Order excursions Online. Sights of Opole: overview, photos and description Transport routes
We continue to publish reviews from foreigners about life in different cities of Poland. This time we propose, together with the Ukrainian Irina, to go 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 was ordinary, small and a little boring,” Irina begins the story. - But over time, the opinion changed, and Opole was able to surprise me. Precisely from a practical point of view, not as a city with attractions, but as a place to move and live. So, first things first.
The first thing I noticed in Opole was its inhabitants. People for the most part are very relaxed. It seems like nothing bothers them at all. They go to work, work from bell to bell, but without unnecessary fuss. They also treat money calmly. Local residents, specifically Poles, travel little and spend a lot of time with their families. A sort of small Polish Sicily. Some have cars and apartments on credit. But no one complains about the lack of money; literally everyone says that they have absolutely enough to live on. Foreigners are treated normally, even kindly. In the store, in line, they may start asking where I came from and where I work, how much I rent for and whether I am paid properly.
The second feature of Opole is the 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 that there is some entertainment in the city. In addition, many students at Opole universities are Ukrainians, and therefore there is no feeling that you are alone in a foreign city. The downside is again in student parties. Sometimes young people make noise under the windows, sing songs, and have small verbal fights. So here’s some immediate advice: if you want to live in silence, look for housing away from universities and student dormitories.
By the way, regarding housing. There are no problems with this in the city: the choice is good, and the prices are not inflated. A good room can be found for only 300 zlotys. And if you look at the prices for purchasing housing 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, pastry chefs. Welders and builders will also find work here without any problems. There are also many farmers in Opole who willingly hire Ukrainians as part-time workers and provide free housing.
How else does Opole differ from other Polish cities? First of all, the absence 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 don’t have to wait in line or choose a weekday.
One of the most beautiful places in Opole is the Opole Venice. City guides recommend that modern tourists visit this place first in daylight, when you can admire the multi-story old houses painted in bright colors, and then in the late evening. At night, Venice of Opole is well lit and presents an unforgettable sight. The numerous bridges connecting the Old Town with Piasek Island are an ideal location for photo sessions.
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 here. 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, at the beginning of the next academic year, and if a festival is held 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 this is also its uniqueness. So, if you like a quiet, but at the same time quite comfortable life, Opole is ideal for you.
The Market Square in Opole, Poland is located in the heart of this ancient city with many attractions. This is a unique architectural ensemble - the rounded corners of the square are surrounded by stone houses in the Baroque style, built on the model of Florentine palaces. It was in the area of the Market Square, during archaeological excavations, that traces of primitive settlements were found. Today, it is the Market Square that best preserves the beauty of the ancient city of Opole.
Opole is an ancient city in Poland, the capital of the smallest Opole Voivodeship in the country. There are many interesting historical and architectural attractions, most of which are concentrated around the Market Square. Interestingly, the market square is surrounded by Baroque-style apartment buildings with rounded smooth corners. Each of the facades of these residential buildings is different from the other; they differ in subtle details. According to the city’s architects and leading experts of the country, it is the Market Square with its modern appearance that personifies the beauty of ancient Opole.
Basilica of the Holy Cross
Basilica of the Holy Cross - a temple in Warsaw, located on Krakowskie Przedmiescie Street, belongs to the Catholic Lazarist order. Previously, there was a Chapel of the Holy Cross on this site, mentions of which date back to 1510.
The temple has existed for quite a long time and over this period of time has experienced many ups and downs.
The current building of the temple was rebuilt in 1679-1696 in the Baroque style. It was designed by the royal court architect Joseph Szymon Bellotto, and the founder of this temple was Abbot Szczuka and Primate Michal Stefan Radzievsky, who illuminated the temple. The towers, covered with beautiful domes, were made by Joseph Fontana. The façade was designed by Jakub Fontana and decorated with statues by Jan Yuri Plersch.
Urns with the hearts of F. Chopin and V. Reymont are buried in the columns of the temple. In the neighborhood of the temple there are: a monument to Nicolaus Copernicus, the Staszic Palace, and Chopin's salon.
During the Second World War, the temple was destroyed, but from 1945-53 the temple was restored. Entrance to the temple is free.
What sights of Opole did you like? Next to the photo there are icons, by clicking on which you can rate a particular place.
Church of the Holy Trinity
Church of the Holy Trinity is an ancient Franciscan Roman Catholic church, with a beautiful chapel of St. Anne, which is located in the city of Opole. Currently, it houses three chapels - St. Anne's, Our Lady of Czestochowa and Maximilian Kolbe's, in which, during renovation, fragments of 15th-century frescoes were discovered.
The Church of the Holy Trinity is located on Zamkova Street, in the central part of the city of Opole, near the Mlynowka River. The first structure on this site dates back to the 13th century, when the Franciscans built a monastery and a wooden church here in 1248, which later burned down. The current building of the church dates back to 1899, then it was rebuilt and a 52-meter chapel was built in the neo-Renaissance style. It contains the ducal tombs of Bolesław I, Bolesław II and Bolesław III of Opole, as well as the latter’s wife, Anna.
The most popular attractions of Opole with descriptions and photographs for every taste. Choose the best places to visit famous places in Opole on our website.
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, it was the capital of Upper Silesia for many centuries, passing into a similar status for the Opole Voivodeship in the 20th century. 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 Central European borders characteristic of the past also populated these places with Ukrainian and Czech minorities.
In Opole, the historical Old Town has preserved the memory of past centuries. It is decorated with a Gothic cathedral, as well as a market square surrounded by baroque-style houses. All this is surrounded by the remains of city walls.
Such an ancient city, naturally, has preserved many attractions that mark the bends of its historical path. For example, the Piast Tower, with its top tilted at 163 degrees, is an example of Polish defensive architecture, from the tower of which today’s tourists can enjoy an unforgettable panorama of the ancient city. The market, built in the traditions of the era, has retained its medieval forms.
No less interesting is the Venice of Opole, which has become a significant tourist attraction. Built on the foundations of former defensive walls, it recalls the prosperity of later times, when transit transshipment of port cargo ensured prosperity for the region. The canal system, illuminated by illumination lights, looks incredibly attractive even in the twilight hours.
When talking 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. Revived in 1998 after an unprecedented flood, the zoo specializes in endangered animals. Jaguars, red lemurs, servals, pygmy hippopotamuses, and lynxes are especially studied here.
The Museum of Opole Village attracts with a number of interesting exhibits, illustrating the peculiarities of life of the rural population of the voivodeship. The impressions are enhanced by folklore-style events, exhibitions and competitions held under the open sky.
The region is represented more extensively by the Silesian Opole Museum, which complements the permanent exhibitions with a series of temporary thematic exhibitions. In interesting contrast to the antiquities is the Gallery of Contemporary Art, which originates from the hall of art exhibitions that appeared in 1958. By popularizing contemporary art, the gallery emphasizes its non-profit status, being a self-governing cultural institution.
The small town of Opole, Poland offers to be appreciated as one of the most beautiful hinterlands of the country. It is located on the banks of the Oder River. Since ancient times it has been the capital of the Opole Voivodeship of Upper Silesia. It was here that the first settlements of the Slavic people appeared.
The city and its surroundings are famous for a large number of ancient architectural structures. Each of them has its own legend, which residents or guides will be happy to tell. In museums, Poles carefully preserve valuable relics telling about various events. Annual cultural traditions include holding festivals and international competitions.
Photo: Opole University of Technology Scientific educational structures, which are represented by well-known higher education institutions, as well as a branch of the Catholic University of Lublin, are of great importance. Poland produces students with a high level of knowledge.
Travelers will be interested in the ruins of the Piast Castle, the Cathedral of St. Christ, the Money Bridge, as well as the central city hall. Here you can not only learn a lot of interesting information, but also photograph beautiful ancient palaces and monuments.
Transport routes
Photo: Opole on the map of Poland For those wishing to visit the city of Opole, Poland provides the opportunity to use railway lines. There are four main stations and two stopping points. For the convenience of residents and visitors, regular buses run around the city. Car enthusiasts can travel by car.
It is not possible to fly directly to Opole, so tourists need to get to their destination from other cities. The closest cities, within 68-90 km, are Gliwice, Wroclaw, Czestochowa, Katowice. But from Krakow to Opole, if you go by bus or train, the distance will be 2 times longer - about 155 km.
Places of residence
Photo: Piano Hotel Restaurant & Pub in Opole In order to fully enjoy their holiday in this ancient city, tourists are offered to stay in hotels. Depending on the client’s request, you can choose a high level of service or an economy option.
In Opole, premium hotels are presented by the following options:
1. PianoHotelRestaurant&Pub will delight guests with an excellent central location, helpful and polite staff, and delicious breakfasts.
2. DeSilvaPremiumOpole - located near the station on the river bank. You can walk to the city center (10-15 minutes). Reviews from tourists indicate good service and living conditions.
3. SzaraWilla - distinguished by its proximity to a shopping center, the presence of a gym, spacious rooms and hearty breakfasts.
4. HotelStarka harmoniously combines a historical architectural monument and unusual details of modern design. Tourists are attracted by the proximity to railway connections and cozy rooms.
5. BestWesternHtlOpoleCentrum is a quiet and cozy place that is close to the city center. The staff helps make your stay as comfortable as possible.
Shopping
Photo: Karolinka Shopping Center Shopping centers and shops in Opole especially attract those who want to bring home a souvenir or gift from Poland. These include KarolinkaShoppingCentre and TurawaPark, which attract fashionistas with their new products. Large trade fairs are also regularly held here, impressing with the variety of their assortment.
Refectory establishments
Photo: Starka Restaurant You can taste the national cuisine of Poland or treat yourself to a traditional European menu by visiting local bars and restaurants. The Poles are ready to satisfy the gastronomic needs of any guest.
The most notable places to dine are the following establishments:
Starka is a popular place in an original style, aimed at German tourists. Guests will remember the beautiful scenery and delicious steaks for a long time;
Sopelek is a cafe for those with a sweet tooth who love ice cream and aromatic coffee;
NalesnikarniaGrabowska - the main dish on the menu of this restaurant is a variety of pancakes;
Tulsi is for those tourists who prefer Indian cuisine. Here food will be prepared to order, taking into account the individual preferences of the guest;
LabanaWispie - located on the island of Bolek, a vegetarian restaurant is appreciated for its friendly atmosphere and unique dishes.
Iconic places
Photo: Amphitheater in Opole Opole is a city in which cultural attractions and historical monuments, complemented by buildings of the present time, have been amazingly preserved.
The following tourist places that are most attractive to travelers can be noted:
1. The old system of canals of the Mlinówka River, which runs through the city, is called the Venice of Opole. A particularly beautiful sight opens up at night, when the lights come on in the houses.
2. The Royal Upper Castle is an architectural structure of the 14th century, built in the Gothic style.
3. The zoo, located on the island of Bolek, has collected a variety of flora and fauna on its territory.
4. The Roman Catholic Church of St. Sebastian, built on the site of the tavern, is unique for its legend about people saved from the plague.
5. The Millennium Amphitheater is famous as the venue for the annual Polish Song Festival. The development of the city of Opole itself also originates from here.
This small and cozy place in Poland will forever leave an unforgettable experience in the memory of travelers.
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City `s history
In the 16th century, Opole passed from the hands of the Polish Piasts to the Austrian Habsburgs. During 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 again became part of Poland.
The city's attractions
Modern Opole is a quiet and cozy corner of Poland, with a lot to see. You can begin your sightseeing of the city with 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 - Piastovskaya, which antiquity lovers managed to defend.
This tower is today a 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, who was known for her unhappy love for John the Good, the last prince of the Piasts, appears on the tower.
Another attraction of the city is the church, which is called “ On Gorka" Its history is connected with Saint Wojciech, who preached 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 Mlynówka river. This is Audra's sleeve. Once upon a time there were water mills on the banks of Mlynówka, which is where 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 quite often hosts various exhibitions, conferences and trade fairs. Every year a Polish song festival is held in Opole.
Opole on the map