Opole - attractions, restaurants and shopping. Transport routes

Polish Opole is the main city of the Opole Voivodeship, its scientific and cultural center. Over 127 thousand people live in it. This is one of the oldest Polish cities, which is located in the historical region of Upper Silesia on the banks of the Odra River. For a long time it was under the rule of the Austrian Habsburgs. From 1742 to 1945 he was part of Prussia. After liberation from the Nazi troops - as part of Poland.

The city has a large number of historical buildings, architectural monuments and unique works of art. Today, Opole is a notable cultural center with higher educational institutions, theaters, a philharmonic society, and a traditional song festival. The influence of German culture is felt here, there are Czech and Ukrainian minorities. The city is becoming an attractive place for tourists.

This remarkable architectural object has a chance to become a symbol of the city. Here, in a hall for five thousand seats, a Polish song festival has been held annually since 1963.

There is a museum of Polish song with unique exhibits about national song traditions. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that the complex was built on the site from which the city began in ancient times. After the modernization was completed in 2011, the amphitheater got the opportunity to implement the most complex creative projects.

Location: Piastowska - 14A.

From the ruined Upper Royal Castle in Opole, the only powerful red-brick rectangular tower has survived. From its upper platform, the surroundings were monitored. It was decorated with diamonds made of darker bricks. The tower has four levels.

The upper platform is decorated with Gothic sculptures. On the second floor, a portal from the time of the construction of the tower has been preserved. Through it was the entrance to the castle grounds. Near the tower there was a deep ditch, through which a bridge was thrown.

This is the only surviving building of the Piast castle, which was built in the 13th century. The tower on Pasika Island is considered the symbol of Opole and one of the oldest monuments of defensive architecture. The building, which housed the guardhouse and other premises, is made of brick.

The width of the walls in the lower part reaches six meters. As a result of the reconstruction, the tower has a tiled hipped roof and an image of an eagle on the tower spire. The soils that sagged over time led to a slight slope of the structure.

Location: Piastowska - 14.

The city's water tower was built at the end of the 19th century and is a prime example of the city's industrial architecture of that time. It has a height of 52 meters and a 750 cc steel tank. The tower's pumps were powered by a steam engine. It is decorated with rich ornamentation, friezes and cornices. The water tower functioned until 2009, after which it was decommissioned and preserved as an original architectural monument of Opole.

The 73-meter church tower of this Roman Catholic church can be seen from anywhere in the city. The church was founded in 1005. Its brick Gothic building is 60 meters long and 27 meters wide. It is decorated with sculptures and baroque altars by Polish and Italian craftsmen. The church has one main and two side naves. They are complemented by a semicircular apse. In 2009 the cathedral was restored. During these works, unique artifacts of the 19th century were discovered.

Location: Katedralna - 2.

This temple was built in 1696. There is a legend that this was done in memory of the miraculous salvation of people in this place. There was a tavern where people could stay overnight. During the plague, none of the guests were injured.

Residents of the city erected a baroque Roman Catholic church on this site. It did not change significantly during the reconstruction. In the 1930s, a narthex was built in it and the presbytery was expanded. A valuable organ was brought here from the unpreserved Jesuit church. Divine services were held here according to the Roman rite.

Location: Plac św. Sebastiana - 2.

This open-air museum was established in 1961. For several years, its funds were formed, and in 1970 the exposition was solemnly opened. It shows the reconstructed dwellings of local peasants of the past and the century before last. Visitors have the opportunity to visit the mill, barn, barn and forge. Here you can see the old church, the tavern and the school. Over seven thousand exhibits allow you to get an idea of ​​household items, agricultural and handicraft tools.

Location: Wrocławska - 174.

On the basis of the Mlinowka River flowing through the city center, Polish architects and builders created a network of canals, on the banks of which a respectable residential area of ​​the city was built. Its refined architecture and romantic atmosphere allowed this place to be unofficially called Venice of Opole.

In the Middle Ages, there was a port for small ships with moorings, warehouses, barns and auxiliary premises. Water mills were built here, which gave the name to the river. Many of these structures have been preserved and, together with modern buildings, are of interest to tourists.

This zoo on the island of Bolek is one of the largest in Poland. On an area of ​​twenty hectares, it contains a thousand animals and many birds of different species. Its history begins in 1912 with a private menagerie on an area of ​​one and a half hectares, specializing in exotic birds.

In the 30s of the last century, antelopes, monkeys, deer and a lion were donated to the zoo. During the war, the zoo was destroyed. In 1953 it was opened after restoration. Today it is one of the most modern Polish zoos. It is a member of the Association of European Zoos.

Location: Spacerowa - 10.

This institution of higher education was founded in March 1994. It appeared as a result of the merger of the local State Higher Normal School and a branch of the well-known Dublin Catholic University. It has eight faculties with 17,000 students. The new educational institution has high scientific ratings and is actively involved in European educational projects. Benefits for foreign Poles are provided here.

Location: plac Kopernika -11A.

Heavy fighting was fought in the area of ​​the city during the crossing of the Oder at the end of January 1945. After the end of the Great Patriotic War in the fall of 1945, a monument to the soldiers of the First Ukrainian Front who died in this operation was erected at the site of the fighting.

Its construction was carried out by the Soviet military construction detachment with the assistance of local authorities. In 2017, through the efforts of volunteers, the monument was restored and inaugurated with the participation of the Russian consul, veterans and representatives of local authorities.

This remarkable city square with a fountain and prominent buildings appeared in Opole in the 19th century. In the post-war period, she received the name of Ignacy Daszynski, a prominent Polish politician, a fighter for the independence of her homeland. On the site of this beautiful square in the Middle Ages there was a meadow with a small spring. At the beginning of the last century, a fountain of Ceres, the goddess of fertility, was built here. His Art Nouveau sculptural composition is an image of an ancient Roman goddess, below which are sculptures of a miner, fishermen and a girl picking fruit.

In 1842, a synagogue was built in the city with donations. It was a 20-meter beautiful building in a classical style. Over time, its area turned out to be insufficient, and in June 1896 the last prayer was held here. The building was sold, and part of the proceeds went to the construction of a new synagogue. The old synagogue escaped destruction. After the war, a library was placed here. Since 1972, the building has been transferred to Polish television for one of the national television channels.

Location: Barlickiego - 2.

In January 1975, the Drama Theater named after Jan Kochanowski presented its first performance in the city. The theater building was built in the very center of the city on one of its squares. The theater enjoys well-deserved popularity among residents and guests of the city. He is the organizer of the traditional annual festival of Polish theaters called "Opole Theater Comparisons" Polish Classics ". Performances and other events of this festival attract Polish and foreign tourists to the city.

Location: Plac Teatralny - 12.

In 1309, on the site of a burnt Gothic church, the Franciscan monks built a church, which received the name of the Holy Trinity. It burned and was looted. At the end of the 18th century it was rebuilt in the Baroque style. In the temple, under the main altar, there is a tomb in which representatives of the famous Polish Piast family are buried. Their crypt is decorated with surviving frescoes. One of them, depicting a crucifixion, according to scientists, is the oldest wall image of this kind in Opole and its environs.

Location: Plac Wolności - 2.

Useful information for tourists about Opole in Poland - geographical location, tourist infrastructure, map, architectural features and attractions.

Opole is one of the oldest Polish cities, first mentioned in 845. Located on the Oder, for many centuries it was the capital of Upper Silesia, moving in the 20th century to a similar status for the Opole Voivodeship. The history of Silesia is intertwined in its medieval period with the history of the city.

Being in the status of one of the Silesian principalities, today's voivodeship, having been under the Austrian Habsburgs, passed to Prussia. This historical turn explains a significant proportion of the local population, whose German roots are easily traced. However, the mobility of the Central European borders, characteristic of the past, also populated these places with Ukrainian and Czech minorities.

In Opole, the historical Old Town has been preserved as a memory of past centuries. It is decorated with a Gothic cathedral, as well as a market square surrounded by baroque-style houses of the townspeople. All this is surrounded by the remains of the city walls.

Such an ancient city, of course, has preserved many sights that mark the bends of its historical path. For example, the Piast Tower, with its 163-degree peak, is an example of Polish defensive architecture, from the tower of which today's tourists can enjoy an unforgettable panorama of the ancient city. It has retained its medieval forms and the market built in the traditions of the era.

No less interesting is Opolska Venice, which has become a significant tourist attraction. Built on the foundations of the former defensive walls, it reminds of the prosperity of later times, when the transit transshipment of port cargo ensured the prosperity of the region. Illuminated by illuminating lights, the canal system looks unbelievably attractive even at dusk.

Speaking about the sights of Opole, it is impossible to ignore the famous zoo. Located on the island of Bolek, it began as a private menagerie established in 1912. Resurrected in 1998 after an unprecedented flood, the zoo specializes in endangered animals. Jaguars, red lemurs, servals, pygmy hippos, and lynxes are especially studied here.

A number of interesting exhibits are attracted by the Museum of the Opolska Village, which illustrates the peculiarities of the life of the rural population of the voivodship. Impressions are enhanced by folklore-style events, exhibitions and competitions held under the bowl of the open sky.

The Museum of Silesia of Opolska represents the region more extensively, supplementing the permanent exhibitions with a series of temporary thematic exhibitions. In an interesting contrast to the antiquities, the Gallery of Modern Art, originating from the hall of art exhibitions, appeared in 1958. Popularizing contemporary art, the gallery emphasizes its non-commercial status, being a self-governing cultural institution.

The city got its name from the name of the opolyan tribe, which once lived in this place. The city itself was first mentioned in chronicles in 846. Residents are very proud of this fact. After all, when the capital was still a small village, Opole was already a real city.

City `s history

In the 16th century, Opole passed from the hands of the Polish Piasts to the Austrian Habsburgs. At this time, the city was often attacked during numerous wars. In 1714, the troops of King Frederick the Great entered the city and Opole became part of Prussia. In January 1945, Opole became part of Poland again.

The city's attractions

Modern Opole is a quiet and cozy corner of Poland, which has something to see. You can start sightseeing in the city from the castle of the Piast princes, the construction of which dates back to the 12th century. This castle changed hands more than once, but was never taken during a direct assault.

However, in the early 30s of the 20th century, they decided to demolish the castle, since, according to the city authorities, its maintenance was very expensive. Today, only one tower remains from the castle - Piastowska, which lovers of antiquity managed to defend.

This tower today is the symbol of Opole and is considered one of the oldest defense structures in Poland. A romantic legend is associated with the tower, which says that on summer nights the spirit of Mrs. Ofka appears on the tower, who was known for her unhappy love for Jan the Good, the last prince of the Piasts.

Another attraction of the city is the church, which is called “ On the hill". Its history is connected with St. Wojciech, who read sermons in these places a thousand years ago. The church is the highest point in the city. Its height is 176 meters above sea level.

You should also walk on the waterfront Mlynivka rivers. This is the arm of the Audra. Once upon a time there were water mills on the banks of the Mlynivka, from which the name of the city came from. And today, ancient picturesque stone houses are crowded here near the water.

The Poles themselves call this area “little Venice”. Opole is famous not only for its antiquity. The city often hosts various exhibitions, conferences and trade fairs. Every year Opole hosts a festival of Polish songs.

Opole on the map

We continue to publish reviews of foreigners about life in different cities of Poland. This time we offer to go together with the Ukrainian Irina to the capital of the Opole Voivodeship - the city of Opole, the cultural and scientific center of the region.

I have been living in Opole for a little over a year now. The first impression that the city made on me - ordinary, small and a little boring - begins the story of Irina. - But over time, the opinion changed, and Opole was able to surprise me. From a practical point of view, not as a city with sights, but as a place to move and live. So, first things first.

The first thing I noticed in Opole was its inhabitants. Most of the people are very relaxed. It seems like they don't care at all. They go to work, work from start to finish, but without too much fuss. Money is also taken lightly. The locals, namely the Poles, travel little and spend a lot of time with their families. A sort of small Polish Sicily. Some cars and apartments on credit. But no one complains about the lack of money, literally everyone says that they absolutely have enough to live on. Foreigners are treated normally, even kindly. In the store, in line, they may begin to ask where I came from and where I work, how much I rent an apartment and whether they pay me normally.

The second feature of Opole is a huge number of students. This is both a plus and a minus of the city at the same time. The plus is that it is thanks to student holidays and parties in the city that there is some kind of entertainment. In addition, many students in Opole universities are Ukrainians, and therefore there is no feeling that you are alone in a foreign city. Minus - again, in student get-togethers. Sometimes young people make noise under the windows, sing songs, arrange small verbal clashes. So immediately advice: if you want to live in silence, look for housing away from universities and student hostels.

By the way, as for housing. There are no problems with this in the city: the choice is good, and the prices are not too high. A good room can be found for only 300 PLN. And if you look at the prices for buying a home in this city, you will also be pleasantly surprised: they are noticeably lower than in Krakow, for example.

The main vacancies for foreigners in Opole are work in the restaurant business: waiters, bartenders, cooks, confectioners. Also, welders and builders will easily find work here. There are also many farmers in Opole who willingly take Ukrainians for part-time work and provide free housing.

What else makes Opole different from other Polish cities? First of all, the lack of crowds of tourists. Of course, there are attractions here: the Piast Tower, the Cathedral of St. Christ, the Money Bridge, the zoo, the Millennium Amphitheater, the Old Synagogue and others, but to see them, you do not have to wait in line or choose a weekday.

One of the most beautiful places in Opole is Opole Venice. City guides recommend that modern tourists visit this place first in daylight, when you can admire the multi-storey old houses painted in bright colors, and then late in the evening. At night, Opolska Venice is well lit and is an unforgettable sight. Numerous bridges connecting the Old Town with the island of Piasek are an ideal platform for photo shoots.

In general, Opole is not a city for all foreigners. This is a very calm, quiet place - more for family life. There are many playgrounds and parks. And on the contrary, there are not many cars: traffic jams are rare. The city comes to life only a few times a year - on Student's Day, by the beginning of the next academic year, and if a festival takes place in the city. By the way, students themselves often complain about boredom and lack of entertainment. So, Opole is definitely not for party-goers and noise lovers. But therein lies its uniqueness. So, if you like a quiet, but at the same time quite comfortable life, Opole is ideal for you.