The most beautiful religious buildings Wrocław

Located on Tumski Island, it stands on the site of the former Romanesque cathedral, built around the year 1000, destroyed by the Bohemian Bratoslav around 1035 and rebuilt in the ^12th century. The present ^13th-century building was badly damaged during the Second World War, but has since been superbly rebuilt. A typical Wroclaw feature, colorful Baroque chapels have been added to the Gothic body. You can climb to the top of the north tower and enjoy the beautiful panorama.

Its classical frontal architecture and stucco facade are the signature of the Jesuits who founded it. In keeping with their credo, the interior is absolutely grandiose and contrasts with the façade: it is one of the most beautiful Baroque churches in Central Europe, made of pomp, marble, swirling woodwork and missionary frescoes. It was built at the end of the ^16th century as a university church on the site of the former Piast castle.

Located just across the Tumski Bridge, which overlooks the University Island on the Oder River, this church welcomes you on your way to the cathedral. Although it is visible, you will not immediately find the entrance to this small, beautiful but very soberly decorated church, dating from the 15th century. In fact, you have to pass by the building located just nearby, the Orphanotrophaeum, a former orphanage for children of the nobility, built in the early 18th century.

Built on a small island in the heart of Wrocław, this ^14th-century church was originally one of the country's oldest Gothic churches in the German period. Its appearance shows architectural trial and error, as well as a plan halfway between the Romanesque style and the Gothic canons. Serving as HQ for the German army desperately trying to resist the Soviet advance on the Reich border, it was destroyed before being rebuilt after the war.

This imposing basilica was built in Gothic style in the 14th century. There is a legend about the small bridge that connects the two towers of the church at the top. Sometimes, on this bridge, walk the spirits of women who have never married: as a punishment, their souls wander and are condemned to clean the bridge for eternity! We go there for the photo more than for the interest of the visit. A tower is open to the public, count 10 minutes of climbing.

Its colorful slate roof stands out from afar. This huge church, completely destroyed by fire in 1976, has recently been restored. Its bright interior features superb modern stained-glass windows and beautiful Baroque, Renaissance and Mannerist epitaphs, as well as imposing ogives and rich ornamentation. As an added bonus, the 83-meter-high bell tower affords a magnificent view of the city's central square, its suburbs and the Oder River.

This neoclassical synagogue, built in the early 19th century, although looted, survived the Nazis. A small Jewish community organizes concerts of Kleshmer and Yiddish music. A paper yarmulke must be worn during the concerts. Contact the Jewish Information Center (Włodkowicza Street 9, ✆ +48 71 787 39 02, www.wroclaw.jewish.org.pl). The street and its neighbors, a former Jewish quarter of the city, contain beautiful Art Nouveau and neoclassical buildings.

Built in the ^13th century, this church is as tall as it is long, and has a very disconcerting slender yet squat appearance. This is actually a consequence of its particular architecture, as it consists of two churches superimposed one on top of the other. The lower church is dedicated to St. Bartholomew, patron saint of the Piast dynasty, while the other is dedicated to the Holy Cross. This is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful buildings on Ostrów Tumski.

Located just opposite the cathedral on the north side (to the left of the main entrance), this tiny, unassuming Romanesque church is easily overlooked and rarely visited. Yet it is a jewel of the city's architectural heritage. Built in 1230, it is the only church to have survived the Tatar invasions and the pagan revolt that sacked its sisters. To this day, it is the oldest church in the city.