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pl. Katedralny 18, Stare Miasto, Wrocław
Ostrów Tumski is a former island on the Odra where the history of Wrocław began. Today it is a compact ensemble of churches and ecclesiastical townhouses, separated from the rest of the Old Town by the river. Cobbled lanes, brick façades and gas lanterns — still lit by hand each evening by a lamplighter — give the place its atmosphere.
The landmark is the Gothic archcathedral of St John the Baptist with its viewing tower. Nearby stand the oldest churches in the city — St Giles and St Martin — as well as the collegiate church of the Holy Cross, the church of St Bartholomew and the remains of the castle of the Silesian Piasts. Tumski Bridge leads to the island; once hung with lovers' padlocks, it was cleared of them after renovation. Look out for the Dumpling Gate and the legend attached to it.
The Botanical Garden of the University of Wrocław lies right next door, and a walk along the Odra leads to the Market Hall and the Market Square. In winter the island looks especially striking under festive illumination.
