Szczecin, the city with a thousand years of tradition is the capital of Western Pomerania and is situated at the estuary of the Odra river, 12 km from the Polish/German border and 60 km from the Baltic Sea. Throughout the ages Szczecin developed from a little village a prominent port city. It was only in the 13th century when Szczecin was granted its municipal charter. The most renowned part of the city is the block of buildings situated on the slope along the Odra, called "Waly Chrobrego". The "Chrobry Terrace" is a famous architectural feature whilst, the Castle of Pomeranian Dukes is the most beautiful monument of the Old Town.