WROCLAW (BRESLAU)

Wroclaw is the economical, cultural and intellectual capital of Lower Silesia, located in southwestern Poland, 160 km from Germany and 120 km from the Czech Republic. The city with its charming historical center, parks, good restaurants, hotels and friendly people (700.000 inhabitants) is a pleasant place to visit and to do business.

Situated at the foot of the Sudety Moutains, upon the Odra (Oder) River and cut through by its numerous tributaries and canals, it is an exceptional city of 12 islands and 112 bridges. Wroclaw’s complex and dramatic history is embedded in the city walls. We are reminded of the early medieval times in Ostrów Tumski, where one of the most beautiful sacral architecture buildings in Europe has been preserved. Wroclaw Town hall is considered one of the most splendid Gothic buildings in central Europe. In Wroclaw one can also see the biggest baroque interior in Poland, which has remained untill today - the Leopoldine Hall, located in the 17th century University building. The old and modern architecture of the city is surrounded by the abundance of greenery.

In the city centre, there spreads out the Szczytnicki Park dating from the 18th century. It cointains over 370 species of trees and shrubs and a Japanese garden. If you want to have a walk, the great places are the Botanical Garden with their beautiful flowers and Alpine gardens, green house and the biggest cactus house in Poland, and the Zoological Garden, founded in 1865 and accommodating about 5.500 animals representing 650 species.

Visitors coming to Wroclaw remember the city mainly as a cultural centre. Its theatres, including the Opera, Musical Theatre and Philharmonic Hall; various clubs, museums and galleries provide a continuous series of artistic events. Internationally acknowledged musical festivals have become the city’s cultural landmark. The biggest of them is International Festival WRATISLAVIA CANTANS - Music and Fine Arts. Other festivals which take place in Wroclaw include Jazz on the Odra, Old Master’s Music Days, One-Actor Theatr Performances and Festival of Actor Songs. One of the cultural attractions which is a must when visiting Wroclaw, is certainly the Panorama of Raclawice, a gigantic rotunda accommodating a 120 metres wide and 15 metres high panoramic painting which represents the battle of Raclawice fought on 7 April 1794.

Wroclaw is the fourth biggest city in Poland, with the population of 700000 inhabitants. It belongs to the biggest university centres in the country. The city’s intellectual life is focused around 13 academic schools including Wroclaw University and technical University. Wroclaw is also a very important transportation centre. It is a crossing point of three international routes, has two big railway stations, two river ports and international airport, which ensures the connection with the whole world.

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