Breslau: Cultural History, Oder River Cruises and Wildlife
Accommodation in Breslau
Breslau can be discovered through a wide range of experiences: early modern architecture, historic churches and fortifications, a monumental panoramic painting, wildlife from Africa and trips on the Oder. Cycling routes are also part of the cityscape. If you are planning a trip together, these differences can help you first choose the experiences you want to shape your days.
Architecture and art with distinctive character
The Centennial Hall in Wrocław was designed by Max Berg and built between 1911 and 1913. It is considered an outstanding example of early modernism and the innovative use of reinforced concrete structures in construction. Its original concept was versatile: the hall was intended as a meeting place, theatre auditorium, exhibition space and sports venue. This building therefore combines a distinctive construction method with the ambition to create a space for a variety of public activities.
The Panorama Racławicka offers a very different way to experience art. The monumental painting measures 15 by 114 metres and surrounds the viewer on all sides. It depicts the Battle of Racławice, one of the more significant engagements of the Kościuszko Uprising. The panorama has also been displayed in Wrocław since the 1980s, where it has become one of the city’s most important tourist attractions. Its exceptional dimensions and all-encompassing presentation set this work apart from a single picture on a wall.
Traces of the city’s history
Bastion Sakwowy was part of Wrocław’s former fortifications. It therefore represents a different layer of the city’s history from the churches on Ostrów Tumski: the Church of St. Giles is a late Romanesque building from the early 13th century. The Church of St. Martin, in turn, is a remnant of the ducal castle of the Silesian Piasts, dating from between the late 12th and early 13th centuries. These buildings offer ways to learn about different historical contexts without reducing them to a single period.
The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist was built in the Gothic style. In the spring of 1945, it was destroyed during the battles for the Fortress of Breslau; its reconstruction took many years. Its history of construction thus links its Gothic form with the extensive destruction of the final months of the war and a lengthy reconstruction.
The Oder, wildlife and outdoor routes
In Wrocław, trips on the Oder are possible on large excursion boats, smaller boats, modern motorboats and electric boats with solar batteries. The options range from larger vessels to smaller and electrically powered boats. Anyone interested in a trip can make these different options a focus of their travel plans.
Zoo Wrocław is Poland’s largest and oldest zoological garden and offers a journey through the world of wildlife. One particular highlight is the Afrykarium: this oceanarium, devoted exclusively to African fauna, contains 21 pools and aquariums. More than 350 species of fish and mammals from Africa can be seen there. This focus on African wildlife gives a visit a clear thematic emphasis within the zoo.
For cyclists, Wrocław has around 1,500 kilometres of cycle-friendly routes, including paths through parks and along riverbanks. In addition, 400 kilometres of routes are specifically designated for cyclists. If you would also like to explore by bike, you can take both figures into account when choosing your activities.
When looking for a holiday apartment, you can first decide whether you would prefer to make your trip varied or dedicate it to a particular interest.
You can also visit Żerniki Wrocławskie as another local page: Żerniki Wrocławskie.
More local pages: Kiełczówek, Strzegomiany, Mietków, Iwiny, Gajków, Samotwór, Brzezia Łąka.
Go to the main travel overview: Wroclaw.
