Imagine Poland

Image Sales - Imagine Poland

2020-04-22T02:54:00.000-07:00

Image Sales - Picfair

Most of the Images on our website www.imaginepoland.com are available on a rights managed basis for media use, advertisements, websites, magazines, publishers, travel books, etc. through our image library hosted by Picfair view our image library at www.procam.me

For more information regarding Picfair please follow the link https://www.picfair.com/?rcs=BZqlWew

We also have a large database of images of Poland not yet available on our website/library and are updating this database regularly with photographs from photo shoots we undertake in Poland, so please, if you do not see the image you require send details of your requirements via email enq@procam.me and we will endeavour to supply your needs.

All the images on this website are the copyright of Peter W. Clark and may not be copied or reproduced without permission.

I hope you will enjoy the photographs and re visit as more photographs are added.

Lublin Miod (Honey) Festival

2017-07-26T06:45:00.000-07:00

A few years ago my wife and I on one of our travels to Poland we visited Lublin, the ninth largest city in Poland.
Although the city was subject to severe destruction during WW11 most of its historical and picturesque Old Town has been preserved, it was everything and more than we expected.
We were lucky enough to encounter the 'Lublin Miod Festival' quite by chance as we walked along the streets of Lublin and found this event taking place in front of the town hall in the Rynek. As photographers this was a gift, a great chance to record a colourful local tradition and also to enjoy a local beer at one of the many pavement cafes while enjoying the music.

Lublin, the Rynek

Lubelskie Swieto Miodu emblem

Traditional entertainment

Spectators seated in the adjacent cafes

Modeling the latest in bee keeping attire

Manufacturers of honey promoting their product

We took many more photographs of this event, they can be viewed at our Flickr Imagine Poland gallery, please visit the link and enjoy.

ps. if you have information on the two traditional music groups would you please comment - many thanks

Lublin Miod Festival Photo Album

For more tourist information visit website Lublin City of Information

Lublin City of Information

Folk Dancing in Krakow 'Krakowiak 2013'

2013-07-23T02:44:00.004-07:00

We travelled to Krakow several weeks ago using Ryanair for our flights, both out and return flights on time and no problem.
On this visit we had decided not to plan anything and just follow our noses, it was a good idea and came across a variety of events. You can always rely on Krakow to have something on the go, a really vibrant city full of life and culture.
Our first morning started on the Rynek sat outside one of the delightful cafe/bars enjoying a delicious Polish breakfast surrounded by baskets of flowers in full bloom and the sun shining down on us. A great start to the morning, I could have stopped there all day just watching the world go by with perhaps a cool Tyskie beer or two.
After discussing various options we decided to have a gentle stroll towards the Wawel Castle, the views from there would be stunning on such a sun filled day. Only ten minutes into our walk we were confronted by a procession of dancers in brightly coloured outfits making their way from the Wawel to the Rynek. It was 'Krakowiak 2013' an international festival of folk dancing for youth and children, they were to perform later in the day at the Maly Rynek, our day was decided, this was too good to miss.
What a good decision, it was a fantastic event, a stunning display of folk dancing full of vibrant colours, enthusiasm and some very happy faces.
Some of our photographs of the dancing can be viewed here, if you like them and want to see more please follow the link to our https://www.procam.me/albums/32877-poland-krakow-international-festival-of-children-and-youth-folk-groups 'Krakowiak 2013'

For more photographs of Krakowiak please follow the link Flickr, Krakowiak Gallery

Some useful links

Travel and Holiday Information Poland
Krakow Guide
The Royal Castle, The Wavel
Ryanair

All photographs copyright Peter Clark, Imagine Poland

Malbork Castle, Poland

2012-09-10T09:13:00.000-07:00

While staying in Gdynia recently, we decided to have a day out at Malbork Castle. Travel was straightforward the distance from Gdynia to Malbork is about 60km and the journey took us about an hour by train.. The walk from the railway station to the castle being only ten minutes.
Malbork is the worlds largest brick built gothic castle and is located by the side of the Nogat River in Poland.
The castle construction was started in the 13th century and it was occupied by the Teutonic Knights.
Originally only the Upper Castle was built, then expanded with the Middle Castle and in 1382-1399 the Palace of the Grand Master was added.

Below, photograph of a model of Malbork Castle which gives some idea of size and layout. This can be found in Malbork town on the way to the castle.

Gate passage of the Middle Castle

Courtyard with well

Statues of four Grand Masters of the Teutonic Order

A bombard from the 15th century

Courtyard with well

The Chapter House

Heating system in the Chapter House

View from the top of Malbork Castle main tower

As you can see from the above photograph it is well worth the climb to the top of the castle main tower, a stunning view over Malbork Castle, the Nogat River and adjoining countryside.

Useful links

Poland, photographs and travel information:www.imaginepoland.com

More information re Malbork Castle:http://www.zamek.malbork.pl/index.php?p=informacje

Polish rail services:http://www.about-poland.com/polish-rail.html

UNESCO Castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork:http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/847

Gdynia Viewpoint

2012-07-08T10:30:00.001-07:00

We recently visited Poland to photograph and review the Tri City area of Poland for our website Imagine Poland.
Flying with Ryanair who we found to be once again economical and comfortable, tried 'priority boarding' for the first time, it will not be the last as the system worked well for us and got us onto the aircraft well before everyone else and we had a very comfortable flight.
Prior to the visit our research led us to discover a location called St Maximilian Hill above Gdynia which would give us a good view of both the harbour and the City, looking at the street map showed us it was only five minutes from our apartment.
Our first day in Gdynia started with a lovely blue sky morning, perfect. Not long before we arrived at our viewpoint and it was all we hoped it would be, hope you like the results.

Useful Links

Photographs and Travel Information

Gdynia Information

Imagine Poland Facebook Cover Photo

2012-06-14T12:17:00.000-07:00

Just changed our Facebook cover photo for Imagine Poland

The beach at Orlowo near Gdynia, June 2012

More photo's on our main website www.imaginepoland.com

'Horse and Carriage' at Krakow Rynek

2012-03-31T11:20:00.000-07:00

Last year we spent several days in Krakow, Poland, the visit was to top up our image library of Poland.
We had managed to book an apartment near the Rynek through a company called ApartmentsApart
For the period of our visit the weather was superb, Krakow was even more beautiful bathed in glorious sunshine.
At the moment the we are editing the photographs in our office in the UK and should be publishing them to our website Imagine Poland in the near future.
A small selection of the Rynek 'horse and carriage' photographs can be viewed here.

Horse and Carriage for a Wedding, the Rynek, Krakow

Horse and carriage in front of the Church of St Mary, Krakow

Horses looking splendid, the Rynek, Krakow

A little love and attention

Quick lunch break in between passengers

We have many more photographs and useful information for travel and holidays in Poland to view on our website Imagine Poland
In summer we plan to tour the Baltic coast area of Poland so a lot of thought is going into the detail and organisation.

Useful Links

Hotels in Poland
Apartments in Poland
Poland Travel Information

Tumski Bridge, Wroclaw, Poland

2012-03-08T01:10:00.000-08:00

Hope you enjoy our photographs of the Love Locks on Tumski Bridge in Wroclaw, Poland.
You can see more at our website Imagine Poland

Vanilla Apartments, Krakow, Poland

2011-10-19T11:19:00.000-07:00

The beginning of September in Krakow proved to be a truly special time. Weather wise with the unceasing blue sky and lovely sunshine every day from early morning hours and the temperature between 24 and 27 C degrees, we could not fault it.

Rynek with new fountain and St Mary's Church, Krakow

Destination wise – well, we knew Krakow already from our previous visits – so we knew it would not disappoint and it was such a pleasure to see the city getting more and more beautiful with the restoration work going on in the Old Town, the new Underground Museum below the Sukiennice and the refreshing fountain in the Main Market Square.

Finally accommodation wise – spot on!

It was the first time that we had booked a holiday apartment from the ‘ApartmentsApart’ website and it certainly won’t be the last.

Our Vanilla apartment located in the very heart of the Old Town, on the Royal Route proved an ideal little place for staying in Krakow. It ticked all the boxes, a great setting off point being only a nice fifteen minutes stroll away from the Railway Station. Situated on the first floor with several other tasty named apartments (Cinnamon, Ginger etc) just off the Grodzka Street, it was equally close to the busy Rynek Main Square with all its attractions on one side and on the other it was a short walk to to the stunning Wawel Castle and Wisla river with all its pleasure craft.

Lounge Area, Vanilla Apartment

Huge fridge/freezer, washing machine, iron and board for the style slaves (we weren't) – everything was there.

Kitchen, Vanilla Apartment

Main Bedroom, Vanilla Apartment

Within three minutes walk was the ‘ApartmentsApart’ office with courteous staff speaking fluent English and willingly going an extra mile (or should we rather say a kilometre) to help at ANY time.

The combination of Krakow & ApartmentsApart was a brilliant experience.

We will be back!

Cecile and Peter

To see all our photographs of Krakow please visit our website Imagine Poland

Useful Travel Guides and Maps

Imagine Poland, The Solidarity Monument to Fallen Shipyard Workers, Gdansk

2011-08-27T07:20:00.000-07:00

Photographing the Solidarity Monument to Fallen Shipyard Workers was one of our major projects while visiting Gdansk. Our apartment was in the centre of Gdansk and only a twenty minute walk from the monument.

The monument which was unveiled December 16th 1980 honours the people who died when the shipyard workers strike in 1970 was suppressed by the government. Its location is next to gate 2 of the Gdansk Shipyards.

Solidarity Monument to Fallen Shipyard Workers

Plaques in front of the Monument

In front of the monument are five plaques, each in a different language, the one in English reads

Memorial of the Fallen Shipyard Workers 1970 A token of the everlasting remembrance of the slaughter victims. A warning to rulers that no social conflict in our country can be resolved by force a sign of hope for fellow-citizens that evil need not prevail.

Father Jerzy Popieluszco

Around the perimeter can be found further memorials and plaques amongst them one dedicated to Father Jerzy Popieluszco, Roman Catholic Priest, a champion of the banned trade union Solidarity, kidnapped and murdered 1984 and beautified in 2010.

All our photographs of The Solidarity Monument to Shipyard workers can be viewed at

www.imaginepoland.com in the Exhibitions menu

Useful links about Solidarity and Gdansk

http://www.gdansk-life.com/poland/solidarity

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Solidarity

catholicinsight.com/online/features/Fr. Jerzy Popieluszko

http://www.polandyourway.co.uk/gdansk_city_break.php

Imagine Poland now on Facebook

2011-08-06T02:38:00.000-07:00

At last we have a Facebook page, had to read the instructions several times but finally managed to produce it.
We hope it will keep everyone up to date with Imagine Poland plans and progress plus travel news related to Poland.

Please have a look and 'Like' to keep up to date.

'Facebook' Imagine Poland

On our main website have also added three more informative pages, 'Travel Info', 'Image Sales' and 'Travel Guides'

www.imaginepoland.com

Tatra Mountains, Poland

Peter and Cecile, Imagine Poland

Imagine Poland, 'The Frozen Motlawa River' Gdansk

2011-07-01T08:55:00.000-07:00

The unusually cold winter this year provided us with an amazing view of the entirely frozen Motlawa River. Running through the heart of the Gdansk, the Motlawa river is bursting with life during the summer months, yet even in the early March it still managed to draw our attention as we strolled on its banks.

On the Old Motlawa, the all white water trams, the massive ship Soldek – now part of the maritime museum and the smaller colourful boats, they were all there but very still this time, frozen.

The local marina on the New Motlawa bank was somewhat reduced. As if the luxurious yachts that were all summer grounded there, have now emigrated to the warmer countries with the wandering birds. The empty rows filled with thick shiny ice reflected the different moods of the sky above.

Between the marina and the Old Town - full of character lies the Granary Island – reminiscence of Gdansk’s busy trading city of the Hanza Union past. The Old Granaries, partially ruined during the Second World War are not haunting any more. These ruins seems to be a part of the City now though one don’t know for how long they will stay like this.

What proved to be a thrilling attraction to both polish and international tourists wandering on the river bank was watching the old fashioned style of fishing.

On the frozen Motlawa River there were not only clumsy walking ducks and seagulls. Since early morning hours in the middle of the river there were also present a variety of fishermen – of different ages, in different outfits, with different skills and techniques yet all with one aim – to get the fish out from beneath the ice that they were sitting on. They were all looking very cold yet determined to fool their victims with some tasty bait and draw it forth in triumph out of the carefully dug hole in the ice.

It was scary to see these men gathered in little community or as the individuals walking and sitting on the ice covering very deep and oh! – so very cold water! For some of them it might have been a necessity, for majority it looked like a bit of an extreme hobby. Both must have been pushed into it by recollecting the winter fireplace stories by grandfathers: ‘of the old good times, when the winters were proper cold winters and they would catch such a huge fish while hole fishing on the ice.’

Inspiring, foolish maybe, certainly risky in the strong March sun – these scenes caught in pictures will stay in our memory.

Hopefully in yours as well!

Usefull links

Gdansk, Wikipedia information
http://www.gdansk-online.eu/
Polish Cuisine

To view all our photographs see our exhibition at www.imaginepoland.com

Gdansk, Recent Visit

2011-03-17T06:30:00.000-07:00

Recently visited Gdansk, knew it was cold but I was still surprised to find the Motlawa River frozen over, it was quite a spectacle. There were lots of photo opportunities and were busy working on the results from the trip.
Hope to post them to our website Imagine Poland in the near future.

View from Szafarnia

Usefull Links

Things to Do in Gdansk

Photographs of Gdansk

Imagine Poland, Wroclaw, The Panorama Raclawicka

2011-03-11T11:59:00.000-08:00

What an amazing attraction depicting an epic part of Polish history and only a few minutes walk from the centre of Wroclaw. Its location in a small park area next to the River Odra was easy to find.

Wroclaw, The Panorama Raclawicka

The only example of its sort ‘The Panorama of the Battle of Raclawicka’ – the gigantic painting – 114m long and 15m high. It is a unique painting created in such a way that the picture mixes up with the real objects. The composition of the Panorama has such a valour that the spectators cannot distinguish at first glance where the painting ends and the decoration starts.

Wroclaw, The Panorama Raclawicka

This was the aim of its creators – the famous polish painters Jan Styka and Wojciech Kossak who using special artistic techniques alongside the particular lighting, managed to take the viewers into a different world – the battlefield of Raclawicka – the legendary General Tadeusz Kosciuszko’s victory over Russians forces in 1794. The painting was created in the hundreth anniversary of the event - in 1894 to warm the hearts of Poles being still under the Partition. Nowadays still it can be quite rightly described as a polish national pilgrimage centre. It was originally presented in Lwow but after the II World War and the loss of this polish city to the USSR, it was Wroclaw who inherited the painting and struggled with the communists in order to restore it to its former glory and make it public yet again.

Wroclaw, The Panorama Raclawicka

At present, as originally The Panorama of Raclawicka is being displayed in a specially designed rotunda. There are always hordes of visitors there and school groups just like it was many years ago in Lwow. The difference is now multilingual presentation headsets are available at no extra charge for foreign tourists. There are presentations every thirty minutes or so. On our visit the cost was 20zl per adult.

Its another must visit place on your Wroclaw sightseeing map and can be found in the Park Slowackiego by Purkyniego Street.

For more information on the Panorama Raclawicka please visit www.panoramaraclawicka.pl

For more information on Wroclaw visit www.polandtrips.co.uk/historic-wroclaw

Wroclaw, Cafes and Restaurants

2011-02-28T13:43:00.000-08:00

One thing certainly not lacking in Wroclaw is a variety of places to eat, the style of cafe's
and restaurants is certainly diverse, from back street cafe's to plush city square restaurants
all with their own character and style with equally appetizing dishes.

Krawozyk Restaurant, Wroclaw

Chatka Przy Jatkach

While in Wroclaw we had many traditional Polish dishes, Bigos (Hunters Stew),

Pierogi (Stuffed Dumplings),Zurek Soup (Rye Soup with Sausage and Egg) and lets

not forget one of my favourites, Potatoe Pancakes also various delicious Polish Sausages,

just mouth watering thinking about them.

All dishes at the places we visited were well presented and amicably served,

also well priced .

Chatka was one place of note, lots of character, very traditional with smiling happy waitresses

and quick service, also a vast array of dishes and on the plus side a menu in English.

Zurek, soup in bread

Several places we visited specialised in sweets, one in particular Cukiernia in the

Market Square had such a choice of mouth watering cakes and sweets you just knew

any thoughts of a slimming diet were futile, the ones we had were superb. Don't just take

my word for it, get on the next flight go there, try them, dissapointed you will not be.

Cukiernia, Superb Sweets and Confectionery

For a delicious pizza Novocaina in the Market Square is the place to go and if its not to

busy and you can manage the spiral staircase one of the best tables is on the first floor

with a view of the Market square, the food we had was terrific and the view superb.

Look at that sweet , how could you resist it, we did'nt

Our dining experiences in Wroclaw were fantastic, great food and service with helpful friendly advice.

Don't hold back, enjoy.

For an in detail explanation of Polish cuisine have a look at Poland Culinary website,

this will tell you everything you need to know.

Useful Links

www.imaginepoland.com

http://www.polandculinaryvacations.com/index.php

Wroclaw, Wikipedia

Imagine Poland, Wroclaw, City Life and People

2011-01-17T02:21:00.000-08:00

One of the most interesting of our galleries to photograph is City Life and its People, such a range of characters all with their own purpose, travelling to work, on holiday, street entertainers, shoppers or just strolling through the streets and squares.

City Life in Wroclaw is vibrant at all levels. The students bring joy, love and enthusiasm to everyday life and it’s the students that fill the streets of Wroclaw. The busy traffic free Swidnicka and Olawska streets are packed with crowds of real and window shoppers, tourists and businessmen dashing for the next meeting. As to the public transport the omnipresent in Wroclaw are certainly the blue tramways – made famous in the old polish songs.

Wroclaw, Blue Tram

Apart from the usual traffic there are also many cyclists.

Wroclaw, Rynek Cyclist

The City has an abundance of theatres and cultural and artistic institutions but as if it was not enough it’s renowned for its music festivals and the outdoor events.

Wrocklaw, Tumski Bridge

You can have a laugh at the humour of parody of the communist 1^st May Day Parade. On the other hand there is a beautiful and proud celebration of Poland’s recently introduced national Flag Day.

Wroclaw, Flag Day

There is always something happening in the City of Wroclaw – the Meeting Place.

See more of our City Life and People photographs at www.imaginepoland.com

Wroclaw Useful Information

wikipedia

wroclaw-life

airport,wroclaw

polish cuisine

poland activities and locations

wroclaw street map

Imagine Poland, The Churches of Wroclaw

2011-01-04T07:49:00.000-08:00

The number of churches in Wroclaw possibly exceeds the average need but it’s just one example of the diversity of the city. The churches vary enormously in their architectural styles, remarkable features, sizes and location as some of them are on the main land and some on the isles.

The Cathedral of St John the Baptist on Ostrow Tumski, Wroclaw

Although the majority are of Roman Catholic Faith, you will find them all neighbouring one another with the Orthodox and Protestants churches and also a Synagogue. Certainly Wroclaw’s churches are worth visiting for seeing both the beautifully decorated interiors, fascinating history and also climbing or in some cases being taken by a lift to the top of the towers to admire the stunning views of the town.

View from the Cathedral of St John the Baptist on Ostrow Tumski, Wroclaw

For the latter ones – particularly advisable are St Elizabeth’s Church in the immediate vicinity to the Rynek, and on the other side of the Market Square –

St Mary Magdalene Church, Wroclaw

the St Mary Magdalene Church with its curious ‘The Witches’ Bridge’ spread among the 2 twin towers of the church, and finally the grand Saint John the Baptist Cathedral.

Church of St Mary on the Sands, Wroclaw

A completely unique ambiance will embrace you while crossing the river to Ostrow Tumski – the historical cradle of Wroclaw, that later became a royal and religious sanctuary. Originally an island – Ostrow Tumski still conserves this special feeling and is home to five amazing churches including the most important above mentioned cathedral and the Archbishop’s Palace – a museum at present – with stunning gardens.

Ornate Water Spouts on the Cathedral of St John the Baptist on Ostrow Tumski, Wroclaw

It’s only here that at night you can still stroll on the cobbled lanes among beautifully cut greenery in the light of original gas lamps.

View all our photographs of the churches of Wroclaw at www.imaginepoland.com

Useful Links

Historic Wroclaw, Poland Trips

Wroclaw Map ( Wroclaw Life )

The Gnomes of Wroclaw

2010-11-18T12:23:00.000-08:00

Wroclaw is the meeting place: meeting of new with old, modern with tradition, trendy with old fashioned, industry with culture and art, city with gardens, islands with rivers. The bridges of real and abstract nature seems to be crossing all over the city. Perhaps one of the most unusual of these meetings is that of the tiny fairy tale gnomes. What differs as well is that although it’s possibly the most exciting thing for children this time also adults can see the little creatures. Dating back to what was originally graffiti of Wroclaw’s Orange Alternative movement of the communist era, the little gnomes started to appear in the city in 2005 being the creation of local artist Tomasz Moczek.

A Very Full Gourmet Gnome

The first 32 were commissioned by the City’s Council, the others by local businesses which more than tripled this number. There is even a map available listing all the 123 gnomes and telling their little stories. Now it’s the major tourist attraction as children are looking forward to sightseeing and gnomes hunting in one. The locals give them affectionate glance on the way to work and the gnomes are just doing all sorts of! There are two Sisyphuses pushing the ball,

A Very Sleepy Gnome

the Sleepy guarding the entrance to the Dwarf’s Village, the Football Fan supporting Silesia, the Gourmet who’s eaten too much, the newly wed Mr&Mrs Dwarf, the Cinema Lover, The Prisoner and the Dumpling Eater, the Postman, the Washer on the bank of Odra river and the ones that are leading their lives on the lamp posts.

Gnome with Ball and Chain in Prison

It’s a real challenge to spot them all and it’s a great fun as well - enjoy it! we did.

A useful overview of the City of Wroclaw by Polish Culinary

More information about Wroclaw from Poland Trips

Wroclaw, Flag Day 2010

2010-09-13T00:54:00.000-07:00

Flag Day – formally a ‘Flag of the Republic of Poland Day’ since 2004 is annually organised on the 2nd May. The date was chosen to coincide with the ‘Polonia Day’ – celebrated as the reunion day for all the Poles, around 20 millions are now living outside their country. The aim was to help polish people identify themselves again with the national symbols after years of communist regime and teach the young generations about polish symbols and history. Although it is not a public holiday itself, in reality it ends up as being a day off and a national holiday for almost everybody as the National Flag Day celebration falls in between the unfortunate, traditional since communist era 1^st May ‘Labour Day’ – with the working class parade and the 3^rd of May, the ‘Constitution Day’ a very important holiday which was banned until 1990.

Wroclaw Flag Day 2010

Nowadays the polish white and red flag will fly out of the windows for the 3 consecutive days. The 1^st of May is a joyful and weather willing – picnic atmosphere day with possibly a few parody like labour style parades in the cities. The 2^nd of May hosts some lovely, happy and colourful celebrations.

Cyclists at Flag Day Wroclaw

This creates a suitable preparation for the national pride – Polish Constitution Day on the 3^rd of May, when Poland celebrates the creation in 1791 of the first modern constitution in Europe.

Flag Wavers at Flag Day Wroclaw

On our trip to Wroclaw we were lucky enough to not only watch but also to participate in the Flag Day celebrations on the Main Market Square under the rays of sunshine.

Young Flag Wavers at Flag Day Wroclaw

Surrounded obviously by lots of flags - the big ones for the adults and the smaller ones for the children we entered the smiling crowd of celebrating Poles.

Flag Day Wroclaw

Here are some photos of the event – we hope you will enjoy them as much as we did taking them on that happy occasion.

Flag Day Wroclaw

Radio Wroclaw interviewing at Flag Day Wroclaw

Flag Day Wroclaw

All the photographs of the event can be viewed at our website Imagine Poland.

www.imaginepoland.com

Usefull Links

The Flag of Poland, Information

Flag Day, Some History

Wroclaw, a brief guide (by Poland Culinary)

Wroclaw, Thanks Jimy Festival 2010

2010-07-31T13:45:00.000-07:00

A Jimy Hendrix Festival in Wroclaw and it was going to be held in the main square the day after we arrived, May 1st.

Poster advertising the event

I did some more investigation on the internet and discovered that this festival was in its eighth year and in 2009 a guinness world record had been achieved with 6,346 guitars playing along to 'Hey Joe' under the direction of Leszek Cichonski one of the best European blues rock guitarists.

Leszek Cichonski

This year saw 4,597 guitarists registered, not quite as many as the previous years record but you have to admit thats a lot of guitarists.

Some of the artists featured on stage were Greg Koch, Marek Piekarczyk, Mieczyslaw, Mark Raduli and former lead singer of Genesis, Ray Wilson.
It was a great event to photograph, so many opportunities.

The atmosphere was fantastic, an event attended by all ages. The afternoons festival ending with everyone raising their guitars at the end of the last song, what a sight !

There was then a procession to the next venue on one of Wroclaws islands for an evening concert.

I have marked the date in my calandar for next years event, this is not to be missed.

Usefull links are

Thanks Jimy
Guitar Instruction, 'you tube
Hey Joe, Wroclaw
Wroclaw and Lower Silesia, Culinary Delights

All the photographs from this event and other images of Poland can be viewed at Imagine Poland

Wroclaw, The University

2010-07-14T05:13:00.000-07:00

One of the special places on our list to visit was Wroclaw University which is located on the banks of the Odra river and only a ten minute walk from the Rynek ( Market Square ).
The main university building is open to the public and houses some spectacular attractions. Entry costs are variable depending on how many areas you wish to visit.

Looking across the River Odra towards Wroclaw University

On the ground floor is the Oratorium Marianum a beautiful and ornate concert hall whose decorations we found quite stunning although not to sure about the modern purple/mauve seating.
Also on the ground floor is a small museum which displays the history of the university since 1702, one of the exhibits which stands out in my mind was a poster photo showing the devastation of the area at the end of WW2.

Staircase leading to Aula Leopoldina

A staircase decorated in a fresco style leads up to the main hall, Aula Leopoldina this room is quite spectacular and well worth the visit. Here you will find a sense of the history, traditions and ceremony of Wroclaw University. On the walls in between the windows are oval portraits of many of the university founders and if you look upwards you will see frescoes by Christoph Handke, also watch out for the sculptures by Franz Joseph Mangoldt.

Wroclaw University,the Aula Leopoldina

Wroclaw University, the Aula Leopoldina

Displayed on the walls of the final staircase which lead to the Mathematicians Tower are paintings and photographs depicting the history of the university.
The final attraction at the top of the staircase is The Mathematicians Tower which gives an amazing panoramic view of Wroclaw and the River Odra from its terrace.

Wroclaw University, the Mathematicians Tower

Views over Wroclaw from the University Mathematicians Tower

At each corner of the tower looking out over the City are symbolic statues depicting four faculties Theology, Philosophy, Medicine and Law.


Wroclaw University, statue at the corner of the Mathematicians Tower

Wroclaw University, statue at the corner of the MathematiciansTower

In the courtyard area to the front of the University can be found the statue of the Naked Swordsman It is rumoured the statue depicts a previous student of the university who after a drunken evening lost all his money and clothes playing cards keeping only his fine sword.The statue was erected as a warning to others.

The Naked Swordsman, Uniwersitecky Square, Wroclaw

Wroclaw Indoor Market, Hala Targowa

2010-06-24T15:39:00.000-07:00

For our one week stay in Wroclaw we needed to stock up on food especially fruit and vegetables. Having done our research we knew there was only one place to go' Hala Targowa', the indoor market. To get there was only a ten minute walk from our city centre apartment just along Plac Nowy Targ to where it joins the road called Andrzeja Modrzewskiego - Frycza, the market building is at this corner right opposite the Sand Bridge which crosses the River Odra.

Wroclaw, Hala Targowa, The Indoor Market

The gloomy building exterior is constructed of red brick and dominates this busy corner but once inside you feel the atmosphere of a busy traditional market.

Wroclaw, Hala Targowa, the interior

Wroclaw, Hala Targowa, produce on sale

The ground floor is full of stalls selling a wide range of produce, you will have to go a long way to find a comparable selection of such quality. Vegetable, fruits, meats, polish sausages, cheeses and flowers on the ground floor then arranged around the first floor balcony cobblers, lingerie, hairdressers, currency exchange booths, clothing etc .

Wroclaw, Hala Targowa, produce on sale

Take a moment to rest at the balcony and watch the market life below. If the sight of all this food has made you feel hungry then stop at the busy little pierogi bar on your way out.
We made our way back to the apartment having bought far more than intended but happy knowing we would eat well the following week.

All our photographs from Hala Targowa can be viewed at www.imaginepoland.com

Useful Links

Polish Cuisine
Poland its Regions
Polands Official Travel Website

All photographs copyright Imagine Poland

Wroclaw, Plac Solny, The Flower Market

2010-06-21T11:28:00.000-07:00

The southwest corner of the Rynek in Wroclaw opens out to another square called Plac Solny which was originally the Salt Market whose last salt stalls were abolished in 1815. Also sold here were leather and honey. Now the square houses a much more colourful Flower Market which is a delight to the eyes.

Plac Solny, The Flower Market

All types of flowers with their many colours and shades are on display either as stunning bouquets or beautiful single stems. The choice is yours and if you follow the Polish tradition buy them in odd no's. as even no's are used at funerals. Also chrysanthemums are for visiting the cemetery/funerals and roses of course are for lovers.

The flower sellers colourful stalls surround a gushing ornate fountain erected in 1997 which is topped with design made from forged iron. More to the centre of the square and to one side of the flower stalls is a tall needle sculpture.
Surrounding the square are the high traditionally styled houses with restaurants and bars at street level. On the south side your eye is drawn to the Old Stock Market (Stara Giełda) designed by a local architect Carl Ferdinand Langhans ( 1782 - 1869 ) this is quite an imposing building with a magnificent entrance.

Entrance to The Stock Exchange

It was not until we arrived back home and were doing some research for our book that we discovered that under the flower market area was a wartime shelter which was capable of housing three hundred people.
Before you leave the Flower Market look high and low and see if you can spot some of the little residents of Wroclaw.

All our photographs of The Flower Market at Wroclaw can be viewed at

www.imaginepoland.com

Useful Links
Historic Wroclaw
www.poland.travel/en/about-poland/

Wroclaw, Rynek Glowny ( Market Square )

2010-06-08T13:04:00.000-07:00

The characteristic landmark of the city, where all the routes begin is traditionally the Rynek . Wroclaw has Poland's second largest . You will see it on the majority of the postcards with its stunning Town Hall dating back to 13th century and quite rightly so as the square is the main gathering point for both social and cultural events.

The Town Hall, Wroclaw

The Astronomical Clock at the Town Hall

The Whipping Pillar in front of the Town Hall

On the eastern facade of the Town Hall - now the museum - your eye catches immediately the famous astronomical clock and in front you will see the old Whipping Pillar - now only a peaceful meeting place. The imposing 5 floor department store 'Feniks' built at the beginning of the twentieth century - in its early years topped by a huge illuminated glass globe shattered by lightning in 1930 is located on the eastern side of the Rynek and will provide you if not with all the shopping required, certainly with fantastic views from the upper floors over the Old Town. Also on Feniks top floor can be found a very useful Internet and IT facility
The southeastern facade of the Town Hall with its stunning embellishments gives a shelter for the artists - drawing and selling their pictures on the pavement.

Artists displaying and selling their paintings in the shadow of the Town Hall

In the town halls medieval cellars next to the Piwnica Swidnicka Beer Cellar you will discover Wroclaw's oldest brewery the Spiz Brewery. At the entrance to the cellars is replica statue of the Breslau Bear, there is a fountain from its mouth which if you want good luck then you must touch it.

A replica of the Breslau Bear near the Spiz Restaurant

A more imposing monument a hundred metres away is to Alexander Fredro one of Poland's most prominent writers and playwright.

Monument to Aleksander Fredro prominent Polish playwright and writer

Also on this side of the Rynek can be found the two main tourist and cultural information centres - one the 'Wroclaw Info' has limited free Internet access for tourists both have very helpful English speaking staff. The Western side is dominated by the lively jetting Wroclaw Fountain giving joyful enjoyment to young and old and illuminated in the evening.

The Rynek Wroclaw Fountain

It's also from here that you will see and be enchanted by two fairy like Baroque houses named 'Hansel and Gretel linked by an archway through which can be found St Elizabeths Church which has one of the tallest towers in Wroclaw with panoramic views of the Rynek and beyond from the top. The opposite corner of the square will take you to Plac Solny which houses the open air colourful flower market open 24/7.
You can spend an entire day on the Market Square as there are many beautiful features to discover. See if you can find any of the numerous little gnomes hiding in the least expected places.

Some of the Ryneks inhabitants, The Gnomes

Three mysterious passage-ways link the Town Hall buildings and all this among the countless number of colourful bars, cafes and restaurants with their outside seating and colourful sun shades, there was certainly no shortage of places to eat, drink, relax and meet people.

Words I would use to sum up Wroclaw Rynek - Vibrant, Historic, Colourful, Traditional.

During our stay in Wroclaw we ate in restaurants around the Rynek, drank in its bars/cafes or just sat under lush green foliage of the trees on one of the many benches and soaked up the scenery.

All our photographs of Wroclaws Rynek can be viewed in the image gallery at www.imaginepoland.com

Please come back to see our next review on Wroclaws Flower Market and Indoor Market

Useful Links
www.imaginepoland.com
Wroclaw Info
Wroclaw Description

Zakopane and The Tatra Mountains, Poland

2010-05-28T14:27:00.000-07:00

Only back from Wroclaw three weeks and were still busy editing the photographs but found time to book the flights for our next trip. Have decided to go to Zakopane in the Tatra Mountains, won't be much snow at the lower levels when we go in September so we are planning several walks, looking forward to some beautiful vistas complimented by some excellent evenings in Zakopane.
We visited Zakopane last year by bus from Krakow just for one day. Unfortunately it was a bit of a rainy, misty day. Still as Cecile is a dedicated fan of the Tatras there was no way she wouldn't jump on the opportunity to show this place to me.
It has completely different climate (in either sense of the word) to any other places in Poland and is the unquestionable winter capital of Poland. In winter and early spring the Tatras offers fantastic slopes for skiing while during summer and autumn Zakopane and surrounding villages welcomes multitudes of hikers and walkers from all over Poland but also increasing number of foreign visitors.
Below a few pictures of what Zakopane and the Tatras are mostly renowned for: the beautiful nature (sometimes quite wild) and everything associated with skiing and hiking.

We booked our flights with Ryanair flying from Leeds Bradford International Airport to Krakow Balice Airport, total cost for both our return flights £202.20 including one checked in bag and two hand luggage.
Still looking for accommodation via the Internet and have bookmarked a couple of apartments to ring in the next few days.

Mountain Resorts, Poland ( Poland Trips )
The Tatra Mountains
Images of Poland

Peter and Cecile