About Wroclaw, Poland:
Wrocław (pronounced “Vrots-wahf”) is a vibrant, historic city in southwestern Poland, serving as the capital of the Lower Silesian Voivodeship. With a population of around 642,000, it’s Poland’s fourth-largest city and a major cultural, educational, and economic hub. Known for its stunning architecture blending German, Bohemian, and Polish influences, over 100 bridges spanning the Oder River, and a quirky tradition of over 600 small gnome statues scattered throughout the streets, Wrocław is often called the “Venice of Poland” or the “City of a Hundred Bridges.” Its multicultural history stems from centuries of changing rulers, making it a melting pot of traditions.
The city was heavily damaged during World War II but has been meticulously rebuilt, preserving its Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque heritage.The Cathedral Island (Polish: Ostrów Tumski, [ˈɔstruf ˈtumski], German: Dominsel, [ˈdoːmɪnzəl]) is the oldest part of the city. It was formerly an island (Old Polish: ostrów) between branches of the Oder River.
The Cathedral Island in Wrocław is one of the few remaining places in Europe where a lamplighter (a single individual, dressed in a traditional cape and top hat) lights the gas street lamps (over 100 of them) every evening. This historic tradition dates back to the 19th century and continues as a unique and magical spectacle for locals and visitors. The lamplighter also extinguishes the lamps at sunrise.
Catholic places of interest in Wroclaw, Poland:
Note: there are two cathedrals in Wrocław: the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist and the Collegiate Cathedral of the Holy Cross. Both are located on Cathedral Island.
Cathedral of St. John the Baptist: A Gothic basilica built between the 13th and 16th centuries and located on Cathedral Island, is the main cathedral of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Wrocław. Stunning architecture and an outstanding array of stained glass windows.
Address: Plac Katedralny 18
Collegiate Cathedral of the Holy Cross: Also located on Ostrów Tumski (Cathedral Island), it is the co-cathedral of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Wrocław and serves as a smaller, but historically significant, church. It is a historic Gothic and Baroque church, with parts of its structure dating back to the 13th and 14th centuries. The church has a distinctive two-story layout with an upper church dedicated to the Holy Cross and a lower church dedicated to St. Bartholomew.
Note: A collegiate church is not the principal church of a diocese with a bishop’s see. However, many cathedrals also function as collegiate churches due to their cathedral chapters.
Address: Katedralna 6, 50-328 Wrocław, Poland.
Church and Monastery of St. Adalbert:
Address: Dominikański 2, 50-159 Wrocław, Poland
Cathedral of St. Mary Magdalene:
Address: Szewska 10
Traveling to Wroclaw, Poland:
Located in Southwest Poland, Wroclaw should not be confused with the capitol city of Warsaw…they are two distinct cities. Wroclaw is located 220 miles (354 km) southwest of Warsaw.
By air: Wroclaw Copernicus Airport (WRO) is about 12 kilometers from the city center. You can take an express shuttle bus or city bus line 106 (up to an hour, to the city center.
By train: The central train station is a 20-minute walk from the Main Market Square and is connected to the city center by tram and bus lines.
By bus: Intercity buses from other major Polish cities are a popular option.