Wroclaw Mini Guide
What can you Tell me About Wroclaw?
It’s the capital of the south western region of Silesia and Poland’s fourth largest city and has earned the title of European Capital of Culture in 2016. Control of the city has switched several times over the centuries with the city’s proximity to the south western border of Poland. At various times it has been part of Bohemia and
Germany, only to switch back to Polish control under the Kingdom of Poland. It became important as a settlement on the intersection of two trade routes, that of the amber route from the Baltic and the Via Regia which took goods from Silesia to southern Germany.
What’s the Easiest way to get to Wroclaw?Despite being not as famous as some of its city counterparts in Poland, Wroclaw is well served by routes from most major regional
UK airports. Sharing the routes are Ryanair and Wizzair, making travel to the historic not only convenient but also cheap. Once there, it’s just over six miles to the city centre, a journey that can be completed by taxi, local bus or by pre-booking a hire car for collection at the airport with us.
What Should be on my List of Things to do Whilst in Wroclaw?
At the end of the Second World War the city was almost totally destroyed by the advancing Red Army that eventually moved the border southwards so Wroclaw, previously known as Breslau, moved from Germany into Poland. Many cities destroyed in a similar manner, chose concrete reconstruction but Wroclaw decided to restore many of the fine medieval buildings that were lost or badly damaged leaving a legacy that now forms one of the most beautiful cities in central Europe. Head towards the Rynek, the central square, which is the biggest in central Europe and home to many of the city’s most attractive architecture. There are many churches whilst the most attractive part, and fabulous for a romantic night time stroll, is Ostrow Tumski, a series of small islands in the Oder River which are jam packed with architectural treasures lining cobbled streets.
What Else can I do in the Evenings?
Theatre is a popular evening activity for the locals with several of note in the city. Performances can range from musicals to classics to traditional Polish drama. There are a number of music venues too with a wide range to suit all tastes. Look out for flyers on walls and lamp posts for current information.
Wroclaw is the fourth largest city in Poland and is a potential European Capital of Culture for the year 2016. With car hire in Wroclaw you can find out more about what was once part of Bohemia and later the historical capital of the Silesia region.
In fact Wroclaw has had a very mixed up history being part of various other European countries as well as Poland. It suffered heavily during the Nazi invasion of Poland when people were killed, buildings were burned and institutions were destroyed. Today more than half a million people live in Wroclaw.