Market Square in Bielsko-Biała

The market square in Bielsko-Biała is a rectangular place, sloping eastwards, measuring 80 by 60 metres, on the Town Hill (Wzgórze Miejskie) where the town of Bielsko was founded at the beginning of the 14th century. The shape of the square has not changed since then, and the buildings come mainly from the 18th and 19th centuries — both the whole urban layout and individual townhouses are listed in the monument register.

Jurki with a fork, or the Bielsko Neptune

In the middle of the square stands a fountain with a statue of Neptune, the Roman god of the seas. Townsfolk affectionately called him „Jurki with a fork", and since the figure was unclothed and stirred controversy, they even put underpants on him. One day the statue disappeared in unexplained circumstances — a master chimney sweep saved it and arranged a small museum with it in his own flat. Today the original Neptune is displayed in the castle museum, and a new statue stands on the square.

Relics under armoured glass

By the fountain, under armoured glass, the relics of the former square buildings, the town weights and a well from the 17th century have been secured. Next to it begins an artificial canal 15 metres long, leading to a scale model of the Bielsko market square, and an arched footbridge runs over the square's surface — a contemporary accent in the medieval layout.

In practice

The square is available all year, around the clock. From the square you can see the tall tower of the Bielsko cathedral, and a few steps away stands Bielsko Castle with a museum where you will see the original figure of Neptune.