Send Gift Baskets to Opole, Poland

The city of Opole was founded in the 8th century, following the establishment of a settlement there. According to archaeological analysis, its first settlement appeared on the Ostrówek – a part of the Pasieka Island near the middle of the Oder River. In the early 10th century, Opolan tribe warriors were essential in warfare, forming a group of tribes under their leadership.

By the end of the century, Silesia became a part of Poland and was ruled by the Piast dynasty. The land of the pagan Opolanie was conquered by duke Miesko I in 992. From then on, it was also a castellany. After the death of Duke Władysław II, the area was divided up between two Piast lines – the Wrocław line in Lower Silesia and the Opole-Racibórz line in Upper Silesia. In 1152, Opole became a duchy and shared much in common with the Duchy of Racibórz, and this led to them being temporarily re-established in 1281.

In the early 13th century, Duke Casimir I of Opole decided to move their capital from their settlement on Pasieka Island to the Oder’s right shore. According to some historians, they had already been there since the 16th century. The old city was demolished to make room for the new castle, and in the process, many people were displaced or relocated. Early residents of Ostrówek, including German merchants, received town rights as early as 1217. This date is controversial, though. Opole became a Polish town in 1254, and the German village of Neumarkt developed during the rule of Duke Bolko I. Right around the time the castle was finally complete, new structures were built to encompass the city and including churches and walls.