The Beauty Of Lower Silesia In 30 Pictures

Journey with us and discover the beauty that awaits

commons.wikimedia.org

Lower Silesia is Poland's seventh largest province and has a population of nearly 3 million. Located in the South-West part of Poland, it borders Germany and the Czech Republic. The region is know for its beautiful capital, Wrocław, which is Poland's fourth largest city. Lower Silesia also boasts countless castles and palaces, as well as accessible mountains for hiking, skiing and relaxation.

Wrocław

Maciej Lulko / Via Flickr: lulek

Situated upon the Oder River, cut with tributaries and canals, Wrocław has more than 12 islands and 100 bridges. It is one of the oldest, largest and most spectacular Polish cities. The capital of Lower Silesia, with around 650 thousand residents, Wrocław prides itself on outstanding beauty and eventful history.

Fot. Mariusz Cieszewski / Via PolandMFA

St. John the Baptist Cathedral houses the largest organ in Poland.

Fot. Mariusz Cieszewski / Via PolandMFA

Maciej Lulko / Via Flickr: lulek

Did you know? Wrocław was selected as the European Capital of Culture for 2016. This time will be filled with festivals, concerts, conferences and other artistic-cultural undertakings which will draw the attention of not only the inhabitants of the city, region and country, but also of the whole continent.

Monica Kelly / Via Flickr: melancholypear

The mixture of traditions and cultural influences of Czechs, Germans, Poles and Jews has created a unique atmosphere and strong lingering traces of the city's rich past.

Maciej Lulko / Via Flickr: lulek

In 2017, Wrocław will host the World Games, which is expected to draw over 500 thousand guests and around four thousand athletes from around the world.

Wojtek Gurak / Via Flickr: wojtekgurak

The University of Wrocław and the Oder River

Fot. Mariusz Cieszewski / Via PolandMFA

A hidden pearl inside the University of Wrocław, the Aula Leopoldina, a stunning display of Lower Silesian Baroque.

Monica Kelly / Via Flickr: melancholypear

Beloved by tourists and locals alike, Wrocław is littered with little gnomes doing all sorts of things, including this little guy who appears to be in jail! Over the years they have become iconic of the city, and it's practically impossible to miss them when visiting

Euro 2012!

Maciek Lulko / Via Flickr: lulek

Wrocław was also one of four Polish cities to host the European Championship in 2012

UNESCO

Fot. Mariusz Cieszewski / Via PolandMFA

The Centenary Hall in Wrocław, built between 1911-1913, presents a harmonious blend of functionality, material and form. Designed by Max Berg, the Hall was opened to coincide with the 100th Anniversary of the liberation of Wrocław from Napoleon's Army which was defeated at the Battle of Leipzig in 1813. One of the largest reinforced concret public buildings in the world, The Centenary Hall is listed on the UNESCO register of World Cultural and Natural Heritage Sites. Today the Hall hosts numerous large scale events including most recently several matches during the 2014 FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship.

More than just Wrocław

Rantes / Via Flickr: 41836833@N06

The beauty of Lower Silesia extends far beyond the city limits of Wrocław

A picturesque countryside

Rantes / Via Flickr: 41836833@N06

The little village of Krzeszów in the Zadrna valley of the Central Sudetes is home to the historical Cistercian monastery, who's domes can be spotted from miles away. The abbey is considered one of the most magnificent examples of Baroque architecture in Europe.

Dotted with dazzling castles

Robert Powroznik / Via Flickr: rpowroznik

Czocha Castle, where recently the Hogwarts inspiried College of Wizardry was held.

Unique Sights

Fot. Mariusz Cieszewski / Via PolandMFA

The Skull Chapel in Czermna is the only such place in Poland. Created in the 17th and 18th century, it contains over 3,000 bones and skulls, belonging to victims of war and disease. A further 20-30,000 skeletal remains are buried in the crypt beneath the chapel.

And breathtaking beauty

Olgierd Rudak / Via Flickr: olgierd

The Sudetes are covered by a net of picturesque trails.

Nature in Lower Silesia

Fot. Mariusz Cieszewski / Via PolandMFA

The Sudeten Mountain Range, which includes the Karkonosze Mountains and Table Mountains, is fascinating due to its beautiful panoramic views, fantastic rock formations, splendid caves, and charming waterfalls.

Olgierd Rudak / Via Flickr: olgierd

You won't find Frodo Baggins around here, but visitors are mesmerized by the unique rock formations. According to Sudetian legends, "Mountain Ghosts" can be encountered among these rocks, so look out!

Fot. Mariusz Cieszewski / Via PolandMFA

Mateusz Hromada / Via Flickr: ruandus

The highest peaks in the Sudeten Mountains is Mt. Sniezka (1602m)

Mariusz Cieszewski / / Via PolandMFA

The Sudetes have over 80km of well-kept cross-crountry skiing trails

A winter wonderland awaits

Anna Borska / Via Flickr: aeter

Castles, Manors, Estates and More!

Klearchos Kapoutsis / Via Flickr: klearchos

The Lesnica Castle located on the outskirts of Wrocław originally dates back to 13th century, although the current iteration is dated to around the 18th century. At present it houses the “Zamek” Cultural Center which organizes many cultural events, gatherings and other artistic undertakings.

Fot. Mariusz Ciesiewski / Via PolandMFA

Part of the Piast Castle Trail, Ksiaz Castle is today one of the largest castles in Poland.

Fot. Mariusz Cieszewski / Via PolandMFA

Ksiaz Castle was built in 1288–1292 and overlooks the Pelczinica river.

Mariusz Cieszewski / Via PolandMFA

Wojanów palace is one of several palaces, manors and estates to be found in the Jelenia Góra valley in Lower Silesia.

Fot. Mariusz Cieszewski / Via PolandMFA

Another UNESCO site in Lower Silesia are the two churches of peace in Jawor and Swidnica respectively. The churches were erected in the mid 17th century to commemorate the end of the Thirty Years War and became the largest timber-framed religious buildings in Europe. They were ment to serve as a symbol of reconcilitation after the religious conflict in Europe.

Vikings in Poland?!

Mateusz Hromada / Via Flickr: ruandus

The Vang stave church, originally built in the Vang region of Norway is thought to date back to around 1200. In the mid 1800s is was transfered to Karpacz, at the foot of the Karkonosze. Who knew you could stumble upon Viking history in the corner of Poland!

Bolesławiec: Capital of Pottery

Fot. Mariusz Cieszewski / Via PolandMFA

Lower Silesia is home to Bolesławiec, arguably one of the most recognizable Polish brands in the world due to the city's long-standing pottery-making tradition.

Lower Silesia: See the Beauty!

Tomasz Przywecki / Via tomlight.pl Flickr: tomlight

This post is the first installment of our social media campaign: #DiscoverPolska, where each month throughout 2015 we will profile a different region in Poland. Stay tuned for more and let us know what you think using the hashtag #DiscoverPolska