Wroclaw’s Old Town is more than just a historical center; it stands as the vibrant heart of contemporary social and cultural life. Within its confines, you’ll discover not only the city’s most splendid architectural marvels but also a wealth of high-end shops, restaurants, bars, galleries, and museums. This locale serves as the backdrop for a myriad of festivities, concerts, and performances, making it a lively hub of activity.

At the epicenter of this dynamic scene is the Main Market Square, affectionately known as ‘Rynek,’ meticulously restored to its baroque glory after the ravages of World War II. Here, locals and tourists alike come together to enjoy dining, shopping, socializing, dancing, and savoring the simple joys of life.

The Wroclaw Town Hall, a historic gem nestled in the city center, stands as one of the most beautiful structures in town, steeped in intriguing history. Its architecture is nothing short of breathtaking, adorned with captivating Gothic gables. Right next to Rynek, the towering St. Elizabeth’s Church, a Gothic masterpiece dating back to the 14th century, graces the city’s skyline. It’s undoubtedly one of Wroclaw’s most iconic landmarks, offering mesmerizing views from its lofty viewing tower.

Moving north from the Old Town, you’ll find the University Quarter, a compact yet bustling district. As you might expect, the Wroclaw University building takes center stage here, contributing to the area’s vibrant and dynamic atmosphere and making it a thriving student city!

Wroclaw’s Old Town – New York Jewish Travel Guide

In Wroclaw, there are several Jewish institutions and organizations dedicated to preserving Jewish culture, and heritage, and fostering community. Some of these include:

The White Stork Synagogue stands as a unique survivor in Wrocław, having escaped the devastating events of Kristallnacht. Erected in 1829, it takes its name from the inn that once occupied its location and is discreetly tucked away in a courtyard. As one of the largest synagogues in Europe, it holds the distinction of being the sole synagogue in Wrocław to have endured the Holocaust. Following extensive restoration efforts, it reopened to the public in 2010.

The White Stork Synagogue—Yiddish Exhibition—New York Jewish Travel Guide

Today, the synagogue serves multiple roles as a place of worship, a cultural hub, and a branch of the Jewish Information Center, under the administration of the Bente Kahan Foundation. It features a versatile hall in the synagogue’s basement and two exhibition spaces on the balconies. One balcony houses a permanent exhibition chronicling the history of Jews in Wrocław and Lower Silesia, while the second hosts temporary exhibitions that delve into the fascinating history of Wroclaw’s Jewish community. Additionally, the Foundation, in collaboration with the Jewish Community, organizes the annual Days of Mutual Respect, commemorating the anniversary of the tragic events of Kristallnacht.

A must-visit when in Wroclaw is CI Café. CI Cafe is a kosher coffeehouse, bookshop, and tourist information center. This is where visitors can get information on events in the synagogue, the history of Jews in the city, and modern Jewish life in Poland. It’s located just across from the White Stork Synagogue. CI Café is also a Jewish Community Center, with meetings, lectures, and workshops organized for community members and friends. It also arranges Jewish walking tours of Wrocław. Delicious fresh cakes are baked daily in the community’s kosher kitchen, which provides an extraordinary Jewish atmosphere and the best coffee in town! Everything is as it should be: coffee, hummus, and the people. It’s a delightful café and my favorite hideout in Wroclaw.

CI Cafe- New York Jewish Travel Guide

The visit to the Old Jewish Cemetery was made possible through the willingness and great efforts of Arlena Bzdum. I never thought the visit would be possible, as the cemetery was already closed to visitors, but Arlena made it happen! I really appreciated the extra effort she put into it and want to express my sincere gratitude. The cemetery is huge, with 4.6 hectares and over 1200 gravestones. The effects of war and nature have slowly taken control over time. You can stroll through hundreds of tombstones in varying conditions. Some graves are almost invisible, overtaken entirely by nature, while others are in complete ruin, evidence of the battles from WWII. It has an interesting history, and you will see the headstone writings in either German or Hebrew, with bullet marks in some of them to show the results of the fights that took place here. A lot of the headstones are surprisingly well preserved, with their inscriptions easily read. Many noteworthy figures are buried here, including the renowned biologist Ferdinand Cohn, the historian Heinrich Graetz (author of the first complete history of the Jews), Clara Immerwahl (the first female Ph.D. student at the University of Breslau and wife of Fritz Haber; she committed suicide in objection to her husband’s work developing chemical warfare), Ferdinand Lassalle (founder and leader of the first labor party in Germany; killed in a duel), and the parents of Edith Stein. It’s well worth a visit and is an important reminder of the golden age of European Jewry.

Old Jewish Cemetery-New York Jewish Travel Guide

Unveiling Wroclaw’s Hidden Gems: Must-Visit Attractions

Ostrów Tumski, at the heart of Wrocław, is the city’s historical gem. It’s where Wrocław began, making it a profoundly significant and architecturally captivating part of town. This district, rich in Catholic churches, appeals to history and architecture enthusiasts alike. A visit feels like a journey through time, offering a quaint, timeless atmosphere reminiscent of a fortified small town.

For history aficionados, the Panorama of the Battle of Racławice is a must-see. This 140-meter-long canvas immortalizes General Tadeusz Kościuszko’s victory over the Russian forces in 1794. Around 1,600 visitors pay daily homage to this remarkable piece of history.

A must-see in Wrocław is the Four Denominations District, also known as the Four Temples District or the Mutual Respect District. As the name implies, it’s a place where meetings, dialogues, and mutual respect thrive. This district is renowned for its diverse culinary experiences and a rich tapestry of cultural, artistic, and educational events. Furthermore, the presence of various restaurants, cafés, pubs, and music clubs within the Four Denominations District, including the picturesque Synagogue courtyard nestled within ancient walls, makes it one of the most enchanting meeting spots in Wrocław.

The Four Denominations District- New York Jewish Travel Guide

Don’t miss Wrocław’s adorable and elusive attractions: the gnomes, or ‘Krasnale.’ With over 300 of them scattered throughout the city center, they’re a charming surprise waiting to be discovered. These little figures engage in various activities, from guarding public spaces to comical antics. Loved by both locals and tourists, they’ve become an iconic symbol of Wrocław, perfect for a whimsical and engaging treasure hunt, especially with kids in tow.

Gnomes- New York Jewish Travel Guide

The Hydropolis is a state-of-the-art exhibition dedicated to water, a one-of-a-kind facility in Poland, and a rarity worldwide. It offers a unique and informative exploration of water’s presence in the universe and its impact on people, societies, and religions. As you enter, you’ll be greeted by a captivating water printer, the longest of its kind in Europe. Inside, you can enjoy short films about Wroclaw’s water system history in small rooms with large screens.

The museum also features a relaxation zone for a break and a children’s zone with interactive games for discovering ocean depths, playing with dolphins, and learning about water molecules. It’s a must-visit for aspiring environmental engineers and a top museum in Wroclaw suitable for both kids and adults.

Explore the attractions east of Wrocław’s city center, near the Centennial Exhibition Complex. These include a UNESCO site, Poland’s oldest zoo, a serene Japanese garden, the captivating Pergola Fountain, and the newly renovated Four Dome Pavilion. Don’t miss the UNESCO-approved multimedia fountain, a marvel of 20th-century engineering, operating from May to October.

Inside the pavilion’s Discovery Center, you’ll find an exhibit on the hall’s construction history and other displays on Polish UNESCO sites and famous skyscrapers. Outside, the Wroclaw Fountain shoots water up to 131 feet (40 meters) with dazzling water shows, music, fireworks, and lights throughout spring and summer. In winter, it transforms into an ice rink, offering year-round entertainment.

I’ve visited zoos all over Europe, and Wroclaw Zoo stands out as one of the best. It offers an impressive variety and quantity of animals and is quite spacious, making it a fantastic destination for families and kids. A recent addition to the zoo is the remarkable African aquarium complex, known as the ‘Afrykarium.’ It features three levels of exhibits showcasing Africa’s diverse aquatic life, including hippos, sharks, manatees, crocodiles, penguins, and more. With over 12,000 creatures representing about 1,000 different species, the zoo ranks among Wrocław’s most popular attractions.

Our subsequent stops included the Peace Church in Swidnica, the Walim-Gluszyca area, the Underground City of Osowka, and the majestic Ksiaz Castle. Along the way, we had a serendipitous encounter when we came across the Jewish Cemetery of the Victims of Nazi Terror in Kloce, a village located just outside Wroclaw.  This modest yet remote cemetery holds a mass grave containing the remains of forced Jewish laborers and others who tragically perished during the construction of the Riese project.

Cemetery Victims of Nazi Terror- New York Jewish Travel Guide

Continuing our visit to the Underground City of Osowka within the ‘Riese’ Complex, located eighty kilometers southwest of Wrocław, we encountered the ‘Sowie,’ or Owl Mountain, which is one of Poland’s oldest mountains. The ‘Riese’ project stands as one of Nazi Germany’s largest construction endeavors during WWII, part of a secretive initiative codenamed Riese. It remains a place steeped in mystery, with various theories surrounding its purpose. The construction of these tunnels involved the use of slave labor, leading to the tragic deaths of thousands, primarily Polish, Hungarian, and Italian Jews, with some slave laborers originating from the nearby Gross-Rosen Concentration Camp. The true function of this extensive tunnel system remains unknown, but remnants of tanks and machine guns indicate that the Nazis used these vast tunnels to produce airplane parts. A visit here is an absolute must for those seeking a unique and immersive experience, especially for individuals with an interest in World War II history.

The Underground City of Osowka – New York Jewish Travel Guide

Our destination was another hidden gem: the enchanting Ksiaz Castle, steeped in mysteries and history. This castle is a harmonious blend of various architectural styles and ranks as the third-largest castle in Poland. As you approach the castle, its grandeur is truly impressive. Perched atop a hill, nestled in a lush forest setting, it commands the valley below, offering breathtaking panoramic views.

Exploring the castle grounds and embarking on the underground tunnel tour is a treat for visitors. The Nazi tunnel is a must-see, and it should be on everyone’s list of top attractions. Ksiaz Castle is an absolute must-visit in Lower Silesia, a magnificent testament to history and architectural prowess that will leave you in awe!

For more information, visit:

To plan a trip to Poland, contact the Polish National Tourist Office in North America or log on to:

https://www.poland.travel/en, www.wroclaw.pl and www.dot.org

Story and photography by Meyer Harroch, New York Jewish Travel Guide, and New York Jewish Guide