Uraz on the Oder can be explored through two distinct themes: its layered local history and activities on the water. For planning your trip, the contrast is helpful: historic buildings and former uses shape the view of the town in the Market Square, while moorings, watercraft and recreation take center stage on the Oder and at the small lake. This can help you decide whether cultural history or water activities should be the focus of your trip.
Water Activities on the Oder and at the Lake
Port Uraz’s Marina Nad Odrą is located in Uraz on the Oder. Port Uraz offers moorings for boat owners; availability depends on the season or operator. Another option is to rent water sports equipment at Miasteczko Portowe in Uraz on the Oder. It offers kayaks, sailboats, motorboats, and small and large pedal boats. The availability of individual watercraft may change; check before making your plans.
The two options differ clearly for planning purposes: moorings are intended for boat owners, while rentals depend on which of the available watercraft are available. There is also a recreational area at the small lake with a shelter, public barbecue grills and a beach volleyball court. Unlike the boating options, the focus here is on spending time by the lake, barbecuing and volleyball. The facilities may depend on local maintenance; check their condition before visiting.
Uraz Castle and the History of the River Crossing
A castellany that secured the river crossing was located in a bend of the Oder near Uraz in the 13th century. Following renovations in the 15th century, Uraz Castle took on the ground plan of an equilateral triangle and was surrounded by a moat. Two distinct periods in the town’s history are reflected here: the securing of the river crossing in the 13th century and the castle’s later form.
The castle is privately owned and can be viewed from behind the fence. Access conditions may change; check them before visiting.
Church and Historic Buildings in the Market Square
The late Baroque Church of St. Michael the Archangel stands in the Market Square; the present building was constructed between 1750 and 1789. A Lourdes grotto built of fieldstones is located right next to the church. A former town hall from the late 19th century also stands in the square; after the war, it was used as a school. A former rectory from the early 20th century has been preserved there.
The Protestant church, built in 1742, also stood in the Market Square and was destroyed in 1945. The square therefore brings together buildings from different periods and with different histories of use: the Church of St. Michael and the former town hall still stand there, the rectory has been preserved, while the Protestant church is part of the town’s destroyed architectural heritage.
Early History of the Town
The settlement of Uraz was first mentioned in 1203. At that time, Henry the Bearded assigned revenues from the ducal tavern in Uraz to the Cistercian nunnery. This early reference connects the town’s history to a specific source of income and its recipient: the ducal tavern and the convent. Together with the castellany and the later history of the castle, it provides a view of Uraz across different periods, from its first mention to the buildings in the Market Square.
Discover more destinations: Żmigród, Zawonia, Osolin, Pęgów, Szewce, Oborniki Śląskie, Pierwoszów, Kotowice
For the main travel overview: Trzebnicki.
