Racibórz - PKS - Buses and Buses - Transportation - Attractions and Monuments

Racibórz is a city in the Silesian province on the Oder River and one of the former historical capitals of Upper Silesia. It is inhabited by more than 50,000 people. Its name most likely comes from the Slavic name Racibor.

The first historical references to Raciborz appear in the early 12th century. Raciborz was granted city rights in 1217. Until the end of World War II, it was within Germany's borders, except for one of its districts, Brzezie, which remained on the Polish side since 1922 and was then an independent village.

Racibórz - the city's monuments

Although the Upper Silesian area is mainly associated with mines, Racibórz has quite a few monuments and does not quite fit into the typical industrial climate. It is primarily famous for its castle and brewery, which has one of the oldest brewing traditions available. What else does the city hide?

Raciborz market square

The market square was practically completely burned down in 1945. However, in the middle of the town's main square, an 18th-century Marian column has survived. It's worth taking a stroll along nearby Dluga Street, a pedestrian zone where a grain market was located in the Middle Ages and where numerous cafes and restaurants are now located.

St. James Church in Raciborz

This Gothic church located in the market square dates back to the 15th century and is the only remnant of the Dominican monastery that once existed in the city, brought here in 1258. Inside is the burial chapel of the Counts von Gaschin.

Piast Castle in Raciborz

The first mention of a stronghold of the Gołężyc tribe existing at this site dates back to 845. The castle was built on the site of a wooden stronghold in the 13th century, during the reign of Prince Przemyslaw of the Piast dynasty. Through its reconstructions over the centuries, it now presents a mix of several architectural styles. Most worth seeing there is the castle chapel from the late 13th century, known as the pearl of Silesian Gothic, or the Silesian Sainte-Chapelle. Its patron saint is St. Thomas Becket.

Raciborz Castle Park

The Castle Park surrounding the Raciborz fortress is located on the right bank of the Oder River. There you'll find many old trees, numerous walking paths and trails for cyclists, as well as a playground and a small city beach.

Prison Tower and remnants of the fortified walls

The tower was built in 1574 as part of the city's defense system against hostile invasions, and later served as a prison. Fragments of medieval fortification walls are visible next to it. Formerly the fortifications were still surrounded by a deep moat.

Monument to the Polish Mother in Raciborz

This impressively sized monument depicting a woman with a child in her arms was unveiled in 1973. It is dedicated to mothers who raise their children with respect for patriotism.

Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Raciborz

This is one of the oldest churches in Upper Silesia. The first church was built here during the reign of Duke Mieszko I Plątonogi in 1205. Although the temple has been destroyed by numerous wars and fires over the years, it has retained its early Gothic style.

Moravian Gate Arboretum

The Moravian Gate Arboretum is a vast forest complex and botanical garden in the eastern part of Raciborz full of diverse vegetation, hills, ravines and ponds. In the northwestern part of the arboretum is located the Enchanted Garden, which is an over hectare evergreen labyrinth full of plantings of flowers, shrubs and ornamental trees. There is also a nature trail, a mini-zoo and a reconstruction of a medieval castle is under construction.

Lezczok Nature Reserve

This so-called "bird" reserve is located slightly north of Raciborz and includes extensive woodlands, meadows, ponds and hiking and biking trails. More than half of all bird species living in Poland are found there, as well as rare plant species.