Opole - what to see in the capital of the region? Part 2 of the Opole guide

Opole! What to see in the capital of the Opole Voivodeship to make the most of your time here? We've prepared the second part of our guide, presenting eight more tourist attractions in Opole. Time to start exploring!

The Museum of Opole Silesia - a treat for lovers of history, culture and art

When visiting the Opole Voivodeship, it's worth learning about its history, culture, and local traditions. To do this, you absolutely must visit the Museum of Opole Silesia, located in a baroque building on Opole's Mały Rynek (Little Market Square). You can admire six permanent exhibitions here, including "Prehistory and Early Middle Ages of the Opole Region," "In the Circle of Pharmacy," and "Ethnography of the Opole Region: Tradition and Change." Even if you're not a fan of painting, you'll certainly appreciate the opportunity to see the works of Józef Chełmoński or Juliusz Kossak in person. Be sure to also visit the tenement house on Św. Wojciecha Street, where each apartment is decorated in the style of the period. Interestingly, you can visit the local branch of this museum, the Museum of Uprising Action, while visiting the museum. St. Anne's Mountains.

There's no shortage of castles in Opole! Visit the Upper Castle

Wherever you go, castles in the Opole Voivodeship undoubtedly belong to a special category of tourist attractions. Here, you can admire, among others: Moszna Castle Whether Niemodlin CastleIn Opole itself, you'll find the equally fascinating Upper Castle (its name derives from its location "on a hill"). Built in the second half of the 14th century, it served as the seat of the Opole Piast dynasty. Over the centuries, it suffered numerous damages, including a major fire in 1615. Years later, only its remains remain: the Gothic castle tower, next to which school buildings were built in the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, following its revitalization in 2018, the Upper Castle is once again open to tourists.

Along the avenue of stars, along the avenue of stars we run…

This is how a Polish music star once sang – Zdzisława Sośnicka, winner of the 3rd National Festival of Polish Song in Opole. There is no need to elaborate on the Opole Festival itself – it is not only a wonderful annual concert that made this city famous throughout the country, but above all, one of the most important musical events in Poland since 1963! It is no wonder that after many years the idea of creating Alley of Stars of Polish SongWhile strolling through Opole's Market Square, you can take a photo at a commemorative plaque of your choice, including those featuring such Polish stars as Czesław Niemen, Marek Grechuta, Ewa Dymarczyk, Kombi, Perfect, and Lady Pank.

In the magical world of contemporary art

Historical or regional museums have their own unique charm, allowing us to travel back in time several or even a dozen centuries. A completely different atmosphere prevails in Gallery of Contemporary Art in Opole, where you can discover works by artists who have been setting both national and international art trends in recent years. Every year, the GSW hosts at least 10 major exhibitions and a dozen smaller ones, including World Press Photo and an exhibition of works by Zdzisław Beksiński. Contemporary art entertains, surprises, shocks, intrigues, and often provokes reflection. Give it a chance!

Travel for a smile? We recommend a walk for a penny!

Opole… What is worth seeing in this city? A walk around the capital of the Opole Voivodeship certainly cannot be complete without a visit to Groszowy Bridge, also known by locals as the "Green Bridge." Its name derives from the toll once charged for crossing. The price was exactly one grosz. The 19th-century Groszowy Bridge allows for crossing the Młynówka Canal and is intended for pedestrians and cyclists. Lovers were particularly fond of this charming bridge, hanging thousands of small padlocks there. However, in 2020, they had to be removed for renovations, and the residents of Opole decided to convert them into a basket for collecting bottle caps to support charitable causes.

The tallest building in Opole and its beautiful interior

The Cathedral of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross in Opole, called Opole Cathedral, is one of the most important tourist attractions in the Opole region, attracting more than just architecture enthusiasts. The Roman Catholic church was built in the 15th century on the site of earlier churches from the 11th and 13th centuries. Over the years, it has been rebuilt several times. With its 73-meter-high towers, the Gothic cathedral is the tallest building in Opole. However, this place is not just impressive from the outside. Inside, visitors can admire, among other things, a miraculous painting of Our Lady of Opole, Baroque altars, and a 15th-century stone baptismal font.

On the trail of sacred architecture

We continue with the topic of religious monuments, because just 300 meters from the Opole Cathedral there is another important tourist attraction of Opole – Franciscan ChurchThe monastery's origins date back to the 13th century. Over the following centuries, the site was destroyed (primarily by three major fires) and gradually rebuilt. Currently, the Franciscan Church is open to visitors, including the underground section, where the Dukes of Opole are buried in the crypts. It's worth mentioning Opole's important cultural event, the Franciscan Fair, during which the historic interiors of the church and monastery are open to visitors.

PS. Just a 3-minute walk from the Franciscan Church is another important place in Opole – the previously mentioned Groszowy Bridge!

What to see in Opole? Especially churches!

Near the two temples described earlier, there is another church that cannot be omitted when describing Opole's tourist attractions. The Church of Our Lady of Sorrows and St. Adalbert in Opole is commonly referred to as church "on the hill"St. Adalbert himself is said to have preached fervent sermons here, prompting the construction of a church in the 10th century. Over the following centuries, the history of the building itself was as turbulent as that of Opole. Today, the Gothic church, built on a hill, attracts architecture, history, and art enthusiasts who long to see the "treasures" within, including the Baroque Częstochowa Chapel and centuries-old paintings.

Opole is interesting, isn't it? There are many ways to explore it. Those visiting Opole for the first time should definitely start their tour of the city in the Old Town, where most of the tourist attractions are located. And then? There's plenty to choose from! Lovers of architecture, art, and nature will all find something to enjoy. And if Krapkowice is your base for exploring the region, Castle Mill restaurant invites you to explore the region along the culinary trail!

Travel time from the Zamkowy Młyn Hotel: 28 minutes
Approximate visiting time: 6 hours
Paid admission: Yes
Attraction for families with children: Yes