Observation points in Wroclaw
Wroclaw is the capital of the Lower Silesia region and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Poland. It is famous for its historical monuments and dwarf figurines. But this marvelous city can also be admired from a different perspective. Wroclaw has plenty of observation points, which offer truely breathtaking views at one of the most eagerly visited and stunning cities in the country.
Sky Tower
Sky Tower is one of the highest buildings in Wroclaw, which is part of a residential and recreatioal complex along with two other buildings. Originally, the highest tower was supposed to be 258 meters tall. In late April of 2010, the builders gained permission to begin the construction.
On November 3rd 2008, the developer of the building sold the project to Leszek Czrnecki, who put the construction on hold for six months because of the uncertaibn market conditions. After several years, the Sky Tower was officially opened for tourists in May of 2012.
The Penitents’ Bridge in the church of st. Maria Magdalena
The Penitents’ Bridge is a footbridge connecting the towers of the church of st. Maria Magdalena. It is one of the most interesting observation points in Wroclaw.
The Penitents’ Bridge is also called the Witches’ Bridge. According to legend, a young lady named Tekla lived in Wroclaw. She didn’t want to work or get married. One night, her father got angry with his daughter’s behavior and cursed her to constantly sweep the footbridge. When Tekla was exhausted, a witch named Martyna took pity on her and asked a wizard named Michal to remove the curse. Ever since then, women show the Peninents’ Bridge to their daughters as a warning from the easygoing life.
The Mathematical Tower of the University of Wroclaw
The Mathematical Tower is part of the building of the University of Wroclaw. From its terrace, which is located at the height of 42 meters, you can admire the Old Town and the Slodowa Island.
The Mathematical Tower is the only tower of the three planned to be constructed. It was created between 1728 and 1737. Originally, it was the location of and observatory established by a nature scientist and astronomer Anton Lorenz Jugnitz. One of his successors working in this observatory was Johann Gottfried Galle, who discovered Neptune.
Currently the Mathematical Tower is part of the Wroclaw University Museum.
The observation tower of the archcathedral of st. John the Baptist
The obseervation tower of the archcathedral of st. John the Baptist is one of the most interesting observation points in Wroclaw. This archcathedral was constructed in the place of at keast three earlier, smaller temples. The gothic church was expanded and modernized many times. During the reconstruction, it gained renaissance and baroque elements of decoration both on the outside and the inside. After World War II, the building was thoroughly reconstructed. It gained 37-meter helmets. In 1991, it also gained an elevator and an observation platform.
The observation tower of the church of st. Elisabeth
The observation point at the tower of the church of st. Elisabeth allows to admire the Old Town of Wroclaw from above. The church under the calling of st. Elisabeth was constructed in Gothic style in the early 14th century. It stands out in the panorama of Wroclaw with its original roof and characteristic tower.
Originally, the church’s tower along with its helmet was more than 130 meters high. The church had several dramatic events in its history, such as the collapse of the tower’s gothic helmet (1529), the destruction of the roof and part of the tower (1806) and the fire of the church (1976).