I have been in Wroclaw, Poland ‘ travelling with my camera’ (the Nikon this time) and here are my hints and tips for must see places when you visit Wroclaw.  This is by no means an exhaustive list, there is much more to see and do.  An amazing city with copious amounts of history.  Wroclaw is the largest city in western Poland and is built on several islands which are connected by more than 100 bridges on the River Oder.

Town Square
Not sure you could miss the town square even if you tried, it is one of the largest and most beautiful in Europe. The buildings are amazing and to think it was totally rebuilt from ruins after the Siege of Breslau (another name for Wrocław) which took place over 3 months in 1945. For a great view of the square, take a trip to the top of the tower at St Elizabeth’s Church. Be warned, there are over 300 narrow steps to tackle to the summit!
Location – Rynek

University
Three places not to be missed in the University museum. Aula Leopoldina, a ceremonial hall.  and the concert hall both with amazing art. And the Mathematical Tower for more great views over the city. Make sure you check out the ‘naked swordsman’ sculpture by Hugo Lederer outside the Uni. It prompted complaints from parish priests in the early 1900s that students would be morally corrupted by the naked body. There is also a legend that he represents an extravagant gambler who squandered all but his sword in drunken card games.
Location – Pl. Uniwersytecki

Ostrów Tumski (Cathedral Island)
The main religious area and oldest area of the city. There are very few bars or restaurants here, just a peaceful place to wander and check out the beautiful places of worship. Be around at dusk to see the lamplighter lighting the gas street lights – one of only 2 European cities where this can now be seen. Also, arrive or leave via the Tumski Bridge which is inundated with padlocks.  If you don’t have the stamina or desire to climb lots of steps to see the roof top city view, pop into the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist where there is a lift to take the strain!
Location – Ostrów Tumski

Katyn Massacre Monument
Pomnik Ofiar Zbrodni Katyńskiej is the polish name for this sombre, and rightly so, memorial which remembers Polish military personnel, policemen, prisoners of war and intelligentsia that were murdered by the NKVD (Narodnyi Komissariat Vnutrennikh De) – an order from Stalin in 1940. Designed by Warsaw sculptor Tadeusz Tchórzewski, it depicts Angel of Death wielding his sword over Katyń Pieta (the Matron of the Homeland). Katyń is despairing over the body of a dead POW.
Location – Słowacki Park

Anonymous Pedestrians
Przejście or Anonymous Pedestrians were designed by Polish artist Jerry Kalina. They are in memory of the introduction of martial law in 1981 and remember the people who were arrested in the middle of the night by the military. Many were never seen again.
Location – junction of Piłsudskiego and Świdnicka

Botanical Garden Of The University Of Wrocław
The gardens are known as an “oasis of beauty and peace”. I have to admit, I am not particularly an avid garden fan, however, this is the most stunning and beautiful I have ever seen. Leave enough time to visit as the gardens cover 7 hectares, which is about 7 rugby pitches!
Location – Sienkiewicza

Racławice Panorama
This 114 metre Panorama of the Battle of Racławice is housed in a purpose built building and is a sight not to missed. It depicts General Tadeusz Kościuszko’s famous victory over the Russians in 1794. Ensure you book tickets online as I had to return the next day to get a slot. There is a viewing every 30 minutes where the story of the battle is told – pre recordings are available in 17 different languages.
Location – ul. Purkyniego

Keep an eye out for the 282 gnomes or krasnales in Polish, dotted around the city.

I found a great free ‘in your pocket’ guide on Wroclaw – save money by not having to buy that travel guide.

Look out for my future blog on Wroclaw travel and food hints and tips.

Check out my You Tube Wroclaw video for a view of the city if you haven’t had chance yet.

And my final tip – practice pronouncing ‘Wroclaw’, I found it very difficult – “vrahts wahf” and sounds nothing like it is written.