ZOO

Eclectic train station building

The pedestrian bridge with wrought iron railings was constructed at the turn of the 20th century. Crossing the bridge originally cost 1 grosz (smallest currency unit), hence the name. Otherwise, the bridge is called Zielony Mostek (the green bridge), referring to its colour, or Most Zakochanych (lovers' bridge) for the custom of loving couples locking a padlock on the railings to signify their commitment.

The name is a bit misleading as the pond was actually created from the remains of the moat after the castle was demolished. It serves a purely recreational purpose, with an active musical fountain in the summer and a long tradition of ice-skating in the winter, with the pond hosting the German ice-skating championships in 1934. The wooden house with the restaurant was originally erected for the local ice-skating society. The musical fountain performs a lights-and-music show on summer evenings.

The sole remainder of a medieval castle built by the local Piast dukes of Opole as a residence and defensive facility. The tower was a late addition, stemming from the 14th century, while the construction of the castle started in 1228. As the former Duchy of Opole started changing hands between surrounding kingdoms and empires, the castle was subjects to periods of ruin and reconstruction. Finally, in 1928, the German authorities deemed the castle to be in poor condition and ordered its demolition to make room for a new government office complex. After much public outcry from the local Polish (at that time) minority, the tower was preserved and remains standing between the modernist buildings, which still serve the regional government of Opole.