Old towns & squares

Market Square in Olsztyn

The central square of the Old Town is ringed by town houses from the 17th to 19th centuries, some of them with arcaded loggias and sgraffito decoration. In the middle stands the Old Town Hall, built in 1623–1624, while the oldest structure on the square is the Mayor's House at Rynek 11, first mentioned in 1507.

A town hall burnt and rebuilt

Until the early 16th century the square served mainly trade — twelve market stalls and a town brewery stood here. After the office of mayor was created in 1500, a late Gothic town hall was built; it burnt down in 1620 along with much of the town. Four years later a new building rose, later remodelled in the Baroque style, and Gothic walls together with the southern facade survive to this day. In 1915 the authorities moved to the New Town Hall, and the historic building now houses the public library.

Around the square

The square is adorned by the Gothic High Gate, and a few steps away awaits the castle of the Warmia chapter with a museum documenting the region's history. In summer life here lasts late into the evening — the town houses hold cafés and restaurants.

Practical information

The square is accessible around the clock, all year. The cathedral and the chapter castle lie only about 100 m away, which makes the square a convenient starting point for a walk around the Old Town.