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Home , Bierdzany, Byczyna, Duchy of Opole, Opole, Opole (administrative), Opole Voivodeship

Opole You Are Always Welcome 2 County

Opole Voivodeship delights in its diversity, multiculturalism and agreement of people living here and cooperate, people who have diff erent origin, diff erent culture, diff erent faiths and beliefs and not so long ago: diff erent languages. Cities of this region, with its charming renovated Old Towns, antique townhouses and manor houses turned into top-of-the-range hotels embellish and en- tice and along with villages blooming home gardens are unique marks of this beautiful region of the country.

Regional kitchen full of Silesian tradition integrated into dif- ferent tastes of borderland is a culinary masterpiece of . Tight bond between Opole citizens and region makes this Voivodeship signifi cantly strong among other regions. Due to its treasure landscape and beautiful antique buildings this is the place on and map worth to visit, see and come back…

Opole is the smallest Voivodeship in Poland (9.412km2) inhabited by more than million residents. The capital city is Opole City. Located in south-west Poland, border the Lower , Łódź, Silesia and Wielkopolska . It’s administratively di- vided into 12 districts and 71 communes. Main waterway of the region is Odra River.

Opole has a very long history; it dates back to the distant Medieval Times. Opole was located on the very important trade rout crossing. The city was chartered at the beginning of XIII century and in 1283 it became the capital. It was ruled by the till XVI century. The best known was Duke Jan II the Good who granted numerous privileges (including the ones protected peasant class against nobility).

For ten centuries Opole was under the rule of Czech, Habsburgs, Prussian and . In XIX century industry was growing dynam- ically – especially industry. After The Silesian Upraising Moszczanka Opole still left after German side and back to Poland in1945.

3 Opole, the view from the Bolko side

Renaissance City Hall as well as “Opolski Akropol” current head- Opole Region has 34 nature reserves and 5 landscape parks. quarters of Opole University deserve special attention. Another Whole Region is ethnic diff erential. Co-residents are: , attraction is Museum of Rural Architecture in Bierkowice which East Poles, German Minority and people came from other parts has a rich collection of wooden architecture from the Opole of Poland. Community which lives in the Region belong to Polish, Silesian Region. Czech and German culture.

Opole Voivodeship is also land of castles, chateaus and man- Opole City invests in culture. Opole amphitheater is home of or houses, almost 200 – far more than the rest of Poland has. concerts during National Festival of Polish Song in Opole for Especially impressive are in , Otmuchów, Głogówek, Kamień over 50 years. In Opole take place also such events as: All-Poland Śląski and Moszna. Really worth seeing is “Polish Carcassonne” Theatrical Confrontation, All-Poland Puppet Theatre Festival, – Paczków and Nysa called “Silesian ”. St Anne Mountain Opolskie Lamy Movie Festival, BiennaleArs Polonia and Drum Fest. is very important place in the region as well. We have here also unique Mediewal Brzeg Polychromy Rout and Wooden Sacral Opole province is well-known also from Krasiejow Jura Park. Nysa, Architecture Rout. and Otmuchow Lakes are great for active leisure and Mala Panew River it’s a canoe route. Tourists also like Opawa Mountains. Opole Province is agricultural and industrial region. Vegetable production as well as animal one place the region among the Opole province – often called „little homeland” is unusually mul- best in the country. tiethnic and multicultural place. It makes this region very intrigue on Poland map as well as cozy. Its otherness and diff erential Opole Voivodeship industry grows dynamically. It has several encourage to visit this beautiful part of our country. subzones of Special Economic Zones. High-powered industries are: mineral, chemical, food, fuel, metallurgic, wood and paper, agricultural, textile, footwear, electronic and energy.

4 Opole Venice Opole

The capital of the Voivodeship – is the center of the region in ad- ministration, cultural, science and industrial meaning. All most im- portant events are centered here. The capital of the Voivodeship is a city which may look as extremely young and vigorous - in this 130.000 agglomeration 30.00 students live and study here at public and private colleges (the main are Opole University, Opole University of Technology, School of Administration and Management and National School of Medicine).

Opole City intrigue tourists. First: it is a symbol of Polish rock music – since 1963 National Festival of Polish Song sounds in Opole Amphitheater and all Poland show biz Stars Opole join. If you are interested in history of Polish song you will fi nd many precious pieces on exhibition in Polish Song Museum. National Festival of Polish Song is always associated with The Piast Tower in Opole – the last one piece of The Piast Castle which survived. Currently it is possible to admire Opole view from The Tower and the most important, from the point of historical view, landmarked buildings. These undoubtedly are gothic St. Cross Cathedral and Franciscan Fathers Church, where The Piast Chapel acts as The Opole Piast Mausoleum.

“Na Górce” Church could belong to the interesting sacred mon- uments. Town Hall, built in Florentine Palazzo Vecchio style, ob- viously focuses the tourists attention. Another interesting, non- sacral monuments are mostly in the city center and they are: Opole Silesia Museum, multifi gure fountain – sculpture “Opolska Ceres” at Daszyński Square or Opole University HQ on the “ac- Opole, pond at Barlicka Street

5 Collegium Maius – Opole University yard Green Bridge

City Square, City Hall

Daszyński Square and Ceres fountain-monument Opole Silesia Museum and Na Górce Church

6 Opole in the twilight ademic hill”, where sculptures of the most important artists of Opole is also a place where plenty international and local events Polish music scene have been placed. Everyone will be in love take place. The most known and appreciated are International with charming corner by the Młynówka called „Venice in Opole” Drum Festival, Theatrical Confrontation “Polish Classic”, All-Poland and green Bolko Island. Puppet Theatre Festival or European Majorette Championship –IMA. Another must-see is Museum of Rural Architecture located in Bierkowice , where typical for this land collection of wood- en architecture waits for tourists. Opole Voivodeship has won its own administrative independence by itself- not very big but meaningful monument „We have to defend Opole Region” keeps this fact in memory of the people.

National Festival of Polish Song – Opole Amphitheater

7 Prudnik

It is a city located in the South part of the region, on the borderland of Głubczyce Plateau and north-east part of Opawa Mountains. Amazingly beautiful city square and the Castle Tower entrance, called Woka Tower, the oldest building of Prudnik, enchants the visitors. The Tower has been transformed into vantage point, from which tourists can see the view of the beautiful surroundings. The Prudnik Forest and Franciscan Monastery, where a Polish prelate of the Roman , Stefan Wyszyński, has been imprisoned in 1954-1955, is undoubtedly the tourists’ at- traction. Currently it acts as a sacral place again. The beautiful Prudnik Park, which has been created to naturally connect Prudnik City to surrounding forest, allures with its pretty views as well as eye-catching avenues with the Opawa Mountains view, with City Square and City Hall in Prudnik their higher mountain top Kopa Biskupia (890 MAMSL).

The Park has been enriched by precious elements of architecture, such as gemmed arbor which used to be music pavillion in the past or Diana statue. It is a perfect place to active way of spend- ing free time and to recreation, with tennis courts, pitches and kids playgrounds. There are plenty of cultural and sports events organized in The Park, including family sports picnic.

Prudnik Park

Głuchołazy

The City located among Opawa Mountains, Paczkowo Foothill and Glubczyce Plateau with beautiful, historic square and St. Wawrzyniec Church – late baroque sanctuary with early gothic veneer. Building has rich embellished 13th century entrance and joined towers topped off with new baroque helmets.

Church amazes with numerous Rococo style side altars. Among al- tars tourists can see for example: Van Dyck painting „Opłakiwanie”, 16th century sculpture of Mother of God with Child and new ba- roque main altar of the 1921 as wee as ”Ukrzyżowanie” bas-relief from the 16th-17th century.

The Głuchołazy, opened at the end of 19th century, with cen- tury-old types of trees and bushes, especially Głuchołazy Square Canadian hemlock and charming pond with the island in the middle, where theater shell has been built, is a perfect place for the rest. Specifi c microclimate and the nearness of mountain nature of Chrobry Mountain have a positive infl uence on pass- ers-by state of being.

Surrounding Opawa Mountains, amazing landscape, unique, mild climate, tourist trails and interesting historical monuments are real pearls of Opole Province. The visit in nearby Moszczanka to try fried trout fl avoured with local recipe will gratify every gourmet.

Biała Głuchołaska River

8 Brzeg Castle – yard Brzeg

The one of the oldest city of Opole Province. Known in Poland as the seat of royal-ducal Piast lineage, who left here lots of mon- uments and marks. Among the most precious is built in 13th century and redeveloped into residence Brzeg Castle, well known as :”The Silesian Wawel”. This magnifi cent monument is listed in an international heritage register. Especially worth seeing are garden remains, fortifi cation outlines and St. Jadwiga gothic castle chapel, which at the same time is The Mausoleum of Legnica & Brzeg Piast. Currently there is The Silesia Piast Mu- seum in Brzeg Castle.

City Square and City Hall in Brzeg Brzeg is also known from its renaissance City Hall, many believes it’s the most beautiful example of renaissance non-sacral archi- tecture. Tourists also are interested in seeing the fragments of city fortifi cation from the end of 16th century. Brzeg also has unusually beautiful sacral monuments, and the one among them is especially worth of attention – gothic St. Nicolas Church. An- other interesting historical marks are: steel lattice bridge over the Odra River built in 1891.

Brzeg is a city known in Poland because of numerous events – es- pecially famous event is “Polish Invasion of the Castle”, Christmas Carol Review “Carolling in Brzeg”, All-Poland Festive of Religious Song “Corda Cordi” and English Song Festive “Face the Music”.

Crate Steel Bridge in Brzeg

9 Kędzierzyn-Koźle

It is one of the biggest cities of Opole region, mostly known from its big industrial factories and team which systemat- ically reaches for the country trophies. In the city there are the biggest in the whole Voivodeship and very important for whole country nitrogen plant (ZAK Kędzierzyn-Koźle) and Blachownia holding company. There is also one of the biggest in whole Poland Inland Port in Koźle. It is also a place with fi ve water gates which expedite sailing on The Odra River.

However Kędzierzyn-Koźle is also a city with a long history. Although the city was chartered in 1975 joining four towns (Kędzierzyn, Koźle, Sławięcice and Kłodnica), but the city was Water gate in Koźle fi rst mentioned already at the beginning of 12th century.

It is really worth to see old town Koźle, historical St. Zygmunt and St. Jadwiga Church from 15th century or fragments of city ramparts from the period between 14th and 16th century. The big attraction is unique in Poland technical antique – Kłodnica with water gate, connecting Koźle and . Another rare historical monument is Montalembert KeepTower, which is fortifi cation building called Fryderyk Wilhelm Fort and it’s remains of Koźle Fortress built in 1739 by Austrians. Every year in honour of it Koźle Fortress Days are organized During the Second World War in Sławęcice – current district of Kędzierzyn-Koźle – was a Fryderyk Wilhelm Fort in Koźle concentration camp.

Kluczbork

It is poviat capital with over 750 years of own history – has been belonging to Piast Dukes, Czech Kings, emperor of and in later centuries to Prussian Masters. Precious antiques can be fi nd here from the old-times – fragments of ramparts, gothic Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Confession under the in- vocation of Saviour or City Hall from18th century along with two townhouses remained from the old townhouse row called “Twelve Apostles” – all of them recall this city glory days. The tourists attention will be undoubtedly drawn by historical cozy city square and observation tower, where City center view can be admired from.

Kluczbork is a city frequently called „The Land of Plenty”- it owes this intriguing name to priest Jan Dzierżonow, distinguished bees Kluczbork – “Krakowska” Gate Tower connoisseur and researcher.

Kluczbork surroundings have very rich nature. There is huge, pure and charming Stobrawa Landscape Park in here.

Regional attraction are numerous agritourism and eco farms as well as Culture and Tradition Centre of Kuniów village, where in re- built objects from 19th century old professions presentation takes place, there is an opportunity to bake a bread single-handedly or to forge a horseshoe. In 2012 near the Kluczbork fi rst big reservoir has been built. Kluczbork is also a place where European Festival of Organ Music takes place as well as Capital Reggae Festival.

Retention Reservoir near Kluczbork

10 – historical fortifi cations Byczyna

It ised to be a well-fortifi ed castle-town and these fortifi cations are still very well preserved among the others in Poland. What left are stone and brick fortifi cations ruins and two medieval gate towers, main towers and moat. Byczyna is known from the battle, which has been won here in 1588 by the great commander of the crown , who has won over Archduke Maksymilian Habsburg.

Another thing to see in Byczyna is a copy of medieval borough surrounded by pedestal with watch towers and drawbridge. Inside the borough there are viewer platforms, hotel, inn, stable along with smithy and armory. Lots of tourists are coming here to see this – especially during International Kinight Tournament. Knight Borough in Biskupice

Paczków

The city founded in 1254 as the protection of the South-West border of the Bishop Duchy. Because of the protection role of the city it has been very well protected by double fortifi cations, which remain in very good condition by today and are the biggest attraction of the city. 19 keep towers, 3 gate towers and fortifi ca- tions are the proof that Paczków was a medieval fortress and it is very appreciated by tourists. Because of the great monuments Paczków is often called „Polish Carcassonne”.

Another thing to see are baroque town houses in very good con- Paczków – City Square and City Hall dition in the center of the city, and the nearness of Nysa Lake and Otmuchow Lake makes this city a beautiful place to visit.

The unique oddity of the Paczków is functioning since 1991 The Museum of the Gas Manufacture, which is the old building of the Gas Manufacture of the city – it is the only one such place in Poland and very unique in whole Europe. Visitors may get to know the old industrial architecture, old manufacturing line and large collection of over 300 of pieces of exhibitions connected to classical gas manufacturing – starting from gas devices and fi nishing with gas meters. Every year this museum is visited by more than 10 thousands of visitors. Paczków Bay

11 Palace-sanctuary and tourist-rehabilitative sanatorium group Sebastianeum Silesiacum in Kamień Sląski Kamień Śląski

It is a town known from the palace-park complex and the airport. A place worth seeing is defi nitely a late baroque palace from the late 17thI and early 18th centuries along with St. Jacek Sanctuary and beautiful landscape park. Tourist will be also interested in parish church dedicated to St. Jacek from 1632 and common grave of Silesian Insurgents, Congregation of Sisters of Holy Virgin Mary monastery from 19th century, nature reserve, 14 ha, and nearby rehabilitative sanatorium Sebastianeum Silesiacum with herbarium. Belfry near the sanctuary in Kamień Śląski

Tourist-rehabilitative sanatorium group Sebastianeum Silesiacum in Kamień Sląski Castle in Rogów Opolski

Built at the beginning of the 17th century on the original defensive castle ruins from 14th century. Renaissance-classic monument, partially reconstructed. Picturesquely located on the old Odra River basin embankment, in the center of the park with ruins of fortifi cations. Once it belonged to Earl’s House of von Haugwitz and, according to the legend, to Templars. Today the castle-park property belongs to Opole Voivodeship Library Antique Books Collection Department where the most valuable items are: antique books, manuscripts, graphics and old cartography. Visitors can see permanent exhibition of book history and European Antiques of literary activity and iconography.

Rogów Opolski Castle

12 Moszna Castle Moszna Castle

The monument is over 100 years old and is impressive large and has very unique architectural style, there is 365 rooms and 99 towers and it is the only one castle with residential character in Opole Silesia region. The Second World War left Moszna Castle in very good condition, and between 1972 and 2013 it became known in Poland as convalescent home, and then Public Care Health Center for Therapies of Neuroses. Nowadays, together with large park, 200 ha, it is partially open to visitors. Castello Musical Theatreis located here since 2013.

Every year, at the turn of May and June, the Castle is a center of Musical Festival of Blooming Azaleas – known in Poland musi- cal festival, which takes place in old insides of the castle and in the park. Things to see are painters exhibitions in the gallery, painters open-airs are also organized. Music lovers from whole Azaleas near the castle country and world are coming here to hear classical musical con- certs and recitals and author’s evenings. Classical music tones among blooming azaleas makes the atmosphere of this place special and unique.

Moszna Castle inside Moszna Castle Park

13 St. Anne Sanctuary on the St. Anne Mountain St. Anne Mountain

It is a beautiful landscape park on the top of the million year old extinct volcano. Founded to preserve numerous species of plants and animals. There is geologic preserve hundreds me- ters from the Mountain. In 2004 St. Anne Mountain has been granted with history monument status – one of the 30 most precious monuments in Poland. It was made up of: St. Anne with the Virgin and Child Basilica, monastery, the Lourdes Grotto, the Pilgrim’s House and group of churches and chapels – the Stations to commemorate the Passion of Christ. It is also worth to see giant stone amphitheater and Monument and Museum of the Upraises. Another thing to see is Pope John Paul II, founded to memorial of his pilgrimage to St. Anne Mountain in 1983. There is also St. Anne fi gure where pilgrims coming from whole country from several centuries. John Paul II Statue on the St. Anne Mountain

St. Anne Mountain – Holy Cross Rising Church Service Stone amphitheater on the St. Anne Mountain

14 Nysa – City Square and City Hall Nysa City

Poviat capital city, in 13th century the center of Nysa Duchy of Wrocław Bishops. Today called also “Silesian Rome”. There is one of the biggest gothic sanctuary in Poland St. Jacob and St. Agnieszka Basilica called also Nysa Cathedral. It guards rich art collection, es- pecially the biggest in Silesia group of sepulchral sculpture. Near cathedral there is unfi nished late gothic belfry. The late baroque St. Peter and Paul Church makes visitors delighted with its original Nysa – Tryton Fountain beauty. Wrocław Bishops Palace, which is the museum since 1984, has the very precious collection European Paintings from 15th- 19th centuries. Worth seeing are decorative structures of the city, especially “The Beautiful Well” from 1868, “Tryton Fountain” from 1700 and parts of fortifi cations along with gate towers from 14th century as well as parts of bastion fortifi cations from 17th century. City Hall with beauty spot added in 2008 is a big attraction for tourists, which gladly attend every-year event – Nysa Fortress Days.

Nysa battle stage version

Nysa Lake

Often called “Jezioro Głębinowskie”, picturesquely located, with beautiful sand beach, with wide off er for tourist and accommo- dation. It is perfect for fi shing and active leisure lovers. Numerous rental places off ers windsurfi ng accessories as well as yachts and boats. Pure water is full of plenty kinds of fi sh. Fishers can catch a pike, bream, perch-pike, perch, eel, car or crucian. Nysa Lake is a part of Otmuchowsko-

Nyskie Land of Preserve Landscape and it has plenty kinds of birds on shore, including Mediterranean Gull, Herring Gull, Common Tern, Great Egret and much more. Nysa Lake

15 Otmuchów

City located in the south part of the region, lies on the Nysa Kłodzka River, between Nysa Lake and Otmuchów Lake. City full of monuments with rich history, gothic defensive castle, renais- sance city hall and beautiful, baroque church. Every July there is “Summer of the Flowers” event, when to Otmuchów comes fl owers exhibitors from Poland, , Netherlands, Belgium and as well as tourists crowds with even a hundred thousand people!

Diverse, multicolour exhibitions of cut fl owers in Otmuchów castle chambers delight visitors with its beauty. Also the castle surrounding area is the exhibition of trees and bushes.

The event is accompanied by numerous of exhibitions in castle underground, especially exhibitions of butterfl ies, minerals, ar- tistic black-smithing or fl owers compositions. Another attraction are unique stairs, called horse’s stairs, fl oodlight with outside light Otmuchów – St. Mikołaj Church and St. Franciszek Ksawery Church through oval windows. Erstwhile bishop Filip von Sinzendorf used them while being carried in the sedan chair. Bilateral sun-dial in excellent condition on the Otmuchów city hall, which is stucco bas-relief, polychromed, partly-gilded with among others city emblem delight by its beauty.

Otmuchów – Summer of Flowers Otmuchów – bird eye perspective

Otmuchów Lake

It is a dam reservoir and retention reservoir. Build in the years 1928 to 1933 situated on the Nysa Kłodzka River, it is also a tourists and recreation place. It is surrounded by recreation centers and campsites very well equipped, with fantastic accommodation and gastronomic infrastructure, and numerous rental places of swimming accessories helps to spend time actively on the boat, yacht or to windsurf. The pure water of the Otmuchów Lake is full of diff erent kinds of fi sh. There are to catch: zander, carp, crucian or even pike, bream or eel.

Otmuchów Lake

16 Turawa Lake

It is one of the biggest retention reservoir in Opole Region, was built in the 1930s in the fl ow of the river Mała Panew. It is the hot spot of the region with very good accommodation. Around the reservoir there are lanes for bikes and pedestrians, and there are also clean sand beaches waiting for the sunbathers. Turawa Lake is surrounded with pine trees and tourists can sail and fi shing. Opole Yacht Club Regatta is regularly held – as “Blue Band of Turawa Lake”, and in 2014 for the fi rst time “Apotex Cup” Regatta has taken place here in the Delphia 24 One Design class, which is one of the eight racings of the Delphia OD Polish Cup. Turawa Lake is also one of the biggest in Opole region place for migrant birds.

17 Opawa Mountain

It has one of the most beautiful landscapes in Opole region. Unique views, romantic basins of the rivers and streams, unde- stroyed plant life and fauna still full of wild kinds, picturesquely located towns, such as Jarnołtówek, Pokrzywna or Moszczanka along with silent and peace lasting here – they are priceless assets of this area. This cordillera has a mysteries such as unique remains of gold mining and old stone pit, currently often fi lled with water. Opawa Mountain are located in south-west part of the Opole Voivodeship and they are the border between Poland and Czech Republic. The top-most peak of Polish site of Opawa Mountain is Kopa Biskupia (890 MMSL), with characteristic observation tower. A defi nite asset of this area is a variety off er for tourists.

Kopa Biskupia Route Stone beauty spot on Kopa Biskupia

Opawa Mountain View

Opawa Mountain Landscape Opawa Mountain – Kopa Biskupia View

18 Fish Pond in Pokój area Landscape Values of Opole region – Landscape Parks

Undoubtedly the asset of Opole region are large and still wild ering mountains. The fi rst one is the unique St. Anne Mountain forests. They are Landscape Parks. The biggest one is Stobrawski Landscape Park, located on Landscape Park, 526 mk2. Founded to preserve numerous kinds of animals and plants – especially water and marsh birds. extinct volcano, the second one is Opawa Mountain Landscape Park, located on the only cordillera in Opole region. Second-largest is Woods, located in the west of the Opole Voivodeship. It is composed also by Niemodlin Ponds. There are also two landscape parks in Opole Voivodeship which are cov-

Kluczbork area Turawa Forest

St. Anne Mountain

19 Dinopark in Krasiejów The most important families attractions

Opole region off ers lots of attractions for families with kids. Byczyna off ers unique entertainment in knight style in wooden One of the most interesting is located in Krasiejów, where is the borough. In Opole the place worth to see is the Piast Tower, where JuraPark and Park of Science and Human Evolution. Another inter- in addition to wonderful view of the city center, is multimedia esting place to visit is Lost Rosenau Town located in Jarnołtówek. exhibitions presenting Opole history. Recently (2014) the Park of Sacral Miniatures was built in Olszowa.

Knight Borough in Biskupice Sacral Miniature Park in Olszowa

Reda – Januszkowice Trout Fishery – Moszczanka

The Piast Tower – Opole The Lost City Rosenau

20 Sidzina Church Other tourist attractions of the region

• Park in Pokój Borough • Palace in Kopice • Antique stoves in • Dendrology Garden in Lipno • Jewish Cemetery in Biała • Opole University Museum • Museum of X-ray tubes in Opole University of Technology • Silver Lake in Januszkowice • Vineyard in Paczków • Pyramid in Rożnów • Death of Laskowice in St. Wawrzyniec Church in Laskowice • Death of in St. Jadwiga Church in Bierdzany • Smithy and bakery in Kuniów • Museum Chamber of Metallurgy of Mała Panew Valley in • Farm Water Tower in Things worth to get to know: • Memory Hall of the Aviators of 15 Air Force USAAF and Forced Labours and Prisoners of War in Kędzierzyn-Koźle • Silesian Cinderella Story and main character Joanna Schaff - • Chamber of Aviation Traditions in Ligota Dolna gotsch von Schomberg Godulla, nee Gryzik, owner among • „Farska Stodoła” in Biedrzychowice others of Kopice Palace. There is her statue on the University • Franciscan Observatory in Głogówek Hill in Opole and her portrait in Collegium Maius. • „Syfon Kłodnicki” in Kędzierzyn-Koźle • Area where were branch of KL Auschwitz Nazi • Opole porcelain, Easter and painted eggs which are local concentration camp in Sławięcice art and folk handicraft. The porcelain in Opole region is hand-painted from several dozen years. Main theme is fl oral and plants elements. There are workshops of local and art handicraft in Opole Cepelia, enabling attenders to branch out their creativity and get to known the secrets of handicraft.

• Tourists visiting Opole Silesia must taste delicious Silesian kołacz (kołocz) in other words unusually aromatic sweet pie made in two diff erent options – With cheese, apple or poppy-seed fi lling or with no fi lling, with streusel topped with icing sugar.

• Known and unknown attraction of Brzeg Polychromy Route – Brzeg Polychromy Route is one of the oldest that kind of place in Poland, medieval polychromes are from the times of The Piast dynasty. There are 20 churches on the Route – the famous are in Strzelniki, Pogorzeli and Małujowice. In surrounding churches there are still undiscovered paint- ings – Churches in Różyna, Uszyce, Pępice and Zwanowice. Łąka Prudnicka Castle

21 Kopice Palace

Pruszków Castle Pokój Park

Żyrowa Palace Sulisław Palace

22 Famous cyclical events in the region

January September

• Opole Ice Speedway Gala – cyclical charitable event for diseased • Biennale Ars Polonia – organised by Contemporary Art. Gallery, children. it is combination of numerous art directions – starting from clas- sical paintings exhibitions fi nishing in music sounds, multimedia April presentations, paratheater workshops and movie. • Lewada Art Cup in Zakrzów – they are horse shows for Polish • Opole Theatrical Confrontation – in Jan Kochanowski Theater celebrities in the turn of the August and September. Event origi- in Opole are every year presentation of artistic output of Polish nators are “Lewada” chairman Andrzej Sałacki and TVP presenter drama theaters. Katarzyna Dowbor. • Koźle Fortress Days – lovers meeting of history of the end of 18th May century and beginning of the 19th century.

• Street of the Culture – cyclical event of culture organised by OPAK October Society. It takes place in the city and it is combination of diff erent kinds of music, art, theater, performance art, street art and paint- • Opole Oratorio Days – it is musical event in Opole Concert Hall ing workshops where beautiful sounds of oratorio music concerts are presented. • European Festival of Church Organ Music in Kluczbork – it is • All-Poland Puppet Theatre Festival – cultural event takin place one of the oldest festival of the music in Opole region. It is organ- every second year for the youngest viewers, presents colorful, fan- ised by the Evangelical-Augsburg parish and Kluczbork community ciful shows, also in open-air scenario. center and presents numerous of organ music concerts. • Opolskie Lamy Movie Festival – it is permanent event in Opole cultural calendar, takes place every year from 12 years now, delights June and inspire with Polish one-reelers presented to viewers and jurors. • Ludwig van Beethoven Silesian Festival in Głogówek and • Panda Art Festival – Opole open air alternative music festival. Prudnik – cyclic music event taking place in October, known in • Final of Declaim Contest in German “Jugend Opole region from 20 years. • trägt Gedichte vor” – organised by Social and Cultural Society of • Opole Photography Festival – event organised since 2011 by German of the Opole Silesia since 1995. 2.8 Foundation. It is one of the most valued photography festival in south-west Poland. July • Poets Invasion of Brzeg Castle – it is an unique literary event with famous Polish poets and invited guests from abroad. During • Logographers – the project about contemporary art on diff erent the event there are literary contests, poets marathon and events levels organised by Contemporary Art Gallery in Opole. related to poetry set to music. • German Culture of Opole Silesia Days – set of music, art and August science events organised by Social and Cultural Society of Opole Silesia German with cooperation of cultural institutions since 2004. • Pieróg Feast in – an open air event organised in Opole from 6 years now. November • Reggae Festival in Kluczbork – the event is organised since 2008 with numerous accompanying events. • Opole Literary Autumn – Opole fl agshow organised by Opole • “Silesian Music Summer” Festival in Opole – the event which Library for 11 years now. It especially presents Opole literary output. is the addendum to Youth International Music Trainings. Concerts • All-Poland Theatre Overview “Procsenium” in Nysa – it is art take place in interesting locations of Opole region. event taking place in November connecting amateur and profes- • Folk Festival – organised in Opole by Opole Open-Air Museum sional art, where theater lovers can express and develop their pas- of Rural Architecture. sion and talents.

23 Short-listed hotels realized with help of EU funds

    Pałac Sulisław Hotel & SPA Hotel Zacisze Dworek Różany Hotel Stylowa Sulisław 24 ul. Biwakowa 2 ul. Oławska 36A/1 ul. Braterska 3A 49-200 Grodków 46-045 Turawa k. Opola 46-100 Namysłów 46-100 Namysłów www.sulislaw.pl www.zaciszeturawa.pl www.dworekrozany.pl www.stylowarestauracja.pl

    Hotel Spałka Hotel Adler Hotel Kamienica Centrum Restauracyjno- ul. Waryńskiego 16 ul. Rynek 17 pl. Kopernika 14 Hotelowe Florres 46-200 Kluczbork 46-220 Byczyna 45-325 Opole ul. Nowa 1A www.hotelspalka.pl www.hoteladler.pl [email protected] 47-280 Pawłowiczki www.fl orres.pl    Hotel Festival Sp. z o.o. Hotel Starka Hotel Hugo  ul. Oleska 86 ul. Ostrówek 19 ul. Orkana 14 Hotel Sudety 45-222 Opole 45-082 Opole 47-230 Kędzierzyn-Koźle al. Jana Pawła II 25 www.festival.com.pl www.hotelstarka.pl www.hotelhugo.pl 48-340 Głuchołazy www.hotelsudety.pl    Hotel Zajazd Karolinka Hotel Arkas Hotel Pałac Pawłowice  ul. Kasztanowa 30 ul. Daszyńskiego 12 Pawłowice 58 Hotel Alexandra 47-320 Gogolin 46-060 Prószków 46-310 Gorzów Śląski ul. Wlk. Przedmieście 35 www.zajazdkarolinka.com www.hotelarkas.pl www.palacpawlowice.pl 46-300 www.alexandrahotel.net    Hotel Dębowe Wzgórze Hotel Pałac Lucja Zakrzów Dworek Pod Czerwonym  Pokrzywna 48 ul. Stawowa 9 Bukiem Hotel Piast 48-267 Jarnołtówek 47-330 ul. Harcerska 85, ul. Piastowska 14 www.debowewzgorze.eu www.palaclucja.pl 47-214 Poborszów 49-300 Brzeg [email protected] www.piast.strefa.pl   Hotel ARTE Hotel&Browar Słociak   Plac Zamkowy 8 Sławice Hotel PIANO Hotel Dworska Elektrownia 49-300 Brzeg ul. Ceglana 2a ul. Barlickiego 21 ul. Puszkina 1 www.hotelarte.pl 49-120 Dąbrowa 45-083 Opole 47-200 Kędzierzyn-Koźle www.slociak.pl www.pianohotel.com.pl www.dworskaelektrownia.pl

24 Active leisure in Opole region

Opole region off ers as well, in harmony with today’s active lifestyle, numerous possibilities of active ways of spending time:

• Open-air water adventures lovers can attend the canoeing trips along the Mała Panwia and Stobrawa.

• There are plenty of bike clubs in region (such as Opole Bike Club „Rajder”, Brzeg Active Leisure Lovers Club “Na Przełaj”, Bike Traveling Club “Jednoślad” in ), all bike rally lovers are always welcome.

• Paintball in Opole and Voivodeship (especially Paintball Club Opole s.c., Bunkier Paintball, Paintball GRONO, Olsuch Paintball, Terenowiec Paintball, Paintball Arena, Paintball Prudnik or Very popular lately Laser Tag – in other words laser paintball in Kwatera Główna) are loved by laser battles and war engagements.

• Stud farms in Opole (especially Folk Horse Riding Club Ostroga in Opole, Stud Farm Moszna Ltd., Zawada Stable, Western Ranch , Local Center of Recreation Ranch Chrósty, Funny Horse Żaneta Pluta in Stara Kuźnia, Stable Royal in , Horse Riding Club „Lewada” in Zakrzów, National Stable in Prudnik or Babskie Ranch in Lubsza) invite to active open-air leisure close to animals and Opole nature.

• Opole ice rink Toropol off ers recreation on for all winter sport lovers.

• Climbing Walls - Asgard or the one in PSP no 11 in Opole off er activities near to climbing wall, numerous climbing wall schools, as YETI, help in climbing wall trainings.

• Swimming pools and aqua parks of Opole region off er water active leisure, among others indoor swimming pool Wodna Nuta and Akwarium or seasonal open city open-air swim- ming pool Błekitna Fala in Opole. There are also Aquapark in Brzeg, swimming pool “Delfi n” in , Laguna in Olesno or Tourism and Recreation Center in Namysłowie.

• Diving lovers will defi nitely appreciate the off er of Opole Diving Center and diving schools, such as Proteus, Aqua Opole or Scuba Dive.

• Moreover ropes course Kanyon in Opole, Mini Ropes Course Zoolandia in Opole Zoo, Ropes Course in Niemodlin and Adventure Park Sparta in Bąków are welcome lovers of ac- tive leisure.

25 www.opolskie.pl

Publisher: Project and graphic design: Photographs: Agencja Fotografi czna BANKFOTO Łukasz Szymański Jarosław Małkowski, M. Iwanicka 45-861 Opole, ul. Dambonia 8/10 tel. 606 142 131 Text: Order provider: e-mail: [email protected] Urszula Stanisławska-Hunek, Urząd Marszałkowski www.bankfoto.com.pl Joanna Korgol-Śleziona Województwa Opolskiego e-mail: [email protected] Concept: Proofreading: Jarosław Małkowski, Łukasz Szymański, Krzysztof Szymczyk Copyright by: Mateusz Figiel, Ewa Jakuczek A.F. BANKFOTO – Jarosław Małkowski Polish to English translation: Editing: Anna Nowara Jarosław Małkowski

FREE ISSUE 26 27 Investing in Your Future

Project: “Opolskie kwitnące muzycznie III” co-fi nanced by European Union from funds of European Regional Development Fund and Opole Voivodeship budget under the Opole Voivodeship Regional Operational Program for 2007-2013.