Wrocław, Poland
Wrocław (pronounced VROTS-wahv) is the fourth-largest city in Poland and one of Central Europe’s leading centers for culture, education, and innovation, with a population of approximately 700,000 residents. Situated along the Oder River in southwestern Poland, Wrocław is known for its historic Market Square, vibrant university community, thriving economy, and the iconic bronze gnomes found throughout the city. On September 5, 1993, a delegation from Charlotte led by Mayor Richard Vinroot traveled to Wrocław to formalize the Sister Cities partnership. Since then, the relationship has fostered decades of educational, cultural, civic, and professional exchanges, creating lasting friendships and strengthening ties between the people of Charlotte and Wrocław. Today, the partnership remains an active and meaningful connection that promotes international understanding, collaboration, and community engagement.
About Wrocław
Located 170 miles from Warsaw, Wrocław was established in the 10th Century at the intersection of four major trade routes of the time. It is the fourth largest city in Poland with a population of approximately 700,000 people. Wrocław has several major industries including: metalworking, textiles, food processing, and data processing and electronics. The city is internationally recognized for its innovative approaches to dramatic production. Acting and Miming are a large part of the Wrocław culture. Two of its renowned theaters are the Grotowski Laboratory Theater and the Henryk Tomaszewski Mime Theater.
2026 Wracław Delegation Visit to Charlotte
On May 6, 2026, Charlotte Sister Cities hosted a special dinner to welcome a government delegation from Wrocław, Poland, one of Charlotte’s longest-standing sister cities. Honored guests included Hon. Jarosław Krauze, Member of the Wrocław City Council; Dr. Andrzej Jerie, Director of the Zajezdnia History Centre; and Mr. Aleksander Bojarski, Assistant to the Mayor of Wrocław. More than 35 community leaders and supporters attended the event, including former Charlotte Mayor Jennifer Roberts. During their visit, the delegation met with civic leaders at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center, visited local businesses, and engaged with members of Charlotte’s Polish community. The visit highlighted the strong ties between the two cities and reinforced a shared commitment to international friendship, cultural exchange, and economic collaboration as Charlotte and Wrocław celebrate 33 years of sister city partnership.
June 2023 High School Student Visit to Wrocław
In June 2023, nine students and two faculty members from Charlotte Country Day School embarked on a unique educational journey through three of Charlotte’s European sister cities: Wrocław, Poland; Krefeld, Germany; and Limoges, France, traveling between destinations using public transportation. Their first stop was Wrocław, where participants explored the city’s rich history and culture through a guided city tour, a search for the famous Wrocław gnomes, a visit to City Hall, and an exchange with students at Liceum Ogólnokształcące nr V. The group also learned about Wrocław’s support for its Ukrainian Guest Community, the city’s remarkable economic growth, and the enduring partnership between Wrocław and Charlotte. The visit concluded with time at the renowned Wrocław Zoo. Charlotte Sister Cities extends its sincere appreciation to the Wrocław International Office and our many friends in Wrocław for their exceptional hospitality, which made this experience both memorable and meaningful for all.
Additional Photos of Wrocław - 2022 & 2024
Provided by David Lynn
A Look Back: International Interns
In the fall of 2000, Krystian and Basia both traveled from Wrocław to Charlotte to serve as our Charlotte Sister Cities international interns. We invited interns from each of our Sister Cities to work in the Charlotte Sister Cities office, gain valuable work experience, and practice their English skills for 3 months. Our Sister Cities contacts recommended the best applicants, and we worked with them to finalize pre-trip preparations and visa requirements. Our international interns paid for their airfare to and from Charlotte, and in return the Charlotte Sister Cities office arranged host families for their entire stay and managed all programs and activities. Host families covered all housing, food, and excursion expenses, and transported them where they needed to go while they were in Charlotte. One of Basia’s host families was Daryle Ryce (pictured above), a local, well-known artist/singer-songwriter who performed at many Charlotte music venues.
