Market Square in Bolków

Bolków's market square is not flat: it slopes towards the town hall, and steps lead up to the tall arcades of the houses on its west side. This layout is rare in Poland and easy to appreciate from any corner. Bolków Castle, also known today for the Castle Party festival, rises above the square, and the Gothic Church of St Hedwig is a few steps away.

History

The layout of the old town is a protected monument, and the square itself is a sloping rectangle. The town hall was built in the 14th century. It burned down in 1663, was rebuilt in 1670 and remodelled in 1827 to a design by Hedeman of Kamienna Góra. Around the square stand arcaded houses from the 17th and 18th centuries, altered in the 19th; several of them, including nos. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 21, 22 and 24, are listed monuments.

The town was enclosed by walls built in the mid-14th century. Only fragments survive, for example near Reymonta Street and in the courtyard of the parish house.

What to look for

• The west side of the square with arcaded houses reached by steps – Bolków's most characteristic view.
• The town hall with its tower, remodelled in 1827 and now the seat of the town council.
• The slope of the square – best seen from its upper end looking towards the town hall.
• A small Baroque shrine with a Pietà in the Podzamcze area, the sculpture behind a wrought-iron grille.

Tripto tip

The square is the natural start of a walk up to the castle, which takes just a few minutes. The square itself needs 20–30 minutes; with the castle and St Hedwig's Church, allow 2–3 hours. It is busiest during the Castle Party festival and knights' tournaments at the castle. A few minutes away on Niepodległości Street, the former Lutheran church now houses the ARS ET HISTORIA Historical and Art Gallery.