Travel Love Poland Magazine – March 2021

owing to a music festival that has been held since the
Opole,
and which has promoted hundreds of famous and
1960s,
songs, is best-known as the capital of Polish
much-loved
While the city is famed for its festival traditions, it has
song.
much more to offer. Opole, in fact, is one of the oldest
far
in Poland. Here, the wealth of 800 years of history is
cities
behind every corner of its historic tenement houses
hidden
in the narrow streets of the old town. In Opole, you can
and
take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and
also
to the whispers and song of the surrounding primeval
listen
world. “The green lungs” of the city are the islands of
natural
and Pasieka situated on the Oder River. Whatever the
Bolko
the city entrances with its unique atmosphere,
season,
and hospitality of its inhabitants.
architecture
OPOLE THE CITY OF MUSIC
PREPARED IN COOPERATION WITH : PROMOTION DEPARTMENT OF THE OPOLE CITY HALL
www. facebook.com/MiastoOpole
www.facebook.com/OpoleOdkryj
www.opole.pl/en
PHOTOS AND TEXT
Wydział Promocji UM Opola
Wrocław
Opole
Katowice
Opole is one of the oldest cities in Poland, continuously inhabited since the 8th century and quickly becoming an important centre of
power, defense and trade. It is considered the historical capital of Upper Silesia, being much older than cities like Katowice, which grew
rapidly only during the industrial revolution of the 19th century. Opole is the capital city of Opole Voivodeship, in south west Poland. The
historical capital of Upper Silesia was badly damaged during the USSR invasion of Silesia at the end of WW II, but many fine houses in the
old town have been rebuilt. The city is known for the one of the most popular song festivals in Poland, which takes place each year in June.
LET'S GO FOR A WALK
STEP 1 Millennium Amphitheatre – National Centre of
Polish Song
Every tourist should at least once stand on the stage of the
legendary Opole Amphitheatre. One of the oldest European
festivals and the most recognized popular music events in
Poland – the National Festival of Polish Song – takes place
here. This unique stage has provided the start for the
career paths of dozens of artists and has created hundreds
of hits. This is where, to the rhythm of the most famous
Polish songs, summer begins with a stomp and has been
doing so every year for over half a century.
The administrator of the musical showpiece of Opole is the
National Centre of Polish Song (NCPP) – a spot where
concerts are held throughout the year. In the Chamber
Room, equipped with state-of-the-art technical means that
would do the largest concert halls and music clubs in the
world proud, concerts of the most important Polish bands
and performers are organised.
Thus, in the autumn-winter-spring period, the National
Centre of Polish Song turns into one of the most important
concert clubs in Poland.
STEP 2 Polish Song Museum
A museum with the greatest passion for singing in
Poland! It is modern and fully interactive, with its
seat located in the Amphitheatre. The museum
exhibition presents an outline of Polish song history
from the 1920s to the present day. Fans of the
famous Opole festivals will find here detailed
information about each edition of this event, as well
as many real props and costumes of celebrities that
can be tried on virtually. The song recording booths,
where everyone can record their favourite song and
send it by e-mail as a souvenir, are also a hit - and
for the more advanced visitors, a professional
recording studio has been opened. The Polish Song
Museum is also a cultural centre where meetings
with artists, concerts, museum lessons and
educational activities for children are held.
STEP 3 Opole Market Square
Intimate, surrounded by stylish, beautifully
renovated tenement houses, Opole Market Square is
one of the most charming places in the city. Despite
the devastating winds of history, it has retained its
medieval shape. The ambience is created by the
pastel shades of the façades and the subtle
decorations of the soaring gables of historic
buildings, which, among others, include numerous
boutiques, restaurants and cafés. The heart of this
place is the Italian-style Town Hall – almost a copy,
albeit slightly smaller, of the Florentine town hall –
the Vecchio Palace. The most characteristic element
of the Town Hall is the 65-metre tower, with the
Opole anthem played atop it every day at noon.
Presently, it is the seat of the city authorities.
75 TRAVEL.LOVEPOLAND