• FSF Euro 2012 Website »
• City Guides »
• Poland - Wrocław

Once described as "the Holy Blossom of Europe, a beautiful gem among cities" Wrocław has also been a bone of contention, changing hands many times throughout its extensive history.

In the past Wrocław has been ruled by the Poles, Czechs, Austrians, Hungarians and the Germans. The assortment of many diverse religions and cultures, whilst troublesome at times, has also contributed greatly to the city. The wealth of Wrocłow's people was built on worldwide trade and the city prospered from taxes that various industries generated.

Wrocław is located in the centre of the Silesian Lowlands, where the River Odra branches out forming twelve islands. More than 100 bridges cross the city and observed from a boat Wrocław looks like a city built on water.

In the heart of the city is Market Square, one of the most beautiful and largest municipal squares in Poland. It is home to a number of large banks, elegant shops and famous restaurants. The square was built on the crossroads of essential transport routes running south to the Czech Republic and those linking eastern and western Europe.

On the 21^st of June 2011 the city of Wrocław was chosen to be the European Capital of Culture for 2016.

STATIONARY FANS' EMBASSY 

As part of the UEFA-backed "RESPECT Fan Culture" programme, Football Supporters Europe are providing a fans' embassy in Gdansk to welcome fans of all nations who come to the city. Like the FSF's own fans' embassy service, this will operate on a "by fans, for fans" basis, and will be staffed by volunteers drawn from the local fan scene. There will also be an English-language service provision.

The fans' embassy will provide all the usual sort of information that a tourist office might offer, such as available accommodation, local transport timetables and routes, sightseeing opportunities, etc.

Crucially, though, it will also provide fan-specific information and advice such as ticket availability, viewing facilities, stadium regulations and matchday arrangements.

For more information, visit the FSE's 2012 Fanguide website.