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To those of us who speak English, we call this town Breslau. But if you are Polish, you call it Wrocław which we couldn’t quite get our tongue around. However you call it, we found it to be a delightful place to visit when we stopped there at the end of July, 2003. Breslau was first colonized by the Slavic Slezan tribes in the 9th century, was made a bishopric in the 11th century, was a thriving market center in the 13th century, then fell to Bohemian rule from 1336 to 1945 when it was returned to Poland.
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In the center of the old town is the market square (above, right) lined with colorful houses and a very ornate town hall. In the photo above, the tall spire is on the rear of the town hall. The richly decorated front of the hall is shown at right. Built from 1327-1504 it is one of the most beautiful in Poland. On the town hall are the most fantastic down spouts, with fierce-looking dragons’ heads at their ends (right).
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Breslau was held by the Nazis during the final days of W.W.II, holding off the Soviets from January to May, 1945 when Berlin fell. To keep the Soviets at bay, the Nazis destroyed 70% of the city to create material for fortifications. Fortunately much of the old town center has been carefully restored to its former grandeur.
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In one corner of the market square stands two narrow houses, joined by a baroque gate. These 2 houses are named Jaś i Malgosia, or Hansel and Gretel (left). The one on the right is richly adorned so must be the Gretel house while the one on the left is rather plain by comparison. Looming tall behind them is the 14th century St. Elizabeth’s church. The tower is 83 meters high.
The indoor market features a colorful flower mart at one end, with arrangements for every occasion (above). |
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The city actually began its life on an island just to the north of the old city center. Then in the 11th century when it became a bishopric, the island became an ecclesiastical district and remains so until today. The island is dotted with churches and fine old buildings (below), as well as a botanical garden, making it a perfect place for a quite stroll away from the bustle of the city center.
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