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For centuries, history was shaped in Lower Silesia at the crossroads of many cultures – before the region came under the rule of Mieszko I at the end of the 10th century, it was probably controlled by the Czech rulers. In later periods, it was a part of the lands subject to Polish princes and kings, and then also to the Czech, Austrian, Prussian, and German rulers, and from 1945 it became one of the most important territories of the Polish state rebuilt after World War II. Inhabited by residents of different nationalities, religion, views, and finally the language.

 

A short and incomplete guide to places of special importance for the culture of Lower Silesia certainly has to include, among others, Wroclaw Old Town Hall, built in the 13th century it is a pearl of secular Gothic architecture, and sacred buildings erected in the same style including, e.g. the Archcathedral of St. John the Baptist and the church of St. Mary on the Sand in Wroclaw, Cistercian Abbey in Krzeszow, Czocha Castle or, once belonging to the princely family of Hochbergs, Ksiaz Castle near Walbrzych, sometimes called the ‘Lower Silesian Versailles’, Churches of Peace in Swidnica and Jawor and Wroclaw’s Centennial Hall (entered on the UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage List), as well as the main edifice of the University of Wroclaw, beautifully illuminated at night, along with the famous Baroque Aula Leopoldinium.

 

Wroclaw museums boast of extremely interesting and important collections of works of art. They include: the Contemporary Art Museum, the National Museum with the recently opened Modernist Four Domes Pavilion, the National Ossolinski Insitute, which houses manuscripts of plays by the Count Aleksander Fredro, as well as, in Pan Tadeusz Museum located in a historical building in the heart of the capital of Lower Silesia, a manuscript of the national epic by Adam Mickiewicz. Apart from Wroclaw, it is worth visiting e.g. the Living Museum of Ceramics in Boleslawiec, the Automotive Museum in Topacz or the City Museum in Jelenia Gora, which includes the house of Gerhart Hauptmann – a German Nobel prize winner in literature.

However, culture is not only the past but also the present and the future. That is why cultural events taking place throughout the year in Lower Silesia include: music, literature, film and theatre and folk art festivals. To prove the importance of culture, there are many meetings with artists, discussions, educational programs, etc. It is no accident that Wroclaw, along with the Spanish San Sebastian, was awarded the prestigious European Capital of Culture title in 2016. Lower Silesia is – and this is not just an empty advertising slogan – a meeting place.

 

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See Museum and Education Center of the Karkonosze National Park in Sobieszów under constuction

The end of works is scheduled for the turn of 2022/2023

“Get to know Poland” in the Old Mine in Wałbrzych

The pool of additional PLN 10 million for co-financing school trips as part of the ministerial project "Get to know Poland". Recruitment started on October 28 and will last until the additional amount of money is exhausted. This is another opportunity for educational institutions from all over the country to take advantage of funding for a trip to the Old Mine.

Christmas markets attract visitors in Wrocław and Lower Silesia

The Wrocław Christmas Market started on November 19. It will last until the end of the year until December 31, including New Year's Eve. It is also worth considering the fairs in Kliczków, Łomnica and at the Grodziec Castle as a tourist attraction.

Lower Silesia at EXPO 2020

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Revitalization in Krzeszów

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Traces of the past

The cultural inheritance that has been experienced by the contemporary inhabitants of Lower Silesia is, in fact, priceless. To the turbulent fortunes and the multinational society that contributed to the history of the region, Lower Silesian people owe to this day enchanting and mysterious castles, richly decorated palaces and magnificent sacred buildings, which together give larger or smaller towns and villages of which they are treasures a truly unique character. ...

TO RECOVER THE TRADITION – LOWER SILESIAN TRAIL OF BEER AND WINE

The #SzlakMaSmak campaign aims to familiarize with eno and biotourism in the region. Nestor Kościański - the owner of the Moderna Vineyard, situated on the gentle hills of the Trzebnickie Hills, reminds that in Lower Silesia, thanks to the work of enthusiasts, the tradition that has been cultivated in the region for centuries is being rebuilt.

Ząbkowice Śląskie

It is no coincidence that Ząbkowice Śląskie, called the City of the Leaning Tower and Frankenstein, is an extraordinary town in Lower Silesia with unique attractions. It is here that the only such Leaning Tower is located and it is in Ząbkowice Śląskie that the terrible story about Frankenstein has its roots.

Virtual tour of “Former Mine” Science and Art Centre

See the history of mining - come to discover treasures.

Mirsk commune

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The legacy of the Reformation – the European Reformation Cultural Route

Five centuries after the Protestant movement initiated by Martin Luther reached the territory of Poland, the cultural heritage of the Reformation is still visible to the naked eye in Lower Silesia and Cieszyn Silesia.

Świdnica Exchange of Antiquities, Numismatics and Curiosities

The parish priest of Kamieniec Ząbkowicki found the treasure

There was a belief that nothing more than what had already been discovered after the great heritage of the Cistercian musical culture in Kamieniec Ząbkowicki has survived. This was the case until the parish priest opened the organ cabinet in the choir ...

The white lady of the Grodno castle

For centuries, a white lady has haunted the Grodno castle. The local people said that she was the wife of the castellan of the castle, who, after losing her husband, threw herself from the walls into the abyss and wandered over them since then.

Architecture enthusiasts

The beauty and richness of Lower Silesian architecture has delighted millions of tourists who come every year to admire both the treasures of Wrocław and the entire region.

Wałbrzych

Picturesque location in the Wałbrzych Mountains, the vicinity of the Kamienne and Sowie Mountains, monuments, recreational facilities - all this creates unique conditions for sports, various forms of tourism and recreation throughout the year

Crystal Glass Glassworks “Julia”

The tradition of producing artistic products from crystal glass, appreciated at international competitions and reaching the homes of royal and aristocratic families not only throughout Europe, but also across the Atlantic, dates back to the end of the 19th century in Piechowice.

European Route of Castles and Palaces

The most important thematic route of the region. Real treasures thanks to which you will discover countless stories of Lower Silesia.

Jawor – then and today

Formerly Jawor, with its medieval castle, erected by Radosław of Bolesławiec, was the seat of the Piast Duchy of Jawor (later: Świdnica-Jawor).

With a chisel and a laugh – in Szklarska Poręba

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Bolesławiec

The history of the city is closely related to the history of Silesia, which was joined to Poland in 990 by Mieszko I. In the north-western part of the region, inhabited for centuries by the Slavic Bobrzan tribe, a stronghold called Bolezlauez was established.

Sanctuary in Wambierzyce

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Krzeszów – Knights of the Holy Sepulchre (Bożogrobowcy) – an order shrouded in mystery

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The Four Denominations District

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University of Wrocław

With over 300 years of tradition, the University of Wrocław is the oldest university in Wrocław and one of the oldest in Central and Eastern Europe, and its main building, located right on the banks of the Oder, still delights with its richly decorated, baroque facade.

Royal Palace

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Pan Tadeusz Museum

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Lviv culinary traditions in Lower Silesia

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Shambles (Jatki)

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Explore the vineyards and surroundings. Discover the Lower Silesian Beer and Wine Trail

#SzlakMaSmak

A space mansion indeed

The outer costume of the manor in Tąpadły at the foot of Ślęża is… a real cosmos! Ślęża has always attracted people with unconventional views. Not to say - aliens.

At the “Rzym” inn there is… a fragment of a German armored train

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Return of Our Lady to Bobolice

In 2016, the historic statue of the Mother of God returned to the park at the palace in Bobolice. Thus the action of the thief was disguised and hidden , but the disgust remained.

Museum of Sentiments (Muzeum Sentymentów w Kowarach)

Feel Sentiment, visit Kowary.

Srebrna Góra Fortress

Visit unconquered places! Visit the largest impregnable mountain fortress in Europe.

Toy Museum in Kudowa Zdrój

Because we are all children.

Grębocice commune

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Where did the Wrocław’s dwarfs come from

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The mysterious Ślęża

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Zgorzelec

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About Papermaking Museum in Duszniki-Zdrój

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Kamieniec Ząbkowicki

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Karpacz

When the winter snows melt and the trails in the mountains become more friendly and accessible, many of you set off to the mountains to reach the highest peak of the Karkonosze Mountains and whole Lower SIlesia - Śnieżka. We understand it perfectly, because to be in Karpacz and not to stand on its top is like ... not to be in Karpacz.

Henryków abbey

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Walloons

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Churches of Peace in Świdnica and Jawor

Over 400 years old wooden masterpieces inscribed into UNESCO World Heritage List.

“Former Mine” Science and Art Centre (Centrum Nauki i Sztuki Stara Kopalnia )

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Religious Heritage in Lower Silesia

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Medieval Mining Settlement in Zloty Stok

The settlement offers a unique combination of fun and learning that will interest both the small and the big ones.

Ladek’s egg

In Ladek-Zdroj a visually impaired artist prepares to renovate a record-breaking egg forgotten by the inhabitants.

A church like an art gallery – Sobotka

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Boleslawiec Ceramics

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