Oleśnica is located on the river of the same name in the Lower Silesia Voivodship. It gained urban rights in the 13th century. Among the most important historical monuments located in the town there are the Renaissance castle, the Gothic basilica of St. John the Apostle, the former defensive walls with the Wrocławska Gate from the 14th century, the buildings of cavalry barracks and the 17th-century House of Widows, which now houses the Music School. The name of the town comes from the Polish name of the tree – olszyna (English: alder), the trees covered wet areas surrounding this medieval settlement.