In the past, it has been part of Bohemia, Hungary, the Habsburg Monarchy, Prussia, Germany and the Weimar Republic. Wrocław became part of Poland again in 1945 and now continues to thrive as a financial, cultural and commercial hub of western Poland.
Wrocław is a city on the Oder River in western Poland and has a population of around 630,000 people. Located at the crossroads of Central Europe, Wroclaw has had a long a varied history stretching back over a thousand years and its extensive heritage combines almost all religions and cultures of Europe.
1. Wrocławskie Centrum SPA
Besides being a spot for rest and relaxation conveniently located in the centre of town, Wrocławskie Centrum SPA is worth visiting just for its beautiful interior design.
The services offered will satisfy everybody, starting from swimmers, as there are 3 swimming pools, as well as gym or fitness club fans, or steam room lovers with various treatment rooms. Besides that the offer contains therapeutic and rehabilitating massages.
Built before the war in 1895, it is one of the most luxurious buildings in Poland. Clients have access to a pool and swimming baths, steam baths, showers, massages, a hairdresser, a restaurant and cafe and even a library.
2. Jewish Cemetery and art museum
If you walk along the high wall on Ślężna Street, you will probably miss what’s hidden behind it. If you’re a history fan, visit The Jewish Cemetery and art museum, where time slows all the way down.
We recommend spending a few hours for this experience. Walk amongst sepulchral art, unusual ornamentation and beautiful architecture and really get to know the lives and stories of 12,000+ people buried here. Renowned people buried at the cemetery include Isidor and Neander Alexander, Leopold Auerbach, Julius Cohn, Heinrich Graetz, Friederike Kempner and Ferdinand Lassalle.
3. Gondola Bay
Why not experience the city of Wroclaw by water on the Odra river? Rent a row boat, canoe, motorboat or even gondola at the ‘Venice of the Eastern Europe’.
Gondola Bay is located on Purkyniego Street, between the National Museum (pl. Muzeum Narodowe) and Polish Hill (pl. Wzgórze Polskie) and is open between April and October.
4. Młyn Sułkowice market
Wroclaw is the home of many unique bazaars and market places, where you can buy everything from antiques to fresh fruit. There are few which are open throughout the week. Some of them only once in a week (Saturday, Sunday)or even once in a month.
One of our favourites is the market near Młyn Sułkowice, which is open every Sunday. Try to get there as early as you can, so you don’t miss out on the best stuff!
If you hunt through the hundreds of stalls in the market, you may be able to get your hands on some real treasures! We’ve been able to find some amazing vintage pieces, bicycles, a few pieces of furniture, electronics and delicious organic produce.
5. Inglica in front of centennial Hall
Iglica (meaning “spire” or “needle”) is a monument, a needle-shaped building, located just in front of Centennial Hall in Wroclaw. Initially it was 106 meters tall, but has had now 10 meters removed from the top, during the last renovation.
In 1948 Polish Communists built Inglica for an exhibition to celebrate receiving control over the “Regained Territories” after World War II.
Originally, Iglica was topped by a shield of rotating mirrors, which gave it a unique umbrella-inspired look during the day. And at night, it was the home of some spectacular light effects. Unfortunately, lightning destroyed the amazing design, just before the official opening and the shield was never repaired.
Fun fact: In 2007, Iglica was turned into Europe’s tallest Christmas tree.
