The south-western T Poland has one of the most diversified landscapes in the country and is therefore particularly valued by tourists. Foreign visitors are especially attracted by the Karkonosze Mountains. Upper Silesia was and still is an important economic centre of the country. The region comprises the following three voivodships: Dolnośląskie Voivodship with its capital in Wrocław, Opolskie Voivodship with its authorities seated in Opole, and Śląskie Voivodship with administrative centre in Katowice.

Major localities and historical monuments

Around Wrocław

The oldest historical monument of Legnica (110,000 inhabitants) is the SS Peter and Paul’s parish church at the main town square. The late Baroque 18th century town hall and the theatre are also not to be missed. The Piast castle was remodelled in the 19th century. An interesting Cistercian monastery stands in Lubiąż. Its late 17th century arrangement measuring 223 x 118 metres used to be the biggest in Europe. Głogów was almost entirely destroyed in World War II. Since the early 90s, however, the historical town centre, formerly falling into disrepair, has been systematically reconstructed. Świdnica has the tallest church spire in Lower Silesia (103 m). It belongs to the Gothic parish church in the town square. Surrounding it, are lovely burghers houses. The old town did not yield to WW II. The nearby Krzyżowa was a meeting spot for one of the well-known groups of anti-fascist movement. Wooden Churches of Peace in Świdnica and Jawor, both of half-timber construction, were built by Silesian Protestants and are included on UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List.

Opole and its surroundings

Situated on the river Odra, the city of Opole with its population of 130,000 inhabitants ranks among the largest cities in Silesia. The town hall in the main square was constructed in 1932. The Baroque houses in the square, currently under reconstruction, are characterized by round bay windows typical for the city’s architecture. Worth a look is a Franciscan monastic complex dating from the 14th century. The cathedral is the oldest church in Opole. The large skansen in the Bierkowice suburb contains a variety of rural architecture from Silesian villages. The St Anne’s Mount to the south-east of Opole is a wellknown place of religious worship. The St Anne’s Church with a figure of Saint Anne on its high altar is the goal of pilgrimage. In the beginnings of the 20th century, an imitation of the Lourdes grotto was built here. Brzeg on the Odra flourished during the Renaissance period. The castle contains a rich collection of medieval and Baroque art. In Nysa, there are quite a number of interesting sacral objects. The late Gothic church of St Jacob dates from the 15th century and was rebuilt after WW II. The 17th century bishop’s palace is housing a Regional Museum. Otmuchów is situated between two artificial lakes. Its main places of interest include a Renaissance castle and a Baroque church of St Nicholas with valuable paintings, sculptures and woodcarvings. Well-preserved medieval defensive walls surround Paczków, situated right next to the Czech border. The castle in Moszna makes a magical impression. The massive building flanked by many towers was raised in the 17th century. At present a hotel occupies it.