Wrocław (Polish: [ˈvrɔt͡swaf] ; German: Breslau [ˈbʁɛslaʊ] ; also known by other names) is a city in southwestern Poland, and the capital of the Lower Silesian Voivodeship. It is the largest city and historical capital of the region of Silesia. It lies on the banks of the Oder (Odra) River in the Silesian Lowlands. In 2025, the official population of Wrocław was 672,545, making it the third-largest city in Poland. The population of the Wrocław metropolitan area is around 1.25 million.
Wrocław is the historical capital of Silesia and Lower Silesia. The history of the city dates back over 1,000 years; throughout history it has been under Polish, Bohemian, Austrian, Prussian and German rule, until it became again part of Poland in 1945 immediately after World War II.
Wrocław is a university city with a student population of over 130,000, making it one of the most youth-oriented cities in the country. Wrocław has numerous historical landmarks, including the Main Market Square, Cathedral Island, Bridge of Love, Wrocław Opera, the National Museum and the Centennial Hall, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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