Welcome to Wroclaw – the capital of Lower Silesia and one of Poland’s largest, oldest, and most beautiful cities. Situated on the Oder River and its four tributaries, Wroclaw is often called the City of a Hundred Bridges. The city hums with the multilingual buzz of tourists, thrives with cultural and academic life, and ranks among the country’s top business hubs.
Wroclaw blends the grandeur of a modern metropolis with the spirit of centuries past. It was granted city rights as early as 1214, and traces of its ancient history remain etched into the urban landscape. The city’s medieval cradle – Ostrów Tumski – draws visitors with one of Europe’s most stunning ensembles of sacred architecture. Highlights include the Archcathedral of St. John the Baptist, the 13th-century churches of St. Giles and St. Martin, and the Archdiocesan Museum, home to the priceless Book of Henryków.
A short walk away stands the 17th-century building of the University of Wroclaw, where the baroque splendor of the Leopoldina Hall and Oratorium Marianum never fails to impress. At the heart of the Market Square, surrounded by beautifully restored townhouses, you’ll find the City Hall – a masterpiece of European Gothic and Renaissance architecture.
Modern Wroclaw is the third-largest academic centre in Poland. More than 100,000 students from 74 countries study at over 20 public and private universities across the city. Future-focused fields like IT, biotechnology, biomedicine, and robotics flourish here, reflected in a thriving startup scene that attracts global investors. Wroclaw proudly wears the title of Poland’s startup capital!
The city is also a major cultural hub. Its hallmark events include renowned international festivals such as the Wratislavia Cantans and Jazz on the Oder music festivals, the Dialogue–Wroclaw theatre festival, and the New Horizons film festival. On a daily basis, the city offers a wealth of artistic experiences through its theatres, opera house, philharmonic, the National Forum of Music, galleries, and museums.
Wroclaw has something to offer everyone – from children to seniors. You can visit the oldest zoo in Poland, whose crown jewel is the cutting-edge Africarium – one of the seven zoological wonders of the world. Other must-sees include the botanical garden, numerous parks, and the lively, beautifully designed riverside boulevards along the Oder. A uniquely Polish attraction is Hydropolis – a modern, interactive center dedicated to water and its role in the world. Young visitors will love Kolejkowo, the largest model railway exhibition in Poland, and of course, the city’s charming and ever-present dwarf figurines.
In the European Best Destinations 2018 competition, Wroclaw was named the most attractive destination in Europe.
Come and see for yourself – Wroclaw is waiting for you!
