Chrobry Embankment

The Waly Chrobrego is a raised terrace about five hundred metres long above the Oder, built between 1902 and 1921 on the site of demolished fortifications as Szczecin's public front to the river - a broad promenade with a monumental staircase down to the quay, fountains, and three large buildings behind it in a heavy Neo-Renaissance and Secession manner: the former provincial government offices, now the voivodeship office; the maritime academy; and the National Museum's maritime branch. It was the city's statement of itself as a port at the moment when the port was at its height. The view is directly over the working harbour with cranes and shipyard cranes downstream, which is not picturesque in the ordinary sense and is much better for it. The Tall Ships Races have finished here more than once, filling the quay below. The philharmonic and the castle are a short walk behind.

What you actually see

• A five-hundred-metre terrace - built 1902-1921 over demolished fortifications.
• A monumental staircase - dropping from the promenade to the quay.
• Three heavy public buildings - government offices, maritime academy and museum.
• A working port below - cranes and shipyards downstream, not a scenic river.

When to go

April to October. Half a day.

Honest expectations

The terrace is exposed and windy. The museum branch closes on Mondays. The riverside below is industrial, and access to the quay depends on port activity. Much of the surrounding city is postwar rebuilding.

Nearby

The Ducal Castle and the philharmonic are a short walk inland.