PANEK for the weekend – Opolskie Voivodeship

Opolskie, located in the south of the country on the border with the Czech Republic, is the smallest of the Polish voivodships. Less than a million people live here, but the density of attractions would certainly be enough even for Wielkopolska. You will find many historic palaces, sacred buildings and natural attractions here. You can reach all of them with safe cars from PANEK Rent a Car. 
 
Castle in Brzeg – Wawel in Opole 
 
The royal castle on Wawel was the inspiration for this 13th-century building. However, the former Residence of the Silesian Piasts was rebuilt in the 17th century and turned from a medieval stronghold into a Renaissance residence. The most impressive is the castle courtyard, decorated with cloisters on three sides, and in the castle museum, you can admire the old costumes, furniture, souvenirs and beautifully decorated sarcophagi of the Piasts. 

Castle in Moszna – like a fantasy fairy tale 
 
Situated between Prudnik and Krapkowice, Moszna probably owes its name to the Moschin family, who settled in this area already in the 14th century. Over the years, the town changed owners many times, who lived in the baroque palace (the central part of today’s castle). Only the last owner – Hubert von Tiele-Winckler, left behind a true work of architectural art. By adding two wings to the original palace, he created a castle like from fantasy stories or Disney movies. Together with an extensive park, it creates a beautiful palace complex where you can spend the whole day. 
 
Kopice Castle – a fairy-tale ruin 
 
This breathtaking 19th century building is an example that not everything is always going in the right direction. The former residence of the Schaffgotsch family was burnt down in 1958 and then devastated. It was not possible to renovate the palace, and the successive owners only gave illusory hopes that this pearl of architecture would shine again in full splendor. The building can now be viewed from a distance, but it is worth going to Kopice, because even as a ruin, the palace makes a huge impression. 

Museum of the Opole Village – entertainment and education 
 
The Opole ethnographic park is a place where many objects and items have been collected that testify to the rich history of the Opole region. Some of the buildings of the former residents have been rebuilt, and some are in their original condition. Interestingly, in individual buildings, arranged thematically, you can listen to a guide telling about the history of the inhabitants of the region. The latest attraction is a fishing farm, but you can visit, among others, a granary complex, a burgher farm, a blacksmith’s shop, windmills and many more. Currently, autumn folk art fairs are held here, and if you are lucky, you will come across one of the numerous concerts of folk bands. 
 
St. Anne’s Mountain – not only a sanctuary 
 
Throughout its history, the mountain has had different names. It was called St. Jakub, Góra Chełmska, Góra św. George. The last change was noted at the beginning of the 16th century, then the mountain was called St. Anna. Legend has it that St. Michael the Archangel, after the fight with Lucifer, was to assemble his knightly helmet in the middle of the Oder plain. According to another legend, after defeating the dragon, in which St. Jerzy, the grateful inhabitants built a chapel dedicated to him. The current name is related to the vision that Krzysztof Strzała experienced in the place of a forgotten chapel st. George, the church of St. st. Anna. Currently, St. Anne’s Mountain is one of the leading places of religious worship not only in the Opole region, but also throughout Poland. It should be mentioned, however, that the mountain is not only a place of religious worship, but also the highest hill of the Chełm Massif. 

Kopa Biskupia – the highest peak of the Opole region 
 
This highest elevation of the Opolskie Voivodeship is located exactly on the Polish-Czech border and it is our southern neighbors who had the honor of having the summit (890 m above sea level). Hikers can take a break at the shelter for a warm tea or lunch. 
 
Nysa – the city of a hundred towers 
 
The city, located on the border of the Sudeten Foreland and the Silesian Lowlands, attracts visitors with its beauty at any time of the year. This beautiful, historic city is situated in a deep valley, at the confluence of the rivers: Nysa Kłodzka and Biała Głuchołaska. Due to the numerous accumulation of sacred objects, it was often called “the city of a hundred towers” or “Silesian Rome.” The most valuable monuments of Nysa can be found naturally in the city center, but also the vast landscapes, the fortress and the Nysa Lake deserve attention. The most impressive, however, is the ornate church of St. James and St. Agnes, which is also the most valuable monument of the city. 

Opole – Song festival and gardens 
 
Opole is one of the oldest cities in Poland. Thanks to the famous Song Festival, the city is clearly associated with everyone, but it has much more to offer than just an amphitheater. The market square is an unquestionable attraction of Opole, some of the tenement houses still remember medieval times. In its heart there is the historic town hall, from the tower of which the bugle call of Opole is played every day. 
 
There is also a monument to Kazimierz I Opolski – the founder of the city – on the market square. It is worth stopping here for a longer time to feel the atmosphere of this charming place in one of the cafes. Although Opole is already over 800 years old, only the Piast Tower, located on Pasieka Island, which is the last memory of the magnificent castle from the times of the first Piasts, has survived to this day. Families with children will certainly be interested in Bolko Island with its Zoological Garden. Strolling the alleys, you can admire various species of animals, of which there are over 1500 here! 
 
Trail of wooden churches 
 
The unquestionable attraction of the Opolskie Voivodeship are the historic wooden churches, of which there are several dozen in the entire voivodeship. Noteworthy is the cluster of sacred buildings in the Kluczbork poviat. There are as many as 22 churches in a relatively small space, but the route between Opole and Olecko (about 80 km) is also worth mentioning, where you can visit a dozen religious buildings made of wood. 
 
Although the smallest, the Opolskie Voivodeship has many attractions to offer for both nature and architecture lovers, adults and children will find something for themselves, and all places can be reached by comfortable and safe cars from PANEK Rent a Car.