Cross Wrocław’s pedestrianized “Lover’s Bridge” to Sand Island and you may just find the love of your life, if you haven’t already done so.
Water-rich Wrocław used to have more than 300 bridges before World War II. Of the 100 or so that are left today, Most Tumski (Tumski Bridge) is one of the most loved. Cross this romantic bridge to get to a small, but interesting river island in Wrocław and for a chance to find true love.
When in the 1890s Wyspa Piasek, or Sand Island, needed a more permanent connection with Ostrów Tumski (Cathedral Island), Tumski Bridge was built to replace the wooden bridge across the Oder River (Odra in Polish).
Like the medieval streets of Cathedral Island, the steel truss bridge is illuminated by real gas lanterns at night, making it an idyllic spot to come to during an evening stroll. A local legend stipulates that you should walk across the bridge for a better chance of finding the love of your life. First you have to touch the lion sculpture by the cathedral in Ostrów Tumski though.
The bridge’s romantic atmosphere is complemented by the presence of hundreds of firmly attached padlocks inscribed with the names of local couples. They throw the keys in the river below to symbolize their life-long commitment.
Once you’ve taken in the bridge’s unusual design from the Ostrów Tumski (Cathedral Island) side, cross its cobblestoned lane to get to Piaskowa Island. Pause at the head of the bridge to take in the statues of St. Hedwig from Bavaria, the patron saint of Silesia, and John the Baptist, Wrocław's patron saint.
Most of Sand Island’s houses were destroyed during World War II, but some real gems remain. The eye-catching backdrop of the bridge is the Gothic Church of the Blessed Virgin on the Sand. Inside, see its 16th-century icon of the Virgin Mary. Walk farther along Jadwigi Street to find the Baroque-era University Library and the Russian Orthodox Church of Saints Cyril and Methodius.
Most Tumski (Tumski Bridge) is a public pedestrian bridge with free access. Coming from Cathedral Island, follow Katedralna Street until the end to find it.
