The Penitent Bridge

Wrocław, also known as the city of a hundred bridges, is home to one of the most unique bridges in the world. The small bridge connecting the two towers of St. Mary Magdalene’s Cathedral is a true architectural marvel and the only one of its kind, located 45 meters above the ground. This iconic bridge has been a part of the cathedral since 1459, when the cathedral towers were completed.

However, it has faced its fair share of challenges. In 1887, the bridge was burned down and had to be reconstructed, but this did not diminish its beauty or significance. Despite this setback, the bridge still holds a special place in the hearts of the residents of Wrocław, who are drawn to it even today.

Tourists from all over the world come to visit this stunning bridge, which was once a convenient throughway connecting the north and south towers of the cathedral. It provided access to the large cathedral bell in the south tower and was much more than just a simple bridge.

The legend states that the ghosts of young women who neglected their domestic duties and pursued leisure with men could be seen crossing the bridge between the towers as a form of penance.

Witchcraft has a long history in Europe, but reached a peak in the 15th to 17th centuries when hundreds of thousands of women, especially older, widowed or unmarried ones, were accused of sorcery and faced trials that often ended in execution. Many of these women were merely convenient targets for larger societal issues and were accused because of their knowledge of herbal medicine. An accusation of witchcraft was often the explanation for mysterious illnesses, animal deaths, or poor crop yields.

Books about witchcraft, including the seminal text "Malleus Maleficarum" by Heinrich Kramer, were widely distributed thanks to the printing press. These texts equated sorcery with heresy, making the crime and punishment more severe. An accusation of witchcraft usually resulted in a death sentence.

The accused faced "tests," a series of torturous trials, that usually resulted in death no matter the outcome. If they passed, they were deemed guilty of witchcraft and executed. If they failed, they were seen as innocent but still died from the trials.