Wrocaw

Wrocław, usually rendered as Wrocław in Polish, is a city in southwestern Poland and the capital of the Lower Silesian Voivodeship. It lies on the Oder River and is crossed by numerous bridges and riverside islands, contributing to its reputation as a city of water and architecture. The name Wrocaw is a common misspelling or anglicized form and should not be confused with the correct Polish spelling.

The city has a long history dating back to the early Middle Ages and has been a major political, cultural, and educational center in Silesia. It was a crown city of Poland, later part of Bohemia, the Habsburg Monarchy, Prussia, and Germany, and became part of Poland again after World War II, when borders shifted and populations were moved. This layered past is reflected in Wrocław’s diverse architectural styles and cultural institutions.

Today Wrocław is one of Poland’s largest and most vibrant cities. It hosts several universities and research institutions, including the University of Wrocław (founded in 1702) and the Wrocław University of Science and Technology. The city’s cultural highlights include the Market Square with the Gothic Town Hall, Ostrów Tumski (Cathedral Island), and the Centennial Hall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Wrocław Dwarfs, small metal figurines scattered around the city, are a famous contemporary symbol.

Wrocław’s transport network features a dense tram and bus system, the main railway station Wrocław Główny, and Copernicus Airport Wrocław. The economy is diverse, with strengths in higher education, technology, manufacturing, and services.