The world is delighted with the "Polish Venice". We still do not appreciate its charm

Usually they choose Krakow or Gdansk, but now they increasingly talk about the "Venice of the North". British media have rediscovered Lower Silesia - and they are delighted with it. And us? We are swelling with pride!

Wrocław , previously somewhat overshadowed by popular tourist hits like Kraków and Gdańsk , is currently receiving international applause – and not just anyone, but the British themselves. The London portal Metro has devoted an entire article to the Polish city, calling it the “Venice of Eastern Europe”. Does that sound like a compliment? Because it is – and a well-deserved one at that.

Wrocław/photo Unsplash Anastasiia Chepinska

What delighted journalists from the Islands so much? First of all, the atmosphere of the city – romantic, but not too sweet. Cultural, but lively. And the architecture: Gothic mixed with modernism, colorful tenement houses reflected in the waters of the Oder, and numerous canals and as many as 130 bridges create a unique atmosphere.

- The city is easily accessible on foot, so be sure to stroll through the streets, admiring the architecture dating back to the 12th century – Metro encourages its readers.

Practical issues are also important. As it turns out, Wrocław is not only charming, but also… convenient. From British cities – including London, Manchester and Glasgow – you can fly here directly and cheaply .

- It is really easy to get to Wrocław from Great Britain, thanks to direct flights to the city's main airport, which is located just twelve kilometres from the centre - the portal emphasises.

Tickets? From just £30. That's less than your average London dinner for two.

Although British journalists of course appreciated the classics – Rynek Główny, Ostrów Tumski or Hala Stulecia – they did not limit themselves to the guidebook "must sees". They were also charmed by Nadodrze , an artistic district full of murals, galleries and an alternative spirit. Among the recommendations was also the Wrocław collection of dwarfs – today there are over 800 of them and the number is constantly growing.

Wroclaw Market Square/photo Unsplash Bianca Fazacas

And although Metro's text gained popularity mainly due to the media interest in the Europa Conference League final – and the unfortunate clashes of fans on the Wrocław market square – the main character is not football, but the city. A city that – as it turns out – not only has nothing to be ashamed of, but can boldly compete with European classics.

We definitely have something to be happy about. The British have noticed in Wrocław what we often take for granted – its authenticity, beauty and unusual charm. So maybe it is worth going there again, looking at familiar streets with new eyes and – like tourists from the British Isles – letting yourself be enchanted?