Wrocław, the capital of Lower Silesia, is situated at the Oder river, at the foot of the Sudety mountains. It's one of the most interesting and beautiful Polish cities. It's also the fourth largest (population-wise) city in Poland. Many call it the Venice of the North - the city is crisscrossed by many canals and tributaries, consists of 12 islands and has about 120 bridges.

The rich and tumultuous history of the city is represented by its monuments. Early middle ages are invoked in Ostrów Tumski, an island where one of the most beautiful European church complexes can be seen. The City Hall is another Middle Ages monument and it's considered one of the most beautiful gothic buildings in Middle Europe. Inside the University, one of the biggest and best preserved Baroque interiors can be seen - the Leopold Hall.

Wrocław is one of the biggest university centres in Poland. Intellectual life centers around the University and University of Technology.

Many visitors see Wrocław as a thriving cultural centre. Theatres, an opera, musical theatre, philharmonic and many clubs, museums and galleries provide a multitude of artistic experiences.

Wrocław is also a green city. One of the most attractive places is Szczytnicki Park, founded in the seventeenth century, with over 370 different types of trees and an original Japanese Garden, designed and maintained according to the Japanese gardening art. The University Botanical Garden, founded in 1811, is also worth visiting for a beautiful flower exhibition, orangery, alpinarium and the biggest cacti collection in Poland (about 1600 species). Finally, there is the Zoo, founded in 1865.

Walk around Wrocław - points of interest:

- Ostrów Tumski - the seat of archbishop and the biggest church complex in Wrocław. The most important buildings here include: gothic St.John the Baptist Cathedral (built in the 13-14th century), gothic St.Cross and St. Bartolomeo church (13th century), romanesque-gothic St. Giles church and romanesque-gothic St.Martin church. 

- The City Hall - one of the most beautiful gothic city halls in Poland, built in stages over 250 years (13th century to 14th century).  The square is the second largest in Poland (the one in Krakow being the biggest).

- The University of Wrocław - In 1702 Emperor Leopold I signed the Golden Bulla which founded the university. In 1811, by order of the King of Prussia Friedrich Wilhelm III the university was merged with the University of Viadrin from Frankfurt an der Oder.

- Old tenement houses 'Hansel and Gretel' are the last surviving altarist houses and date back to the fourteenth century. They were inhabited by church staff taking care of altars, hence the name. An inscription can be seen on the baroque gate (1728): 'Mors lanua Vitae,' i.e. ‘Death is the gate of life.’ This was the way to a graveyard. In the houses one can find a cafe and an office of 'Admirers of Wrocław Society', and in 'Gretel' there is also a museum of dwarves.

- Szczytnicki Park - The old forest was popular among people living in Wrocław as early as in the 17th century. In 1783 Fryderyk Ludwik Hohenlohe-Engelfingen bought it and transformed into a so-called prince garden. It was one of the first English parks in Europe, later destroyed by Napoleon's soldiers during the city's siege. Currently, there is an original Japanese Garden, founded in 1909-1912 and expanded in 1997, with original Japanese plants.

- Centennial Hall - an eminent achievement of the early 20th century constructivism, the building is surrounded by green, recreational areas. To the north lies Szczytnicki Park - one of the most beautiful in Wrocław. In 2006 the Hall was added to UNESCO’s prestigious list of World Heritage Sites as one of the most important achievements in 20th century architecture

- Panorama of the Battle of Racławice - a giant rotunda housing a panoramic 120x15m painting depicting the Battle of Racławice of 4 July 1794.