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Opole Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.
Opole facts for kids
| Opole | ||
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Old Town
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| Country | Poland | |
| Voivodeship | Opole | |
| County | city county | |
| Town rights | 1217 | |
| Area | ||
| • City | 148.99 km2 (57.53 sq mi) | |
| Elevation | 176 m (577 ft) | |
| Population (2017) | ||
| • City | 128,140  (28th) |
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| • Metro | 267,000 | |
| Time zone | CET (UTC+1) | |
| • Summer (DST) | CEST (UTC+2) | |
| Postal code | 45-001 to 45-960 | |
| Area code(s) | +48 077 | |
| Car plates | OP | |
Opole is a city located in southern Poland on the Oder River and the historical capital of Upper Silesia. With a population of approximately 128,140 (December 2017), it is currently the capital of the Opole Voivodeship and, also the seat of Opole County. With its long history dating back to the 8th century, Opole is one of the oldest cities in Poland. It is also the smallest city in Poland to be the largest city in a voivodeship.
The origins of the first settlement are connected with the town being granted Magdeburg Rights in 1217 by Casimir I of Opole, the great-grandson of Polish Duke Bolesław III Wrymouth. During the Medieval Period and the Renaissance the city was known as a centre of commerce due to its position on the intersection of several main trade routes, which helped to generate steady profits from transit trade. The rapid development of the town was also caused by the establishment of a seat of regency in Opole in 1816. The first railway connection between Opole, Brzeg and Wrocław was opened in 1843 and the first manufacturing plants were constructed in 1859, which greatly contributed to the city's regional significance.
The city's extensive heritage entails almost all cultures of Central Europe including years of Polish, Bohemian, Prussian and German rule. Opole formally became part of Poland again in 1945 under the Potsdam Agreement. Many German Upper Silesians and Poles of German ancestry still reside in the Opole region; in the city itself, however, ethnic Germans today make up less than 3% of the population following the 1945-6 expulsions.
Today there are four higher education establishments in the city: The Opole University, Opole University of Technology, a Medical College and the private Higher College of Management and Administration. The National Festival of Polish Song has been held here annually since 1963 and each year new regular events, fairs, shows and competitions take place.
Opole is sometimes referred to as "Polish Venice", because of its picturesque Old Town and several canals and bridges connecting parts of the city.
Images for kids
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Oldest known general view of Opole seen from southeast, circa 1535
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Cathedral of Opole
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OPPELN after the plebiscite, under international ruling in August 1921
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City hall on the Main Market Square
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Water canal along the Old Town
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Opole - a view of the city centre
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General view of Opole
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Piast tower, built under Bolko I of Opole, circa 1300
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The building of Collegium Maius of Opole University
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Opole Główne Railway Station
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Opole city budget income sources as of 2015.
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Burgher houses near the Main Market
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Church of St. Adalbert, also known as the "Church on the Rock"
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Signs showing direction of twin cities
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Green Bridge
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The Church of the Holy Trinity
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The Młynówka Canal (Little Venice)
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Old Town
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Solaris Centre
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John Paul II Library