Panorama of the Battle of Racławice — Attraction in Wrocław

The Racławice Panorama (Polish: Panorama racławicka) is a monumental (15 × 114 meter) cycloramic painting depicting the Battle of Racławice, during the Kościuszko Uprising. It is located in Wrocław, Poland. The painting is one of only a few preserved relics of a genre of 19th-century mass culture, and the oldest in Poland. The panorama stands in a circular fashion and, with the viewer in the center, presents different scenes at various viewing angles. A special kind of perspective used in the painting and additional effects (lighting, artificial terrain) create a feeling of reality.

History The idea came from the painter Jan Styka in Lviv who invited the renowned battle-painter Wojciech Kossak to participate in the project.They were assisted by Ludwik Boller, Tadeusz Popiel, Zygmunt Rozwadowski, Teodor Axentowicz, Włodzimierz Tetmajer, Wincenty Wodzinowski and Michał Sozański.

The project was conceived as a patriotic commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the victorious Battle of Racławice, a famous episode of the Kościuszko Insurrection, a heroic but ultimately failed attempt to defend Polish independence. The battle was fought on 4 April 1794 between the insurrectionist force of regulars and peasant volunteers (armed with scythes) under Kościuszko (1746–1817) himself and the Russian army commanded by General Alexander Tormasov. For the nation which had lost its independence, the memory of this glorious victory was particularly important.

The National Exhibition, organized in Lviv in 1894, offered an excellent opportunity to realize Styka’s idea. Canvas, woven to order, was bought in Brussels, the specially built rotunda’s iron structure (designed by Ludwik Ramułt) in Vienna. The rotunda, located in Stryjski Park in Lviv, was ready in July 1893. The huge panorama painting was executed within 9 months, between August 1893 and May 1894. The official opening was on 5 June 1894. Since the very beginning, Panorama of the Battle of Racławice attracted enormous attention and brought crowds of tourists to Lviv. On average 75 000 viewers visited it every year.

After World War II, the painting was brought to Wrocław (formerly Breslau in Germany) along with a part of the collection of the Ossoliński Institution. As under the Communist regime the subject was considered politically sensitive, the efforts to have the canvas restored and exhibited, undertaken by successive Volunteer Committees, were successful only after August 1980. Reopened on 14 June 1985, the major attraction of the old Lviv has immediately become the main tourist attraction of Wrocław. Here, contemporary viewers have an opportunity to participate in a unique...

The Panorama Racławicka is a truly unique and captivating destination, appealing not only to art enthusiasts but also to those seeking a deeper understanding of history. While initially an art exhibition, it transcends its medium to become an immersive learning experience. Even for individuals not typically drawn to art, this venue offers a fascinating encounter with historical events.

The tour, lasting approximately 30 minutes, is enriched by the availability of an audio guide, enhancing the visitor's comprehension and engagement with the panoramic masterpiece. Accessibility is a strong suit, with the rotunda being wheelchair-friendly, ensuring an inclusive experience for all. For practicality, visitors will appreciate the provision of toilets and a designated area to securely leave backpacks and belongings.

Furthermore, it's advantageous to note that tickets, though not the most budget-friendly for a single attraction, can be used for other experiences, adding value and encouraging exploration of related sites. It's advisable to plan accordingly on busy days and consider purchasing tickets in advance to optimize your visit.

In summary, the Panorama Racławicka isn't just a realm of artistic wonder but an enriching voyage through history, suitable for diverse audiences, and equipped with facilities for a convenient and...

I think I'm really a fan of panoramas like this. Unlike ones I've seen in the DPRK, Syria and France, this one isn't viewed from a motorised central seating area, but you can walk around, (with an audioguide if you don't speak polish). This one is however much older (19th century, although in great nick). It commemorates a dramatic, but ultimately fruitless victory by a (largely) peasant polish army over the russians and is full of romantic and dramatic scenes of hussars, cossacks, tartars and the like slaughtering each other and/oor charging artillary, as well as details like the peasant extinguishing the fuse on a cannon with his hat The uniforms are exactly what you imagine when you think of dashing cavalry. Downstairs there is a section that explains, alternately, the story of the painting itself and the wider story of the battle, though the latter is a bit hard to follow for non polish speakers. Technically I think it is a masterpiece of realism, and the way the foreground melds into the painting is very impressive. NB I think the ticket here gets you into the nearby National Museum (which is also very...