Legnica is a unique place on the map of Lower Silesia and Poland, known as the “second eye” of Silesia and one of the oldest cities in the region. Under the names Legnica, Liegnitz, Lignica is a city with a rich history, where traditions of different nations and cultures are intertwined.

Legnica is a city with a rich and fascinating history, full of architectural gems worth discovering up close. It enchants not only with its monuments, but also with green areas ideal for relaxation. Walking along Najświętszej Marii Panny Street, you can feel the unique atmosphere of the city, and in the Tarnin district discover traces of bygone years, when the richest and most influential residents lived here. It is also worth visiting the vast City Park – the perfect place to relax for a while among the greenery. Legnica combines history with nature, creating a space where you can both admire the monuments and relax in the natural surroundings.

What to see in Legnica
Legnica was under the Piast sceptre for more than 500 years. It was here that the first dynasty of Polish kings reigned the longest. The Piast Castle is a medieval building, one of the first masonry fortresses on Polish soil, which for more than 750 years was the seat and symbol of territorial power: the Piast princes, Habsburg starosts, Prussian and German regency offices. The castle was built on the site of a former castle and sub-ground in the late 12th century, during the reign of Silesian Duke Henry the Bearded. At that time a palatium and two defensive towers were erected, later named after St. Peter (patron saint of Legnica) and St. Jadwiga (wife of Henry the Bearded and a Silesian saint). Both towers are now open to the public.

St. Mary ‘s Street is one of the city’s oldest and most important streets. It connects the main parish churches: the St. Mary’s Church with the Cathedral of Sts. Peter and Paul, two temples of medieval origin. Back then, the so-called High Road trade route leading from Kyiv to Nuremberg ran through here. Since 2006, NMP Street has been adorned with a statue of Philip – the symbol of Legnica’s world-famous Satiricon, one of Poland’s most important events aimed at satirical artists. In turn, the naming day of NMP Street, celebrated in September, draws crowds of locals and tourists to the city.

The Church of the Virgin Mary is one of the oldest religious buildings in Legnica, having been mentioned as early as the 12th century. Known as “Lower” because of its location, it was the place where, according to chronicler Jan Długosz, Henry the Pious listened to mass on the eve of the battle with the Mongols, on April 9, 1241. In 1822 the church was extensively rebuilt according to a design by Berlin architect Gunter, and further work was carried out in 1905-1908. At that time, the interior of the church was decorated with geometric polychromes of a “Moorish” character and an impressive 300 sq. m. set of stained glass windows depicting themes from the history, religion and traditions of Legnica and Silesia.

During the tourist season, a beautiful panorama of the city can be seen from the church tower.

Legnica stands out for its wealth of Baroque architecture and art. A great example is the St. John’s Church along with the former Jesuit college and the Mausoleum of the Silesian Piasts. Also noteworthy is the former manor house of the abbots of Lubsko, which now houses the Copper Museum. It’s impossible to miss the monumental Knights’ Academy, reminiscent of a palace edifice, with magnificently restored halls – the Manege and Royal halls. The academy once served as an elite school where noble youths were prepared for command service in the army.

When visiting Legnica, it is worth noting its architectural treasures, including the unique Old Town Hall, which resembles a baroque palace and is considered one of the most interesting realizations of urban architecture in Lower Silesia. Nearby is the New Town Hall with the renovated Pod Różami Room, as well as the Legnica Theater, a neo-Renaissance edifice that was among the most beautiful and modern stages in Silesia when it opened. Uniquely, its decor and furnishings have been preserved to this day in a condition close to the original. It is now the home of the famous Helena Modrzejewska Theater, appreciated around the world.

Also noteworthy are the Herring Stalls, which were built at the beginning of the 16th century, and the “Under the Quail Basket” House, dating back to the 14th century – unique examples of medieval architecture that transport visitors to the old atmosphere of Legnica.

An ideal place to relax in Legnica is the historic City Park, where you will find the English Glade, the French Garden, the linden avenue, the picturesque Goat Pond and the multimedia fountain. During the summer season, shows combining water, light and sound are held there. Right next to the park is the AquaFun Summer Water Park with numerous water attractions, ideal for warm days.

Be sure to visit this charming city – see you in Legnica!

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