Guide to Wroclaw: Architecture, Nature, and Culture

The Polish city welcomes tourists in its large Market Square (one of the largest in Europe), which is a very lively center both during the day and at night. Here you can admire the surrounding bourgeois buildings including the House Under the Sign of the Seven Electors, the House Under the Sign of the Golden Sun as well as Jaś and Małgosia (Hansel and Gretel). The heart of the square revolves around the Cloth Hall and the Town Hall, a unique example of Gothic and Renaissance architecture in Europe.
From the large square you move to Ostrów Tumski, the oldest part of Wrocław, made up of a group of islands on the Oder river. Here you are fascinated by the ancient atmosphere of the village, the castle, the waters of the Oder, and the wonderful architectures such as the Gothic cathedral of St. John the Baptist and the Church of the Holy Cross.
Not to be missed is certainly the Centennial Hall (Hala Stulecia), considered one of the greatest monuments of the 20th century, so much so that in 2006 it was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Adjacent to the Hall is an amazing multimedia fountain, consisting of 300 water jets and 800 lights. In winter the fountain turns into a gigantic ice skating rink.
If you want a deep contact with nature, you can go to Wschodni Park or Szczytnicki Park, located in the eastern part of Wrocław, where you can take relaxing and rejuvenating walks. The main enchantment of Szczytnicki Park is the Japanese Garden, with interesting examples of Japanese architecture and a splendid floral composition that varies according to the season.
Those who love museum culture can visit the various art galleries in the city, such as the Racławice Panorama (ul. Purkyniego 11), the national museum, the contemporary one, the architectural and the ethnographic museums.
For evening entertainment and fun, there are theaters, bars, restaurants, and pubs (mostly located in the old town center and the market square) where you can taste beer and many other local specialties.
The Polish city in 2012 hosted some matches of the European Football Championship, while in 2016 it was the European Capital of Culture.