Description of the attraction
Tumski Island is the oldest part of Wroclaw, a former island on the Oder River. The name of the island is translated as "Cathedral" - in honor of the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, located on the island.
Archaeological excavations of the area have shown that the western part of Tumski Island has been inhabited since at least the 9th century. At that time, the island had about 1,500 inhabitants. The first structures were built in the 10th century by the Piast dynasty, and were made of wood. The first building made of solid material - St. Martin's Chapel - was built in the early 11th century by Benedictine monks.
At the end of the 13th century, in connection with the expansion of the city, a defensive wall with two towers was built on the island. In 1315, the island with the castle built on it was sold to the church authorities. In 1382, the Czech king Wenceslas IV put forward the idea of building a new royal castle here with towers, thick walls and a moat. The project did not find support, the island remained in the power of the bishop.
In 1807, part of the fortifications and the moat were eliminated, since then the island of Tumski has ceased to be an island in the geographical sense.
During the Second World War, the island suffered significant damage, and the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist was also damaged. Restoration work was carried out in the 70s of the 20th century under the leadership of Edmund Malachkovich.
Today, acquaintance with the island begins from the beautiful Green Bridge. A beautiful view of the Cathedral and the Church of the Holy Virgin Mary on the Sand opens from here. On the main street of the island there are beautiful houses - institutions of the Metropolitanate of Wroclaw. The island is planted with many trees and flowers, making it a favorite walking spot for locals and visitors alike.
