Discover Wrocław: Culture and Architecture

Architecture, art, wildlife and activities on the Oder each offer a different perspective. The following examples can help you explore the city according to your interests.

Architecture and history

Centennial Hall in Wrocław was designed by Max Berg and built between 1911 and 1913. It is considered an outstanding example of early modernism and is notable for its innovative use of reinforced concrete structures. Designed as an assembly hall, theatre auditorium, exhibition space and sports venue, it brought together several functions in one building. If you are interested in architecture, it offers a concrete reference point for considering both its construction and its original purpose.

The Cathedral of St John the Baptist in Wrocław was built in the Gothic style. In the spring of 1945, it was destroyed during the fighting over Festung Breslau; its reconstruction took many years. Sakwowy Bastion offers a different historical perspective: it was part of Wrocław’s former fortifications. While the cathedral’s history is also marked by destruction and reconstruction, the bastion represents the city’s former defences.

Two buildings on Ostrów Tumski reflect different aspects of the Middle Ages. The Church of St Giles (pw. św. Idziego) is a late Romanesque building dating from the early 13th century. The Church of St Martin (pw. św. Marcina) is a remnant of the ducal castle of the Silesian Piasts, which dates from between the late 12th and early 13th centuries. Here, you can connect a church’s architectural style and date with the history of a former castle.

Visual art and wildlife

The Panorama Racławicka is a monumental painting measuring 15 by 114 metres that surrounds the viewer on all sides. It depicts the Battle of Racławice, one of the more significant engagements of the Kościuszko Uprising. The work has also been on display in Wrocław since the 1980s and has become one of the city’s major tourist attractions. Its format, subject and historical background offer three different points of interest if you would like to give your stay a cultural focus.

For a focus on wildlife, Wrocław Zoo offers a different kind of visit: it is Poland’s largest and oldest zoological garden and offers a journey through the world of wildlife. Within the zoo, the Afrykarium is dedicated exclusively to African fauna. The Oceanarium has 21 pools and aquariums, where you can see more than 350 species of fish and mammals from Africa. Species numbers may change over time. This makes the zoo’s broad range of wildlife distinct from the Afrykarium’s specific focus on Africa.

Exploring by water and bicycle

In Wrocław, you can take trips on the Oder aboard large sightseeing boats, smaller boats, modern motorboats and electric boats with solar batteries. Boat types and operators available may vary by season, so check the current options before making plans. The different types of boats give you several ways to include a river trip in your itinerary.

Cycle paths also offer a different perspective on the city. Wrocław has around 1,500 kilometres of cycling-friendly paths, including routes through parks and along riverbanks. In addition, 400 kilometres are designated specifically for cyclists. The two figures describe different categories: the larger network of cycling-friendly paths and the routes specifically designated for cyclists. If you use these figures for specific plans, check them again beforehand.

Discover more destinations: Żerniki Wrocławskie, Samotwór, Długołęka, Sulistrowiczki, Karwiany, Brzezia Łąka, Smolec, Kamieniec Wrocławski

Go to the main travel overview: Wrocław.