Oleśnica - the city that you must see !

Oleśnica

The town in Lower Silesia, which lies on the Silesian Lowland at a height of 152 m.a.s.l. and is situated on the left bank of the river Oleśnica. It owes its name to the surrounding marshes and backwaters, on which probably grew many Alders. This picturesque place is called by its inhabitants "city of towers and roses.". Oleśnica is famous for its medieval monuments of soaring towers and beautiful landscape.

Castle of the Dukes Oleśnickich in Oleśnica

(Zamek Książąt Oleśnickich w Oleśnicy)

Renaissance construction in Oleśnica, built in the place of a Gothic fortress of the thirteenth century. The seat of the Dukes of Oleśnica to the nineteenth century. The first record about the castle comes from 1292. Subsequent expansion and reconstruction had made him a Renaissance residence with a modern at that time fortifications. After World War II, in the castle were kept the Hungarian and Italian prisoners of war. In the 70s of the twentieth century, the castle underwent another renovation and the branch of the Archaeological Museum in Wrocław was placed there. In the early 90s the castle was abandoned, and in 1993 Voluntary Labour Corps began activities in it. To this day the castle can be seen when there are held concerts and celebration in the courtyard. Not all rooms are open to the public but I think the biggest attraction there is a beautifully decorated concert hall where concerts of classical music are held. Castle also operates as a hotel and its offer can be seen at this website: http://www.zamek-olesnica.pl/index.htm.

Basilica of St. John the Apostle in Oleśnica

(Bazylika świętego Jana Apostoła w Oleśnicy)

Roman Catholic parish church belonging to the deanery Oleśnica west of the Archdiocese of Wrocław. Parish church called the church of the castle (because it is directly connected to the Castle of the Dukes Oleśnickich) probably already existed in the twelfth century. Around 1689, princes wirtemberscy built on the south side of the church mausoleum in which coffins with the body of deceased members of the princely family were placed. Inside the church you can see a lot of valuable works of art of the period of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque. The church is beautifully decorated and impresses with its design. In the room over the porch of the church of St. John the Apostle, you can see the sixteenth century books stored in the church library, which is called briefly chain library. Why? Because in the Middle Ages, books were extremely valuable.They were only available in place and they were additionally protected by a chain fastened to the countertop to protect them from theft. It is worth mentioning that this is the last of this type of library in the current Poland. In 1998 the church was raised to the level of a minor basilica by Pope John Paul II.

Oleśnickie Ponds

(Stawy Oleśnickie)

These ponds at the Krucza street and Boczna street were probably created at the end of the thirteenth century by the first owner of the castle, whose name is unknown. As the legend goes, oleśnicki pond at the Krucza street was created precisely from the decision of the owner of that castle, because he wanted to have a view towards the fishermen and the surrounding nature from his chamber. When the pond was already finished, his wife wanted to in another part of Oleśnica also create a pond, mainly intended for recreational purposes (pond at the Boczna street). In the 1992 to 1927 the city was rebuilt and the first holiday complex ( parks, playgrounds, swimming pool) was created. At this time the ponds were also reconstructed and became a place where people willingly spent their free time. In 2012, the city authorities decided to give residents the opportunity to move safely by bike and persuade them to a healthy lifestyle through building bicycle and pedestrian paths that extend throughout the city. Today, paths around ponds and parks are the most popular place for walks and rest in the city. These paths are daily frequented by many people who have the opportunity to enjoy views of the peaceful, full of green areas, and beautiful Oleśnica.

As a resident of this city, I invite you to see everything with your own eyes because no description does not reflect the beauty of my town! 

Author: Małgorzata Paprowicz