Wrocław, Metropolitan city in Lower Silesia, Poland.
Wrocław is a large city in Lower Silesia, Poland, spread across several islands separated by branches of the Oder River. The center is dominated by a large rectangular market square, surrounded by multi-story Renaissance and Baroque houses and a freestanding Gothic town hall in the middle.
The city originated in the 13th century as a trading post and changed hands several times over the following centuries, passing between different kingdoms. After World War II, it became part of Poland and underwent reconstruction, with many historic buildings restored.
Students and locals gather in the cafés near the university district, while the covered market halls remain a place for daily shopping and casual meetings. Residents spend their evenings on the river islands, walking along tree-lined paths or sitting on benches that overlook the water.
Most of the main sights lie within walking distance in the center, while tram lines connect the outer districts to the historic core. Many bridges cross between the islands, making it easy to lose your bearings on a first visit, so a map helps.
Hundreds of small bronze figures of dwarfs are scattered throughout the city, each with its own name and character. They commemorate a peaceful protest movement from the 1980s and have become a popular scavenger hunt for visitors.
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