Opole Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids

Opole

Old Town

Flag

Opole

Location in Opole Voivodeship

Opole

Location in Poland

Opole

Location in Europe

Country

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)

• Metro

267,000

Time zone

UTC+1 (CET)

• Summer (DST)

UTC+2 (CEST)

Postal code

45-001 to 45-960

Area code(s)

+48 077

Car plates

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

Contemporary model of the early medieval Polish stronghold in Opole
A fragment of medieval defensive walls that once surrounded Opole
The oldest known view of Opole seen from southeast, circa 1535
18th-century view of Opole
Stamps after the plebiscite in August 1921 featured the German name of Oppeln
The Piast Castle, prior to its demolition by the German authorities
Plaque at the main railway station commemorating deportations of Poles from Opole to concentration camps in 1939
Piast Bridge and Opole Cathedral in the background with its two iconic Gothic towers
City hall on the Main Market Square
Water canal along the Old Town
General view of Opole
Opole - a view of the city centre
The building of Collegium Maius of Opole University
Opole city budget income sources as of 2015.
Solaris Centre Mall
Jan Kasprowicz
Miroslav Klose
Remigiusz Mróz
Jesuit College, now a regional museum
Church of the Holy Trinity
Rynek (Market Square) filled with historic townhouses
Green Bridge
Młynówka Canal (Little Venice)
Ceres Fountain
Opole Główne railway station
John Paul II Library
Church of St. Adalbert, also known as the "Church on the Rock" and "Church on the Hill"
Signs showing direction of twin cities

Opole facts for kids

Images for kids

See also