sacral art for over 100 years. There are many rooms that you can make your way through at your own pace, displaying religious art and invaluable medieval works from around Poland.
Next stop is the Natural History Museum where you will find exhibitions including the World of Plants, World of Animals, Insects & Humans, and the Skeletal System exhibit.
Crossing Tumski Bridge from Wyspa Piasek (Sand Island), Kościół Św. Piotra I Św. Pawła (Church of Saints Peter & Paul) is the first church you will encounter on Ostrów Tumski. Keep in mind that to visit the church in detail, you will need to make prior arrangements.
Another church to visit is Kościół Św. Idziego (St. Giles Church). Built in the 13th century, it is the only church in Wrocław to have survived the Tatar invasions and is today the oldest active church in the city.
Last but not least, Kościół Św. Marcina (St. Martin’s Church) is a small irregular shaped brick church and is all that remains of the Piast dynasty’s 13th-century Royal Castle, which once stood on the island.
To finish off your day, take a bite to eat at Lwia Brama². Just a stone throw away from Archikatedra św. Jana Chrzciciela, Lwia Brama² is set in a fairytale location. The menu offers a combination of regional and local ingredients to be enjoyed amid the enchanting medieval scenery.
Gnomes of Wroclaw
One of Wroclaw’s most iconic and memorable attractions are the many merry munchkins dotting doorways, alleyways and street corners- Gnomes, or as the locals call them, Krasnale. It’s not unusual that you will come across these little locals located sporadically throughout the candy-colored city. For those who hadn’t heard about them before, it won’t take you long to catch on!
Gnomes have long held a place in Polish folklore and their current iconic incarnation as symbols of Wrocław has a direct correlation to the political climate of the 1980s.
The first gnome of Wroclaw appeared in 2001 on Swidnicka Street where happenings of the ‘Orange Alternative’ movement (Pomerańczowa Alternatywa) took place. The Orange Alternative is a Polish anti-communist underground movement led by Waldemar Fydrych. Its main purpose was to offer a wider group of citizens an alternative way of opposition against the authoritarian regime by means of a peaceful protest with the use of curious elements.
Today, it is not known how many gnomes actually reside in the city, as ever so often a new face will appear. Many are sponsored by local businesses and you will see them outside of workplaces as a unique way to promote the company. You can find one who withdraws money from an ATM that sits outside a bank, one who is busy reading a map outside a tourist information point, even one whose belly is full from sneaking candy outside a candy-shop and so the list goes on!
Keep your eyes peeled and you’re bound to stumble across many of which are cheeky and up to mischief, adding a lighthearted feel to the city. There’s no doubt that they will make you smile as you come across each one!
You can download a map of where to locate the gnomes from the official website or take the treasure hunt into your own hands!
Official Link: http://krasnale.pl/en/
