Wroclaw's Gothic Churches and Medieval Buildings

View striking Architecture on Cathedral Island and the Market Square

Apr 1, 2009

Wroclaw is a city of islands, bridges and many churches, whose architecture spans centuries is every bit as beautiful as its more illustrious Polish neighbour Krakow.

The capital of the Poland’s Silesia region in the south west is steeped in history, having been incorporated at one time or another into the German, Austrian and Czech, as well as Polish states.

Breslau

The city’s historical diversity stems from several mass immigrations to the city, notably colonised by Germans – who named the city Breslau – following C13th Mongol invasions of Europe, again following the expansion of the Prussian Empire in the C18th and by resettled Poles from the east by the USSR after the fall of C20th Nazi Germany.

Despite significant war damage, a careful reconstruction programme has ensured Wroclaw’s cultural importance as a religious centre is maintained to the present day, with no fewer than 72 churches dotted around the city.

Cathedral Island

Wroclaw is built around the Odra River, whose course helps form the 12 islands making up the city. An un-missable highlight for any visitor is Ostrow Tumski – ’Cathedral Island’ – home to the C10th origins of Wroclaw and the magnificent twin spires of the Cathedral of St John the Baptist.

This Gothic cathedral was founded as a C10th stone building with a single nave, transept and apse, developing over the course of centuries of reconstructions to be a masterpiece. The first brick structure in Poland, dating from 1244 and with its towers destroyed by fire in the C18th, was finally restored in 1991. One of these towers can be climbed for superb views over Wroclaw.

Gothic cathedral

Along from the cathedral is the Church of the Holy Cross, another imposing Gothic edifice, built two-tiered originally in the C13th. Twinned with a stroll along its cobbled streets to the large Botanical Gardens nearby, picturesque and uncluttered Ostrow Tumski is an excellent introduction to Wroclaw.

Across the 1890 Tumski Bridge to Piasek Island visitors will be met by the impressive vaulted C14th Church of the Most Holy Virgin on the Sand, famous for its icon of the Virgin Mary.

Market Square

Wroclaw’s lively centre is its Rynek, or medieval Market Square, second only to Krakow’s in size. The Rynek is lined by a number of colourful original and restored townhouses in styles ranging from Gothic to Art Nouveau.

The C13th Town Hall dominates the square and has become more grandiose over the centuries as Wroclaw became ever wealthier from the trade of salt. The hall now contains the city museum in Wroclaw and deep in its bowels the oldest beer house in Europe.

Standing guard over the Rynek at one corner is the C14th St Elisabeth’s Church, another Gothic-inspired building affording fine views over the Old Town from its lofty 91-metre perch.

Wroclaw accommodation

The bustling Old Town and tranquil Ostrow Tumski provide a perfect complement to one another for a day spent marvelling at the architectural beauty of one of Poland’s brightest gems.

To for more information on things to do in Wroclaw, flights to Wroclaw and Wroclaw accommodation, visit here.

The copyright of the article Wroclaw's Gothic Churches and Medieval Buildings in Poland Travel is owned by Andrew Latham. Permission to republish Wroclaw's Gothic Churches and Medieval Buildings in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.