Wrocław | Poland

This beautiful postcard was sent by Ula from Poland via postcrossing [PL-1107101]. She writes: "Welcome to Poland! I live in Wroclaw, capital city of lower Silesia. We have beautiful river Odra, the second longest river in Poland, with 200 bridges and footbridges! In my city feel the spirit of the past! Happy Postcrossing!"

Everyone loves Wrocław (vrots-wahf) and it’s easy to see why. Though in some ways it’s a more manageable version of Kraków, with all the cultural attributes and entertainment of that popular destination, the capital of Lower Silesia also has an attractive character all its own.

Having absorbed Bohemian, Austrian and Prussian influences, the city has a unique architectural and cultural make-up, symbolised by its magnificent market square. Wrocław’s location on the Odra River, with its 12 islands, 130 bridges and riverside parks, is idyllic, and the beautifully preserved ecclesiastical district is a treat for lovers of Gothic architecture.

But Wrocław is not just a pretty face. It is Poland’s fourth-largest city and the major industrial, commercial and educational centre for the region; virtually everything in southwestern Poland starts, finishes or is taking place in Wrocław. At the same time it’s a lively cultural centre, with several theatres, some major festivals, rampant nightlife and a large student community. [Lonely Planet]

This card is showing Ratusz, the Town Hall of Wroclaw. This grand edifice took almost two centuries (1327–1504) to complete, and work on the 66m-high tower and decoration continued for another century. [Lonely Planet]

The first stamp she used shows the Capricorn sign and the second shows a church in Sieradz, Sieradz (Latin: Syradia, German: Schieratz) is a town on the Warta river in central Poland with 44,326 inhabitants (2004). It is situated in the Łódź Voivodeship (since 1999), but was previously the eponymous capital of the Sieradz Voivodeship (1975–1998), and historically one of the minor duchies in Greater Poland. It is one of the oldest towns in Poland, thrice being a location for the coronation of the Polish monarchs. The town was attacked by the Tartars, Bohemians and Teutonic Knights. Polish Kings chaired six assemblies from here. [wikipedia]