Wroclaw, Poland, 190 mi/305 km southwest of Warsaw, is a lovely city off the beaten path, but it merits one day to see the impressive Gothic cathedral, the gorgeous town hall and city square and the Raclawice Panorama. The Panorama, a canvas half the size of a soccer field, depicts the 1794 battle of Raclawice.
Also worth seeing is Wroclaw's beautiful Opera House and the Philharmonic Hall. Both offer extensive repertoires. Its Music Theater features popular musicals and many music festivals, including a jazz festival.
For outings with a slant toward nature, head to the Botanical Gardens or the Zoo.
If time allows, you can take a day trip to the impressive Ksiaz Castle, with 415 rooms and lovely gardens (see http://www.en.ksiaz.walbrzych.pl), or to Klodzko, a fortified medieval hillside town, located about 60 mi/95 km south of Wroclaw, that dates from the 10th century. There is an underground tourist route in the village that traverses abandoned cellars and defensive tunnels that played roles in various conflicts over the years. Napoleon's army was unable to capture this fortress, but Hitler's troops holed up there.
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