Witches Bridge In Wroclaw - How To Visit The Penitents' Bridge!

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If you’re looking for the best viewpoint in Wroclaw, then look no further than the magical Witches Bridge.

Suspended between two towers of St Mary Magdalene Cathedral, this skywalk provides a fairytale view of the colourful Rynek (Market Square) below.

The bridge actually has two names as there are two famous legends connected with it both involving witches.

It gives the entire place a mystical vibe and, as a firm lover of spooky season, I was in my element here.

The Bridge of Penitents is definitely somewhere you should prioritise in Wroclaw as the views are spectacular.

Just be prepared to work for it as you’ll be climbing lots of steps!

Here is a complete guide for the Witches Bridge including the legend, how to visit, ticket prices and top tips.

Witches Bridge Wroclaw Best viewpoint in Poland

Table of Contents

History of the Penitents’ Bridge

St Mary Magdalene Cathedral was established in the 13th century and was the second church to be built near the Oder River.

The main feature is the 12th-century Romanesque portal which was taken from a Benedictine Abbey in Ołbin.

The bridge was first constructed in 1459 after the two cathedral towers were built, each with a gleaming cupola on top.

This was also the time when the famous Bell of the Poor Sinner was hung up. At that time, it was the largest church bell in Lower Silesia.

The bridge remained strong for centuries until a fireworks display meant for Kaiser Wilhelm I in 1887 ended up burning the bridge down.

It was then rebuilt but faced significant damage during WWII and the Soviet Occupation.

The entire church was rebuilt in the 1950s and the bridge became a tourist attraction in the 1970s.

Since its construction, this bridge has adopted two names as there are two famous legends associated with it.

St Mary Magdalene Cathedral from Wroclaw Univeristy — *St Mary Magdalene Cathedral from Wroclaw University*

Wroclaw Witch Trials

The first nickname that this bridge has is the Witches Bridge as it was used during the Witch Trials of the 15th and 17th centuries.

In Europe, this was the age of Satanic Panic where many people feared witchcraft, magic, the devil and the occult.

There were many influential papers written by esteemed members of society such as Heinrich Kramer’s Malleus Maleficarum and King James VII’s Daemonologie.

This propaganda spread like wildfire and spurred on a series of witch hunts.

The result was thousands of men, women, and children being persecuted for being corrupted by the Devil.

A high majority were elderly women who were healers, widows or spinsters.

James I Daemonologie in forme of a dialogue. Title page. Wellcome M0014280

If they were arrested or suspected of witchcraft, they were often subjected to a series of trials in order to prove their innocence.

The bridge between the two towers of St Mary Magdalene Cathedral was one such place where these tests would take place.

The accused would have to cross the railings from one side of the bridge to the other without falling.

If they managed to cross the bridge then it was deduced that they were aided by Satan. So, they were taken to the stake to be burned for witchcraft.

If they fell to their death, they proved their innocence but they died anyway as it’s a 45 metre drop. A guaranteed lose-lose situation.

Unfortunately, this is not unique to Wroclaw or even Poland. These trials were happening all over the Western world.

Valais in France, Trier and Fulda in Germany and even further to Sweden.

James VII’s paranoia of the occult resulted in a ‘reign of terror’ and saw the North Berwick Trials and the Pendle Witch Trials also shook Britian.

Most famously, the so-called ‘New World’ held the notorious Salem Witch Trials

Accusing others of their crime or hanging were the only two options available so more than 200 people were accused of witchcraft.

Thirty people were found guilty at trial and nineteen were hanged.

These shocking events of betrayal in a Puritan community are so renowned that they have been immortalised in a stage play called The Crucible by Arthur Miller.

If you are interested to know more about this era, I recommend reading the book or watching the movie starring Winona Ryder.

Bridge of Penitence legend

The second nickname for this suspension bridge is the Penitents’ Bridge due to another legend surrounding a vain girl called Tekla.

Tekla was a girl who liked to live in the moment. She bought new dresses attended parties and laughed without a care in the world. She refused to marry and didn’t do any housework either.

Her father was so aggrieved by her actions that he cursed her. So, Tekla was forced to spend her days sweeping the bridge. No matter what she did, there was no escape.

She grew old and frail and eventually struggled to clean so a kind witch called Martyna helped her sweep.

As they swept, Tekla told Martyna of her curse and the witch felt sorry for her and wanted to help.

Later, Martyna flew down to the market square and helped a wizard in need who granted her a wish. The witch then used her only wish to free Tekla.

When she flew back on her broom to the bridge Tekla had disappeared and was never seen again.

For years, this bridge was a place where parents took their ‘disobedient’ daughters to show them what sort of fate would await them for being carefree.

As a woman who is not married and has chosen a less conventional path in life, I couldn’t help but feel sorry for Tekla and all these ‘stubborn’ daughters of the past.

I know, I know, it was a totally different time back then and dominated by the patriarchy.

But, jeez, let a girl live a little before she is subjected to being a domestic slave for the rest of her days!

Tekla and Martyna — *Tekla and the kind witch Martyna*

Bell of the Poor Sinner

The Bell of the Poor Sinner was hung in the south tower of St. Mary Magdalene Cathedral in 1386.

This has yet another legend attached to it which concerns a bell maker’s apprentice.

The apprentice was in their shop one day and accidentally made a mistake while working on the bell.

He went and told his master about his folly and the bell maker was so mad that he killed the apprentice in a fit of anger.

When the bell maker later visited to see the damage, he found that the bell was perfectly in order.

Wracked with guilt, he turned himself in for the murder and was sent to the executioner for his crime.

His last request was to hear the bell ringing before his head was cut off!

The bell rang for over 550 years until the tower was destroyed and it fell never to be heard again.

Despite all of these grisly tales, this bridge is still worth visiting as it is one of the best viewpoints in all of Wroclaw.

How to get to the Witches Bridge in Wroclaw

The Penitents’ Bridge spans the two tall towers of Mary Magdalene Cathedral which is very close to the Main Market Square (Rynek).

Simply make your way over to Szewska Street which is just around the corner from the beautiful Town Hall building.

I found Wroclaw easy to explore on foot as much of the Old Town is pedestrianised.

But, if you are approaching from further afield you can take the tram to Wita Stwosza or Oławska which is right by the entrance to the church.

The address is Szewska 10, 50-122 Wrocław, Poland. Click here for a Google Pin!

Bridge of Penitents ticket prices and opening times

You do have to pay to access the Witches Bridge and ticket prices are 15 PLN which is around £3 per person. That’s a bargain in my opinion.

It’s good to note that opening times differ throughout the week;

Mondays to Fridays: 10 am – 9 pm
Saturdays from 10 am – 10 pm
Sundays: 10 am – 8 pm.

Entry to Mary Magdalene Cathedral is completely FREE. But donations always help towards the upkeep.

Entering Mary Magdalene Cathedral

Although most people make a beeline for the tower entrance, I would recommend taking a quick look at the impressive interiors of Mary Magdalene Cathedral.

It was established in the 13th century and some of the first Lutheran services were held here in the 15th century.

Today, it now serves as a Polish Catholic Church (not to be confused with Roman Catholic).

The damage it suffered during WWII and the Soviet era was significant but they have done an incredible job of restoring it back to its former glory.

The high vaulted ceiling is particularly impressive and they regularly hold services throughout the week.

After you’ve had a look, turn left and you’ll find the ticket booth in a little gift shop where you can pay for your ticket.

Inside St Mary Magdalene Cathedral Wroclaw

Climb up the 247 steps to the top!

Yes, you read that right. To access the Bridge of Penitents you must climb up 247 steps to the very top.

The two towers are both 45 metres high so you can expect to climb up many flights of steep steps.

I’m claustrophobic so I was a little hesitant to do this. I imagined that the staircases would be tight, dark and winding.

Those who are also not fond of tight spaces will be glad to know that it’s not like that at all.

The towers are wide open spaces with normal flights of steps, not spirals.

Unfortunately, there is no lift or disability access to get to the top.

You must climb the whole way so this activity may not be suitable for those who require accessibility. If in doubt, ask the staff at the desk.

Although the walk is quite tough, there are many strategic stops you can make on the way up for a break.

They have some information boards about the history of the church, the witch legend and the Bell of the Poor Sinner.

My favourite part of the climb though was all the mood lighting and spooky sounds they made as you made your way up!

I’m a huge lover of Halloween and this made my little witchy heart so happy. It felt like spooky season had come early and I was here for it.

The best viewpoint in Wroclaw

Once you’ve finally made it to the top and your lungs and legs have stopped burning, you will be richly rewarded for your efforts.

As soon as you step out onto the Witches Bridge, you will get to see the best viewpoint in all of Wroclaw. Well, it is in my humble opinion anyway.

From up here, you can see the gorgeous colourful buildings of Rynek (market square) and beyond over the city. It’s the perfect photo opportunity.

The bridge can get extremely busy and it’s quite small. When I finally made it to the top, I had to wait for a large school group to finish to step onto the bridge!

What can you see from the Witches Bridge?

From the Penitent Bridge, you get a bird’s eye view of all the colourful buildings of the Market Square.

Look out for the fairytale Town Hall with its ornate facade and astronomical clock on the tower.

You can also see the tall spire of the Garrison Church or St. Elisabeth Minor Basilica.

This is another tower you can visit in the city but I’ve heard the climb is quite treacherous so do your research before you go.

What can you see from the Witches Bridge

From another angle, you can see twin spires of the impressive Wroclaw Cathedral which sits on Cathedral Island.

Beyond these historic buildings, you can also get panoramic views of the newer part of the city and further afield on a clear day!

Views from the Witches Bridge in Wroclaw

I could have stayed up there forever as the panorama was stunning and a treat to photograph.

I visited on a muggy day in summer and there was an incredible breeze up here that was heaven after all that climbing.

If you are heading up here in colder months, I recommend taking extra layers as the wind can be quite strong up there.

The dwarf statue of Tekla and Martynka

One of the cutest parts of visiting the Witches Bridge is seeing the adorable dwarf statue of Tekla and Martynka from the legend. I also thought the cat was a lovely touch!

Many people rub the bronze statue for luck and place coins on the bottom for their wishes to come true.

If you love it, the church has miniature versions of the statue below in their gift shop.

This shop is well worth a browse after your visit as they have all sorts of spooky souvenirs to buy.

The dwarf statue of Tekla and Martynka — *Tekla, Martynka and the cute cat!*

Is the Penitents’ Bridge worth visiting?

Yes, I definitely think that the Witches Bridge is worth your time, effort and money. It’s a small price to pay for these spectacular views.

Although it’s not the highest viewpoint in the city, it is definitely the most romantic with a postcard-worthy vista.

Not only that, the spooky legend about the witches just gives the whole place a more mystical feel.

Don’t skip a visit to the Bridge of Penitents in Wroclaw, you (and your leg muscles) won’t regret it!

My top tips for visiting

Prepare for the burn – You will be climbing up 247 steps to access the viewpoint so prepare for your legs to get a workout.

You can pay by card – you can pay the entry fee by cash or card.

Leave at least 30-60 minutes – it takes some time to climb to the top of the tower and you may be waiting a while for people to walk up and down.

It can get quite busy – the bridge is very popular and can get extremely busy so you may have to queue.

Wrocław dwarves trail

Something I loved about Wroclaw was the dwarves trail you could follow.

There were all these tiny and fun bronze statues of gnomes that you would see scattered around the city in all sorts of situations.

Of course, you’ve already seen the ones on the Witches Bridge.

But, before you leave Mary Magdalene Cathedral, you can see another one by the front door.

He is called ‘Krasnal Motocyklista Wentyl’ and he will be waving at you whilst he is riding his motorbike.

He’s honestly adorable with his goggles on so make sure you stop to say hello and get a cute photo!

Tip: There are many more to find around Wroclaw. You can type in the word ‘krasnal’ (Polish for ‘dwarf’) in Google Maps and there are pins to help you locate them.