Old Town, Wroclaw

Second World War

Meet your friendly guide at Monopol Hotel then set out on your guided tour of Wroclaw. Begin with an introduction into Wroclaw's past, and learn about how the city once belonged to Germany until the end of World War Two. Discover how during the siege between February and May 1945, most of the city’s buildings were damaged or destroyed, leaving only the partially rebuilt infrastructure you see today. The tour has been designed to showcase the city’s most important historical landmarks, and provide an insight into what life might have been like here during the war. Highlights of the tour include the former Gestapo building, Wolności Square, White Stork Synagogue, Dietrich Benchoffer Memorial, University Church, Ossolineum Garden, Sand Island, Cathedral Island, and more. Throughout the tour, listen to your guide share fascinating facts about Wroclaw’s history under German rule, as well as information about city’s Jewish heritage and the Holocaust. You’ll also discover the changes that came about with the end of the war, and how the city transformed itself afterwards.

Discover the historic city of Wroclaw with its dark sides, secrets, and long-forgotten stories from the past. Start the tour at the market square and learn the history of the altar houses and the huge globe monument. Find out where the mysterious tunnel under the market leads. See the salt market then head towards the Cathedral Island, overlooking the beautiful, old Wroclaw University. On the way, your guide will answer all of your burning questions about the many statues and monuments that you pass. Learn about the German occupation of the city, when the town was named Breslau. Hear stories about Hitler's impact in the city, the history of WWII, and what happened to the 60 German monuments at the end of the war. From the pier, admire the beautiful view of Cathedral Island and its architectural masterpieces. Visit some of the most beautiful Gothic buildings and churches in the city. At the end of the tour cross over the Lessingbrücke and walk along the Oder Promenade. The tour ends at the Witches Bridge and the Maria Magdalena Church where you will find out about the many crimes that took place there.  

Begin your tour in the Market Square of Wrocław's Old Town. Admire the beautiful old Jewish department stores elegantly constructed in the Art Nouveau style as you take a stroll through the district. Stop at the Barash Department Store. This gorgeous business built in 1904 and located within a building called “Phoenix,” stands as the crown jewel of the Old Town. Along the way, stop and pause at the “Stolpersteine” or stones in the pavement that commemorate the victims of the Nazi regime. Journey to ul. Meadow, the street where the largest synagogue in Na Wygonie once stood. The synagogue there was once a significant place of worship for the Reform Judaism movement. Members of this sect mitigated certain religious restrictions, allowing them to achieve an active public life in German society, while at the same time maintaining their religious devotion. Tragically, the synagogue was destroyed during the Kristallnacht in 1938. Explore the Jewish Quarter and see the former Jewish Theater as well as the Ghetto Heroes' Memorial in Plac Bohaterów Getta. Enter the courtyard of the White Stork Synagogue. Many concerts and exhibitions take place at this important center of Jewish culture. Next door is the Little Synagogue which surrounded on three sides by the offices of the Wrocław Jewish Community. Your tour ends in the Jewish Quarter, where if you choose, you can have lunch at one of the neighborhoods many Jewish restaurants for an additional 12€.

Explore Wroclaw with the convenience of a roundtrip, private transfer in a luxurious Mercedes Benz. Suitable for up to 6 guests, this tour will take you to discover the hidden gems of Wroclaw while learning its history and soaking up its rich atmosphere.  Situated at the foot of the Sudetes, by the Oder river, Wroclaw is an exceptional city of 12 islands connected by more than 100 bridges. Although nearly 70% of its buildings were damaged during the war, many have since been restored or rebuilt, retaining the city's historic charm. Visit the Gothic town hall in Market Square and admire the Gothic-style churches such as the Cathedral of St. Nicholas, St. Cross, and the Virgin Mary on the Sand. Admire the main Baroque buildings of Wroclaw University, all the while keeping an eye out for the Dwarfs of Wroclaw – a series of over 300 small bronze krasnal (gnomes), scattered around the city. Catch the gnomes eating ice cream, withdrawing money from an ATM, and even delivering a pizza on your walk through the city.  Explore Ostrów Tumski (Cathedral Island), the oldest part of the city, and admire the fantastic architecture of the St. John Baptist Cathedral and the Holy Cross church. Venture to Słodowa Island (Malt Island), the greenest of the 6 old town islands and a favorite place for outdoor lounging and summer concerts. Enjoy a walk through this tranquil setting while learning about the city's history and recovery from World War II.  Break for lunch during the tour and return to your coach at the end of the day for the return trip to Warsaw.