- Get to know Opole – a city with a fascinating, centuries-old history that today combines heritage with modern attractions for the whole family.
- Visit the famous Millennium Amphitheater, the only Museum of Polish Song in Poland and the Town Hall Tower with a unique exhibition and a panorama of the city.
- Discover the ZOO on Bolko Island and the gigantic JuraPark in Krasiejów – perfect places for an unforgettable weekend full of adventures and discoveries!
Opole and its history
When going to Opole, it is worth knowing a little about its history. Opole is one of the oldest cities in Poland. As such, it has a rich and complex history, marked by Polish, Czech, Austrian and German influences. Its strategic location on the Oder, on the amber route, has favored development since ancient times. The origins of Opole date back to the 9th century, when there was a stronghold of the Opole tribe in Ostrówek. Despite strong Germanization processes, the Polish element has been preserved here. In January 1945, the city was captured by the Red Army and was significantly damaged. However, after the end of World War II, Opole returned to Poland under the Potsdam Agreements. The city became the capital of the Opole Voivodeship, developed as an industrial, academic (University of Opole) and cultural center, known, among others, from the National Polish Song Festival. Today it is a modern city with a rich history and multicultural character.
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Opole and the surrounding area are an ideal place for a weekend holiday with children
Probably every Pole associates Opole with a festival that has been attended by the most famous stars for decades. It is here, in the building of the Millennium Amphitheater, that the unique Museum of Polish Song is located. Just walking along the promenade and visiting the Old Town in Opole will give you an unforgettable dose of experience. There are numerous cafes, restaurants serving regional food such as “Regionalne DoZnania” and a legendary pancake parlor where you can rest and eat unique dishes. In Opole itself, on the green Bolko island, there is a ZOO where we can see various species of animals among lush vegetation. When in Opole, you cannot miss a visit to nearby Krasiejów. Why? This is where one of the largest JuraParks in Poland is located. Such a trip is a real treat for every child.
Museum of Polish Song in Opole
The Museum of Polish Song in Opole is inextricably linked with the history of the National Festival of Polish Song in Opole, which since 1963 has been the most important stage for Polish artists and the birthplace of many hits. It is the only such museum in Poland, which makes it a must-see for every fan of native songs. It is definitely a place where no child will say: “I’m bored.” The Museum’s exhibition is fully interactive and multimedia, which makes the visit engaging and attractive for people of all ages. It guides visitors through the chronological history of Polish song, from the 1920s to the present day.
The museum includes, among others:
- interactive recording booths where you can record your own cover and send it by e-mail,
- a wardrobe with costumes of Polish stars that you can virtually try on,
- professional recording studio,
- children’s corner with music and educational attractions.
Millennium Amphitheater
The Millennium Amphitheater in Opole is one of the most recognizable facilities in Poland, inextricably linked with the history of Polish pop music and the National Polish Song Festival. It is a symbol of Opole and an icon for many generations of Poles. It was built to celebrate the Millennium of the Polish State, hence its name – “Tysiąclecia”. It is located at the foot of Wzgórze Uniwersyteckie, in the heart of Opole. The amphitheater witnessed debuts, triumphs and unforgettable performances of the greatest stars of Polish song, from Czesław Niemen, Maryla Rodowicz, Anna Jantar, to contemporary artists. This is the place where many legendary songs were born and where Polish pop music shaped its identity.
ZOO in Opole
The Opole Zoo, picturesquely located on Bolko Island, is one of the largest and most beautiful attractions of Opole and the entire region. It is a place that combines recreational, educational and protective functions, offering visitors an unforgettable experience. It is therefore no wonder that it is one of the most frequently visited attractions in the region. The Opole ZOO offers meetings with exotic animals from all over the world. Visitors can expect, among others: Angolan lions, Siberian tigers, lowland gorillas, California sea lions and the famous Rothschild’s giraffes. What certainly sets them apart are modern and spacious enclosures that try to imitate the animals’ natural habitat as best as they can. Instead of concrete cages, natural materials, vegetation and varied terrain dominate here. Children are particularly eager to visit modern educational pavilions – the Land of Biodiversity and the Water World. In the zoo there are numerous catering outlets, souvenir shops and playgrounds for children.
The exhibition in the Town Hall Tower in Opole is a real journey back in time
During our trip to Opole, we certainly cannot miss visiting the Town Hall Tower. The facility underwent a major renovation and was reopened in February this year. Visiting the Town Hall Tower is not only about climbing to the observation deck, from which we can admire the beautiful panorama of Opole from all sides. While climbing the next floors of the building, we can see a unique exhibition.
At the very bottom, guests are greeted by a fascinating advertising column, which is a bridge between eras – next to authentic posters from 1929 there are contemporary messages. This is a perfect place to take a first look at the outline of Opole’s panorama.
The next level of the tower is a real “Time Machine”, which, using a multimedia show, takes visitors on a sentimental journey into Opole’s past, just like in a cinema or theater. After this engaging projection, you have the opportunity to look into the bugler’s workshop, where you can learn the secrets of his everyday, extraordinary service and the history of the Opole bugle call.
On the second floor, we can see Opole on October 17, 1929 – the day that changed the face of the city forever. With extraordinary, almost clockwork precision, models of market tenement houses and an intricate miniature of the entire Old Town were recreated, allowing you to admire the old architecture and urban planning in the smallest detail.
The third level is the “Oktagon Gallery”, a space filled with “frames” of the city’s rich life over the decades. This is where the door to the first observation deck leads. The cloister offers a breathtaking, expansive panorama of the area, perfect for admiring the architecture and greenery of Opole from a slightly different perspective.
The highlight is the outdoor observation deck on the fourth level. Equipped with telescopes, on clear days it allows you to admire not only Opole, but also the distant peaks of the Sudetes.
JuraPark Krasiejów. A place where a person becomes tiny
JuraPark Krasiejów is a unique complex on the map of Poland, which goes beyond the framework of an ordinary dinosaur park. It is a place where the past meets the present at an authentic paleontological site from approximately 230 million years ago, witnessing groundbreaking discoveries.
What awaits explorers?
- Time Tunnel: A spectacular, multimedia journey from the beginning of the universe to the era of dinosaurs.
- The Giants’ Path: A nearly 2-kilometer educational trail with over 200 life-size models of dinosaurs and prehistoric creatures, embedded in the authentic landscape of the former mine. You will see brachiosaurs, predators and the monumental Amphicelias here.
- Prehistoric Oceanarium: Thanks to 3D technology, you will immerse yourself in the depths of ancient oceans, coming face to face with megalodon and other sea monsters.
- Park of Science and Human Evolution: A modern exhibition tracing the fascinating path of humanity – from the first hominids to the development of civilization.
JuraPark Krasiejów is the perfect combination of science, adventure and entertainment, offering unforgettable experiences for the whole family in the heart of prehistoric discoveries.
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