The site of Wroclaw lies on both sides of the Odra, and bridges connect the two sections of the city. The principal section, on the western bank, centers around the so-called Inner Town, much of which dates from medieval times. Eastern Wroclaw, the modern section of the city, is well planned and mainly residential. In the Inner Town are several noteworthy ecclesiastical edifices, particularly the Roman Catholic cathedral of Saint John the Baptist, begun in 1158 and the oldest church in the city; the Church of Saint Elizabeth (13th century); the Church of the Holy Cross (13th-14th century); and the Church of Our Lady of the Sand (14th century.). The most interesting secular edifice in Wroclaw is the Rathaus (town hall), dating from the 13th century and rebuilt in the 15th century in the Gothic architectural style. Other important structures are the former royal palace, several government buildings, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the buildings of the University of Wroclaw (1702). Originally a Jesuit college, the university, which was rebuilt in 1945, maintains a famous library, an art gallery, and an astronomical observatory. The city also has a technical university.Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2001
http://encarta.msn.com © 1997-2001 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Wroclaw Information info
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