Ostrów Tumski

Travel Guide
Wroclaw featuring a garden
Ostrów Tumski
Wroclaw which includes a lake or waterhole
Ostrów Tumski
Ostrów Tumski
Walk part of the Amber Road to Venice by crossing the bridge to the original heart of the Old Town of Wrocław and explore its jumble of religious and royal buildings.

Ostrów Tumski (Cathedral Island) forms the religious heart of the city of Wrocław even today, hundreds of years after the district was first founded. Explore its cathedral and churches during the day and amble along Katedralna Street at night when its antique gas lamps illuminate its cobblestones.

Cross the Oder River, named Odra in Polish, to get to Cathedral Island if you are coming from downtown Wrocław. The island’s original wooden bridges were part of the Amber Road, an ancient trade route that connected Venice with the Baltic States.

This former island in Lower Silesia was first settled by the Ślężanie, a Slavic people. In the 11th century, it became a safe haven for the Piast dynasty, who built a castle and a cathedral on the island. Three centuries later, Duke Henry IV moved the expanding city south of the river, but the cathedral remained. Until Napoleon’s troops took control around 1808, Cathedral Island was governed by the Catholic Church.

In spring or summer, start your explorations in the Botanical Garden of the University of Wroclaw (Ogród Botaniczny) to see how Cathedral Island is no longer an island today. The sprawling garden occupies a former tributary of the Oder River that was filled in by Napoleon’s French troops in 1810 with the rubble of the island’s star-shaped fort.

In central Katedralna Street, admire the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist (Katedra św. Jana Chrzciciela) with its Gothic twin spires and jumble of green roofs. Inside, impressive stained-glass windows await, along with a 16th-century altarpiece and one of Poland’s largest organs. Take the elevator up to the tower for some of the best views in Wrocław.

Just outside the cathedral’s main portal is the former Archbishop’s Palace, which houses the Archdiocese Museum. A little farther along Katedralna Street, look up at the monument of John of Nepomuk with the Church of the Holy Cross as its backdrop. After dinner in one of the street’s cafés, follow the street out to the Church of Saints Peter & Paul.

A lamplighter still does the rounds here each night. For a romantic after-dinner experience, cross the “Lover’s Bridge”of Most Tumski (Tumski Bridge). From here, you can walk back to the city via Sand Island (Wyspa Piasek).

The Bridge Wroclaw - MGallery
The Bridge Wroclaw - MGallery
5 out of 5
Plac Katedralny 8, Wroclaw
The price is €105 per night from 22 Dec to 23 Dec
€105
includes taxes & fees
22 Dec - 23 Dec
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Wroclaw. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (203 reviews)
"Clean, quiet and cosy apartment. Very tasty and varied breakfast offering. And super comfy spa zone."

Reviewed on 29 Oct 2024

The Bridge Wroclaw - MGallery
Hotel HP Park Plaza Wroclaw
Hotel HP Park Plaza Wroclaw
4 out of 5
ul. Boleslawa Drobnera 11/13, Wroclaw, Lower Silesian
The price is €67 per night from 22 Dec to 23 Dec
€67
includes taxes & fees
22 Dec - 23 Dec
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Wroclaw. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (604 reviews)
Recommend
"Very nice stay. Food as always in 4* hotel. Plus for orthopedic pillow"

Reviewed on 20 Nov 2024

Hotel HP Park Plaza Wroclaw
Hotel im. Jana Pawła II
Hotel im. Jana Pawła II
4 out of 5
ul. Sw. Idziego 2, Wroclaw
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Wroclaw. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a sauna. Popular attractions Wroclaw Market Square and Wroclaw Cathedral are ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (174 reviews)
"Such a beautifully presented hotel and in proximity to historical and religious buildings of interest. The architectural beauty is breathtaking. I was delighted to see such well maintained and conserved infrastructure. I would have liked to visit and learn more about the gardens in the area but these ..."

Reviewed on 14 Nov 2024

Hotel im. Jana Pawła II
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
RentPlanet - Młyn Maria
RentPlanet - Młyn Maria
3 out of 5
9 wyspa Slodowa, Wroclaw, Dolnoslaskie
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Wroclaw. Enjoy free WiFi and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Wroclaw Market Square and Church of Our Lady on the ...
RentPlanet - Młyn Maria
Apartments in Sky Tower with Bathtub near the window
Apartments in Sky Tower with Bathtub near the window
5 out of 5
Gwiazdzista 64, Wroclaw
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Wroclaw. Enjoy free WiFi, 10 restaurants, and an attached winery. Popular attractions Wroclaw Market Square and Lake ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (61 reviews)
Breathtaking View!
"The room was absolutely amazing! The view is breathtaking! Check-in was unique as its not on the main floor but on the 36th floor and you have to be let in by front desk. I loved how there was a lounge/bar on the 49th floor so we did not have to go out of the building to grab drinks. The building ..."

Reviewed on 14 Oct 2024

Apartments in Sky Tower with Bathtub near the window
Sky Tower Apartments by Michał & Piotr
Sky Tower Apartments by Michał & Piotr
4 out of 5
Gwiazdzista 64, Wroclaw, Dolnoslaskie
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Wroclaw. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Wroclaw Market Square and Lake Morskie ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (154 reviews)
"Gorgeous apartment featuring breathtaking views and convenient proximity to all city landmarks. Highly recommended."

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2024

Sky Tower Apartments by Michał & Piotr
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do