The city
Wrocław is one of the most beautiful and oldest cities in Poland, initially established on one 
of the islands formed by the multiple channels of the river Odra near the place where it meets the Ślęza, the Oława, and the Widawa. As a city of 12 islands and hundreds of bridges, it is known as the ‘Polish Venice’. After the first settlements appeared in the 7th century on what would later be known as Cathedral Island (Ostrów Tumski), Wrocław developed rapidly as an important province in the early Piast monarchy. The increasing importance of the city at the turn of the eleventh century was confirmed by establishing there one of three new bishoprics appointed at the Gniezno Congress in the year 1000. Wrocław is one of Poland’s oldest cities, it has many remarkable architectural sites whose history is inextricably bound with that of the city. Its numerous attractions draw tourists from across the world, as well as local inhabitants in their leisure time. The historical monuments mentioned below are but a fraction of the city’s cultural heritage.
Wrocław full of life
The capital of Lower Silesia is one of few cities where the Rynek is full of people both during the day and at night. Maybe it is due to the charm of Gothic and Renessaince-style townhall and surrounding houses, or maybe it is the cafes and restaurants that attract people and make Rynek full of life all the time.
Wroclaw, a student city
Apart from being the administrative capital city of Lower Silesia, Wroclaw is also thought of as the centre of student life in the south-eastern Poland. While the total population of the city is over 638 000 people, there are about 125 000 students studying altogether at ten national and ten private universities in Wroclaw, some living in one of the 37 university dormitories. Investments in new jobs Wroclaw develops very quickly. Only in last few years big investors, like Whirlpool, Hewlett- Packard and Volvo, have created 8,000 jobs. The city sets itself ambitious tasks on a worldwide scale, like organizing Expo. Wroclaw is a central point of many routes leading from east to west and from north to south. Due to its location the city has attracted settlers and merchants, thus becoming a centre of trade and commerce in this part of Europe.
Green city
The busy city also offers its inhabitants and visitors places to rest and relax. It is worth mentioning Szczytnicki and Południowy parks, Japanese and Botanical gardens or one of the oldest European zoological gardens.
City`s site: www.wroclaw.pl
Photo Gallery: www.panoramy.wroclaw.pl
General information on Poland