The final day of our lovely visit to Wrocław had come around all too soon but with our flight home not scheduled until the evening, we had almost a full day to continue enjoying this wonderful city.
After setting ourselves up for the day with a hearty buffet breakfast at the Ibis Styles Wrocław Centrum we set off to explore the Hydropolis Science Centre, a museum dedicated to water. Standard tickets 32zl (£6). Its galleries use a variety of technology to explore the role of water in the environment and its importance to our daily lives.
The exhibition area is divided into three main sections, the first covers water as a chemical, focussing on its physical properties, cloud formations and water cycles. The second area covers marine life and the depth of the oceans whilst the final section examines the anthropological aspect including water treatment and shipping. There are numerous hands-on activities and some excellent displays but as the interior was quite dark inside it wasn’t easy to take many photos.
On leaving there, our next stop was to the Panorama of the Battle of Racławice as we had arranged timed tickets to view this monumental painting. The Panorama is part of the National Museum of Wrocław with one ticket covering all four of its museums in the city. A combination ticket costs 50zl (£9.38) and is valid 7 days.
Timed entries to the Panorama take 30 minutes and visitors are invited to walk up the winding rotunda to view the enormous panorama representing the Battle of Racławice in April 1794. This monumental painting is 114m long and 15m high, spanning the circular building. The work took nine months to complete and was originally on display in a rotunda in Lviv.
Following the end of the Second World War the Panorama was moved to Wrocław but was hidden away in a storeroom for political reasons as it depicts the victory of the Poles against the Russians and at that time Poland was under the Soviet Union’s influence.
In 1980, work on a new rotunda began in Wrocław and the painting was put on display to the public for the first time in 1985. Early visitors were Pope John Paul II and Beatrix, Queen of the Netherlands. A live commentary takes place in Polish with audio guides available in 16 languages introducing visitors to each aspect of the painting, I didn’t know quite what to expect but was fascinated by this huge work of art with its 3D appearance as I’d never seen anything like it before.
On leaving there we returned to the city centre for our morning coffees before strolling over to Cathedral Island across the Tumski Brudge. This bridge dates from 1862 and is the oldest of the city’s many bridges.
Views across to the island from the bridge are stunning and although no longer being an actual island, it used to be one between a branch of the Oder river. The Gothic Church of St. Giles is the oldest fully preserved building in Wrocław and we enjoyed exploring its interior. Wandering along the island’s ancient cobbled streets is enchanting as this part of the city is where the history of Wroclaw began.
Cathedral Island connects to Sand Island, home to the largest Gothic cathedral in Wrocław, the Church of our Lady on the Sand. This church, along with its adjacent monastery was erected by monks who came to live in Wrocław in the 12th century. As Sand Island used to be part of the Amber Route connecting the lands of the Adriatic and the Baltic Sea regions, monks ensured that everyone crossing the bridge should pay a toll which was then utilised for the upkeep of the monastery.
After finishing our walk around the islands, we crossed back over the river and called into the Old Market Hall. The building was constructed between 1906-1908 and is filled with over 190 stalls selling fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, bakery items and flowers. It’s definitely worth a look around as along with its main hall and gallery there is a cafe. It was the perfect opportunity for us to stock up on some Polish delicacies to pop into our suitcase to take home with us.
It was then time to return to the hotel to collect our luggage before heading back to the airport for our return flight to the U.K. Our five days in Wrocław had been fun filled and full of interest and I wholeheartedly recommend a visit to this beautiful part of Poland at any time of year.
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During our stay we were guests of Visit Wrocław, and as always, all views and opinions are entirely my own.
Love Travelling Blog 
The Panorama is wonderful, I’m glad it was safely tucked away during Poland’s more turbulent years! This series has been a wonderful introduction to Wroclaw, a city I only knew for its gnomes previously! Much enjoyed.
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The Panorama is stunning Helen and my photos font really do it justice. Wroclaw is a wonderful city and I do hope you manage to get there sometime.
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Fine series, Marion, of an atmospheric city. Wow, I really love that panorama. Love to visit that!
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The Panorama is magnificent Shane and really has to be seen to appreciate its beauty. Thanks for your interest in this series of posts and welcome thoughts.
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Wrocław has so much history, and all of the buildings look so beautiful! The Old Market Hall seems like a great stop, and the Hydropolis Science Centre looks very interesting as well.
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Everything about Wroclaw is delightful Alllie. I do hope you get a chance to visit sometime. Thanks so much for taking the time to comment.
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I think I’ll have to join you one day Marion on one of your tours to these fascinating cities. Cathedral Island looks lovely. You always have a hearty breakfast too same as me. In Dublin I ate breakfast alone as my friends don’t eat breakfast!
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That would be so nice Alison, I’m sure we’ll manage a meet-up one of these days! I always eat breakfast even when I’m at home even if it’s just porridge and/or toast and marmalade as it sets me up for the day.
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Yes Marion, we will have to meet one day. I have booked again to return to the UK for 4 April but just for two weeks. This time bringing my daughter and two grandchildren. See how I go when I’m there. Will probably take me two weeks to get over the flight!
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That painting is incredible! To have such a massive space and fill it with so much detail is really impressive. A very moving tribute to such a difficult time. I love that this city is so full of things to interest people, great museums and lovely buildings to fill days with wonder. I have really loved following along on your visit 🙂
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I’m so pleased to find that you have enjoyed reading about my visit to Wroclaw. The Panorama painting is very moving and beautifully displayed in its purpose built rotunda. From spotting gnomes, viewing stunning architecture to excellent museums, Wroclaw has it all!
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Sounds like you made the most of your final day in Wroclaw. The Hydropolis Science Centre looks like a fun and dynamic way to learn more about the importance and role of water. Despite the gloomy weather, glad you managed to go for a stroll to Cathedral Island as it looks so charming.
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Thanks Linda, our final day exploring Cathedral Island and the Hydropolis Science Centre were very interesting.
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The Panorama is certainly a grand, inspiring piece of artwork that speaks to Polish nationalism– certainly a grand look into its past and its triumph over massive Russia. Glad you had a wonderful, extended city break in Wroclaw– I have a feeling you’ll be returning to Poland sooner than later! 😉
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The Panorama is a magnificent piece of artwork and is beautifully presented in the purpose built rotunda. Yes, I’m certain we will be returning to Poland later in the year. Thanks for your interest in this series of posts Rebecca.
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I particularly like the painted panorama, it was the fashion towards the end of the 19th century, then cinema and television took over.
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The Panorama was beautifully presented and I’d never seen anything like it before. Thanks for taking an interest, it’s much appreciated.
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There was a smaller one in the Luxembourg City Museum, showing the Grand Ducal Palace, but it is true that panoramas tend to disappear.
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I think I’d have lingered longer at Hydropolis 🙂
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It was fascinating Ian. Thanks for taking an interest.
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Another lovely day in Wroclaw. I love the look of Cathedral Island, your picture across the water from it is lovely. Funny story of the cheeky monks profiting from their location. Maggie
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A very amusing story about the monks Maggie! Cathedral Island is beautiful especially when it’s viewed across the water. Hope your week goes well and thanks for taking the time to comment. Marion
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The Hydropolis sounds like a great place to learn about water (and its importance). And what a wonderful painting at the Wrocław Panorama. It’s always great to wander through the older parts of a city – thanks for taking me along … and of course, the market must have been a great stop (last minute shopping the traditional way)!
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Thanks Corna for your interest. Hydropolis was a fascinating centre and the Panorama painting was magnificent displayed in the rotunda. Traditional market halls are always Interesting both for the sights and aromas.
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Mike and I would enjoy seeing the panorama. We saw something similar when we visited Gettysburg and the artwork was fantastic, and I’m sure it’s the same in Wroclaw. I have never seen a market like theirs, so I could probably spend at least several hours perusing the stalls. Thanks so much for a lovely trip to Wroclaw, we enjoyed following your posts.
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I’m so pleased to read that you both enjoyed my series of posts on Wroclaw. The Panorama there is magnificent and I’d never seen anything like it before. The old market hall is beautiful, I much prefer keeping to the traditional style rather than the trend to turn them into food courts. Thanks so much for taking the time to read and comment, it’s much appreciated.
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Great job on Wroclaw Marion. That painting sounds phenomenal and must be such a source of national pride, especially these days. That market hall looks tremendous. Such a grand scale. Thanks for taking us with you. Allan
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It’s my pleasure Allan, the Panorama painting was phenomenal and I’d never seen anything of that size before. The old market hall was so interesting too and much better than the current craze to turn them into food courts!
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What a great last day and memorable trip together! I love the look of the Old Market.
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The old market hall in Wrocław was so interesting to explore with its rich aromas, fresh produce and locals shopping. A perfect end to our visit to the city Lyssy. Thanks for commenting.
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I love to visit traditional markets wherever I am travelling around the world- they are what makes travelling worthwhile, a sterile modern mall with a Macdonald’s it is not; therefore your photos of Wroclaw’s Old Market Hall caught my eye right away – what a beautiful building with such unique arches. I can only imagine the sights, sounds and smells one can experience upon entering the market. Thanks for sharing and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Wrocław Market Hall is indeed beautiful and to be able to witness local people picking up their fresh produce was so nice. Like you, I much prefer a traditional market over the ones transformed into food courts. Thanks for taking the time to comment Aiva and I do hope you have a good week.
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It sounded extra-special and interesting! Thank you. Such a fabulous world and so little time…Appreciate having travelled a lot when younger! Can’t put a price on good memories…
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Memories and experiences are worth so much more than gifts. I’m on holiday in Romania now which was a Christmas present from one of my sons. My favourite sort of present and to be able to share it together makes it extra special. I hope your week goes well. Thank you so much for commenting.
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Looks great, Marion. The market is impressive.
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The Wrocław market hall is exactly how a market should be and I’m glad we had an opportunity to look inside before returning g home.
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