Raclawice Panorama

Wroclaw's most important piece of cultural heritage, the Panorama of the Battle of Raclawice, is also the city's most visited tourist attraction. It is a vast cyclindrical painting designed to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the famous Kosciuszko Insurrection, when in 1794 a Polish rebellion defeated the Russian army (a case of winning the battle but losing the war, unfortunately for the Poles!). The painting was moved from Lwow after World War II and is now housed in an impressive (albeit ugly) purpose-built Rotunda, designed especially so that the viewer feels that they are in the midst of the battle. Half-hour long tours start on the half hour, and if your Polish ain't too hot then you can take an audiophone in any major European language.

"It was worth the journey just to see this painting, when I walked out onto the viewing gallery I couldn't believe how wonderful it was, I felt I was in the open air of the battle field. The explanation would have been better with headphones as there was the constant background noise of the commentary in another language whilst listening to your own."

Sue
United Kingdom
Dec.05.2007
Overall rating 5/5

"Fugly, mefinks!"

Bo knows
United States
Oct.23.2007
Overall rating 2/5

"Come on guys, it aint that cool. The novelty of a 360 degree battlescene is cute, but it's also pretty easy to understand why the cylindrical painting thing never caught on. The history of the painting might be more interesting than the painting itself, especially if you know nothing about the Kosciuszki Insurrection. Bit more background on Polish history would have been helpful."

Jestem Tourist
United States
Oct.22.2007
Overall rating 3/5

"Definate worthwhile visit; headphones with english commentary; tour lasts 30mins; and involves you in the painting. Even easy to handle with a vodka hangover!"

Dawn Mc Cosker
Ireland
Apr.30.2006
Overall rating 4/5

"Worth the hype - a great painting and a good job of making you feel part of the battle! Your ticket is then good for the National Museum down the road!"

Duncan R
United Kingdom
Jun.20.2005
Overall rating 4/5