Opole Venice

The stretch of water called the Opole Venice, between the Cathedral and Castle bridges, is one of the most photogenic spots in Opole. Old-town tenements and the green banks of Pasieka Island reflect in the Młynówka, and after dark the scene is lit by illumination running since 10 June 2007.

The Młynówka — a river left behind

The Młynówka is not a canal but an oxbow of the Oder: until about 1600 the river's main current flowed here, until a great flood forced the Oder to change course. The old channel separates the Old Town with its market square from the villa district of Pasieka Island and runs between Katedralna and Zamkowa streets.

Boulevards on both banks

Along the water stretch boulevards about 1.5 km long — from the Castle Bridge by the voivodeship office to Korfantego Street. A stone-cube path runs past decorative walls and rock gardens, past benches and a wooden viewing pier. It is a favourite route for cyclists, runners and Nordic walkers. For flood safety, two new sluices were built — by the cathedral bridge and at the southern end of Pasieka — to cut the Młynówka off from the Oder in an emergency.

In practice

The promenade is open round the clock, all year, free of charge. It looks best in the evening under the illumination, or in the afternoon sun. En route, visit the Piast Tower on Pasieka Island and the cathedral, and a walk along both banks will close a loop around the old town.