Słodowa Island

A view over the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary

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Słodowa Island (Malt Island) is a small islet on the Oder River within the Wrocław Old Town.

Słodowa Island used to be called Bielarska Przednia until 1945. Originally the name came from bleaching linen for the Order of Saint Clare. The island was owned by the Order of Saint Claire from Middle Ages until the beginning of 18th century, when it became the property of the ciry. In 18th century Słodowa Island was connected to Młyńska and Bielarska Islands with the iron bridge. In the second half of 19th century, people began to build dwelling houses on it with sewerage systems, phones and electricity. In 1945 German army installed there field artillery, what made it target for often bombarding during the World War II. During the siege of Wrocław at the end of World War II, almost all the buildings of the island were destroyed.