Market Square in Rzeszów

The Market Square (Rynek) in Rzeszów (say "ZHEH-shoof") is the heart of the capital of Poland's southeastern Podkarpackie region – a cobbled square lined with pastel townhouses, with an ornate town hall in one corner, a statue of Tadeusz Kościuszko and a historic well. Beneath it runs a network of medieval cellars, now an underground tourist route, and from the town hall a jazz bugle call by Tomasz Stańko rings out every day. It is the natural starting point for exploring the city.

Where it is

Rzeszów is the main gateway to southeastern Poland: Rzeszów-Jasionka Airport (RZE) is about 10 km from the center, the A4 motorway links the city with Kraków (roughly two hours by car), and there are direct trains from Kraków. From the railway and bus stations it is a 10–15-minute walk to the square.

History

Rzeszów received its town charter in 1354 from King Casimir the Great. For centuries the square was the main marketplace, where traders sold jewelry, clothing and furniture. The early houses were probably low wooden or partly brick buildings with cellars; most of today's townhouses date from the 19th century, rebuilt after the great fire of 1842. Five streets lead off the square: Kopernika, Słowackiego, Kościuszki, Baldachówka and Przesmyk.

The town hall and the bugle call

The freestanding town hall stands in the southwest corner. It was first mentioned in 1427; after a fire in 1576, a brick town hall with a tower was built before 1591 by the town's owner, Mikołaj Spytek Ligęza. It was wrecked in 1657 by the Transylvanian army of George II Rákóczi and rebuilt several times. Its fairy-tale look, with turrets and stepped gables, comes from a remodeling in 1895–1898 designed by Franciszek Skowron. Damaged in World War II, it was restored in 1993–1996 and today houses the city administration.

Seven times a day the town hall plays Rzeszów's bugle call, composed by Tomasz Stańko, one of Europe's best-known jazz trumpeters.

What to see

• The town hall – in 2026 you can join a guided tour inside once a month (see below).
• The Kościuszko monument and the historic well in the center of the square.
• The townhouses, including the Alko house at no. 25, with cafés and restaurants on the ground floors.
• The Rzeszów Cellars – the entrance to the underground route is at Rynek 26.

Town hall tours

As of October 2026, the Rzeszowskie Piwnice cultural center runs guided tours of the town hall on one Sunday a month, 10 am–noon: October 25, November 29 and December 20, 2026. Tickets cost PLN 30 and go on sale online and at the Rzeszowskie Piwnice ticket office about two weeks ahead. Meet at the town hall (Rynek 1) 15 minutes before the start. Tours are led by a heritage specialist; check the language when booking.

Practical tips

The square is a public space, open around the clock and free. An hour is enough for a stroll; with the underground route and the town hall, plan half a day. The center is a paid parking zone (on weekdays 8 am–8 pm, PLN 5 for the first hour in zone I). Prices are in Polish złoty (PLN).

Is it worth visiting?

Yes. Rzeszów is often only a transit stop on the way to the Bieszczady Mountains or Ukraine, but its compact old town, lively café terraces and underground route make a pleasant half-day. Nearby, see the bastions of Rzeszów Castle, and take a day trip to Łańcut Castle, about 20 km east.