OPOLE
Opole is the medium city in the southern of Poland ( in Polish scale ) with a population of 128,864 ( 2004 census ). From an administrative point of view Opole is the capital of the Opole Voivodeship and also the seat of Opole County. In the past it was the historical capital of Upper Silesia, this influences the the ethnic composition of a region, where there is the largest German minority in Poland and also Upper Silesian.
The city is tranquil, with old tenements, many of them are fresh renovated, that brings more “old town” look, not only at the Town Hall Quarter. An observer can also notices its unhurried and quite peaceful life.
What makes Opole more beautiful is its picturesque situation - the historic heart of the city is located on an island called Pasieka which is washed by Oder River ( Odra ). The pedestrian bridge over the Młynówka - which was in the past a stream into Oder river brngs to surroundings an astonishing view which can be seen from the bridge and from one of the riverside, especially since June 2007 when municipality has launched special illuminations ” Venetian Opole”. This was to about to create an aura of mystery at nights.
(bridge photos from fot.com.pl & kobidz.pl)
In summer 1997 the dreadful Great Flood occurred, affecting the drainage basins of the Odra and the Vistula, caused material losses of billion USD
In Opole, water levels reached “the maximum by 173 cm (777 cm in 1997, as compared to 604 cm in 1813 and 584 cm in 1985) and the peak flow reached 3500 m s”.
In the city, the historic part on Pasieka island was affected the most. In many buildings water reached to nearly first floor and in some houses of low heights, water covered all levels and left survivors on the roof. Some historic buildings survived intact, many were destroyed and some felt into ruin
Now10 years after the Great Flood the city outside seems to be never touched by any flood disaster. Government and municipality made a great effort to raise the city from flood consequences but in many resident’s minds this terrible catastrophy is still fresh and it’s hard to wipe from their memories.
At the Opole Old Square there is an exquisite restaurant called “Maska” that literally means ” The Mask” . Before the restaurant started to serve a food there was a former theater called “13 Rows” where its director, a famous leading figure in avant garde theatre of the 20th century, Jerzy Grotowski was developing his skills. Derived from the theater terminology, the name became “Maska”.
The best thing in this restaurant, a part from a wonderful theatrical decoration with kind of raw Middle Ages walls look, there is a garlic bread - the best bread I have ever eaten ! I recommend also Bogracz- Hungarian style spicy soup bread ( something like goulash)
Prices : quite high - comparing to other fancy restaurants around, reasonably - comparing to good Warsaw restaurant.
More pics in gallery
Official site of Opole www.opole.pl