Olawa - PKS - Buses and Buses - Transportation - Attractions and Monuments

Olawawa is a city in the eastern part of the Lower Silesian province, on the border with the Opole province. It lies on the Oława and Odra rivers and has a population of 33,000. The city's name is derived from the word-forming stem meaning water "ola," a reference to Olawa's location between the two rivers. The city was first mentioned in 1201. It was granted city rights in 1234. Over the years Olawa was ruled by the Piast dynasty, then it passed into the hands of the Sobieski family, and still later became part of the Kingdom of Prussia and was under German influence until the end of World War II.

Olawawa - sights and attractions in the city

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What to see when visiting this Lower Silesian city? Below we describe the most important attractions in Olawa.

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Piast Castle in Olawa

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This Renaissance-Baroque castle was built on the site of the former Gothic hunting lodge of the Duke of Legnica and Brest, Ludwig I. Its construction began in 1541 and was completed in the second half of the 17th century. Over the centuries, the castle has been expanded and rebuilt many times. It is also referred to as Sobieski Castle or Louisa's Palace, as it was given its final four-story shape in the late 17th century by Princess Louisa von Anhalt. From 1691 to 1737 it was the residence of King John III Sobieski's son, Jacob Leopold. After the destruction of World War II, the castle was rebuilt. Only Duchess Luiza's Baroque palace with a portal decorated with the Anhalt family coat of arms and a fragment of the Gothic wall from the former northern wing have survived to our days. Currently, the city authorities hold their offices in the castle.

Olaw Town Hall

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The Olawa City Hall, representing the neoclassical style, was built in 1823. Its body retains the tower from the previous Baroque town hall. The tower is decorated with moving figures of King Solomon dressed as a knight, death with a scythe, a rooster chasing a hen and the moon, which are parts of a 17th-century clock. Its interiors house, in addition to the city government and library, the Museum Chamber of Olawa Land. Under the town hall is a pillory moved there from Piast Square in 1935.

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Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary Mother of Consolation in Olawa

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The origins of this church date back to the 12th century. Initially it was named after St. Blazej and St. Andrew Swierad. Over the following centuries, the temple was rebuilt several times. In 2000, it was established as a local Marian Shrine.

Jewish cemetery in Olawa

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The Olawa Jewish cemetery is located on Cicha Street and hides about 40 preserved tombstones. The cemetery was established in the 18th century. It survived World War II, but began to deteriorate in the post-war period. It was only with the restoration of the tombstones in 2019 that it was able to at least somewhat restore its former appearance.

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The oldest railroad line in Poland

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The oldest railroad line in Poland, established in 1842, is the line connecting Wroclaw and Olawa. Also existing in the city since 1842, the station building is the oldest railroad station still in use in the country.

The oldest railroad in the country.

Nature preserves and forests near Olawa

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There are several nature reserves in the Olawa municipality. The most popular of these is the "Zwierzyniec" forest reserve, located on the Odra River floodplain. There you can see, among others, 100-250-year-old pedunculate oaks or 150-year-old poplars.

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Olawawa - restaurants where to eat

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The most visited and best-rated dining establishments include the exclusive and atmospheric "Kapitan's Tavern", the "Neighbors" restaurant or several excellent pizzerias, such as "Incanto", also serving other specialties of Italian cuisine.