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.

The Raclawice Panorama is a breath-taking piece of historical art. Because my roots are in Poland, the experience of standing before it was profound. If you are not from Poland, but appreciate and value true historical art, I encourage you to visit the beautiful panorama and other amazing sights in Wroclaw, Krakow, and other great cities in Poland. The country, from cities to towns, to quaint villages, is stunning. I live in the USA, but Poland will always be held close to my heart.

Very, very IMPRESSIVE.
Un pezzo di arte meraviglioso e raccomando per osservare.

A FANTASTIC painting, great restorations. I go to view it each time in Wroclaw. Only an idiot would say it wasn't fantastic. Believe me if you like history and art, go see it.

Big painting with 3D effect, must have been realy impressive at the start of last century. Oldfashion communist installation with some modern touch. A nice experience.

Very nice building and really nice panorama! Enjoyed the painting really much but, nevertheless, the tour was not so good because it was kind of rushed and one has always to hear the painting explanation in polish (if you are not polish you are given a small ubiquitous device from which you can listen (like a cellphone)). So try to listen a cellphone with a surrounding sound in polish.. That part really sucked.

A literal must-see in Wroclaw. You won't believe how amazing this piece of history and art expression is until you see it.

it took my breath away!

i think in this digital age people are not able to appreciate such a grand piece of art, and a painting no less! just think about the thought and precise skills needed for it!

the panorama is a brilliant evocation of this battle-!cant understand why people are saying its not that great-whats the matter with you?-its fantastic work.
referring to comments/criticisms posted about wanting more info about Polish/Russian history-look it up on wikipedia!!!!!

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.

Fugly, mefinks!

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.

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

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!