This calm southern Polish city has Gothic churches, a Renaissance market square, and regular music festivals. Local dishes include pierogi and żurek soup.
Opole sits along the Oder River in southwestern Poland. You can climb the 35-meter Piast Tower for city views, watch gorillas at the zoo on Bolko Island, or record your own song at the Museum of Polish Song. The city comes alive each summer during the National Festival of Polish Song, while its Market Square fills with locals enjoying coffee at outdoor cafes year-round.
Exploring the Market Square
A neo-Renaissance Town Hall stands in the center of Opole's Market Square, surrounded by merchant houses with painted facades and ornamental details from different periods. You'll find many cafes and restaurants in the square, where you can sit and observe local life. Several narrow streets branch out from the square, leading to medieval churches and historic buildings.
Along the Oder River
The Oder River flows through Opole, with several bridges connecting different parts of the city. The Green Bridge, built in art nouveau style, was once known as the Penny Bridge. Two islands sit within the river: Bolko Island, where you'll find the city zoo with 300 species including gorillas, cheetahs, and sea lions, and Pasieka Island, home to the Piast Tower. You can climb to the tower's viewing platform for panoramic views of the city.
Medieval Churches
The 14th-century Cathedral of the Holy Cross has a Piast Chapel containing the tomb of Jan II the Good, the last Piast duke. Another Gothic building, the Holy Trinity Church from the 14th century, holds a mausoleum of the Opole Piast dynasty. From University Hill, where the Church of St. Adalbert stands, you can look out across the city.
Museum of Polish Song
At the Museum of Polish Song, you can explore Poland's music from the 1920s to today. The museum has recording booths where you can sing your own songs, interactive music walls, and collections of items from Polish musicians. During summer, the adjacent Millennium Amphitheatre hosts the National Festival of Polish Song.
Getting Around
The early 20th-century main train station connects to major Polish cities. While local buses run throughout Opole, you can easily walk around the Old Town area. Bike paths run along the river and connect to the islands, with rental stations throughout the city.
Climate and Seasons
Opole has some of Poland's mildest weather. Winter temperatures rarely drop below freezing, while summer days average 25°C (77°F). Spring and autumn bring mild temperatures, making it comfortable to explore the city on foot.
