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]

the Dwarfs of Wrocław | Poland

 This postcard was sent to me by Olga from Poland via postcrossing [LT-104698]. As she writes me, in Wrocław there are 173 dwarfs located in very different places of the city, 122 bridges and 12 islands. After World War II 80% of the city was rebuilt.

Wrocław (German: Breslau, Czech: Vratislav) is the chief city in south-western Poland, situated on the River Oder (Polish: Odra). Over the centuries, the city has been either part of Poland, Bohemia, Austria, Prussia or Germany. According to official population figures for June 2009, its population is 632,240, making it the fourth largest city in Poland. The city's name was first recorded in the year 1000 by Thietmar's Latin chronicle called Thietmari Merseburgensis episcopi Chronicon as Wrotizlawa.The city is traditionally believed to be named after Wrocisław or Vratislav, often believed to be Duke Vratislaus I of Bohemia. It is also possible that the city was named after the tribal duke of the Silesians or after an early ruler of the city called Vratislav  [wikipedia]

The Dwarfs of Wroclaw appeared on the streets of  the city in August 2005.

Castle in Malbork | Poland

This is another postcrossing card, sent by Sulwia from Poland. Unfortunately, she forgot to write the postcard ID, so I cannot register it. :(

The Castle in Malbork was built in Prussia by the Teutonic Order, a German Roman Catholic religious order, as an Ordensburg (fortified castle of the order). The Order named it Marienburg (Mary's Castle). The town which grew around it was also named Marienburg. Since 1945, when it became part of the nation of Poland after World War II, it has been called Malbork.
The castle is a classic example of a medieval fortress, and is the world’s largest brick Gothic castle. UNESCO designated the "Castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork" and its museum as World Heritage Sites in December 1997. It is one of two World Heritage Sites in the region with origins in the Teutonic Order. The other is the "Medieval Town of Toruń", founded in 1231 as the site of the castle Thorn (Toruń). [by wikipedia]

Royal Salt Mine "Wieliczka" #2

This is another postcard of the Salt Mine, showing the Wessel Chamber, which is used as a sanatorium.
I did a little googling and I learned that it is one of the oldest salt mines, still working [they started mining salt there in the 13th century] and in 1978 it became an UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Royal Salt Mine "Wieliczka" #1

The St Kinga's Chapel, Leonardo da Vinci's fresco "The last supper" was the model for the rock-salt relief carved.

This "painting"is actually carved on a wall made of salt..pretty impressive!!

It is an Unesco World Heritage Site.