Old towns & squares

Market Square in Węgrów

The market square in Węgrów, known as the Mariacki Square, is a spacious public space in the centre of a town lying on the border of Mazovia and Podlachia, by the Liwiec river. After a recent revitalisation it serves as the town's showcase, with a Baroque church of the Assumption holding the rank of a minor basilica at its heart. Węgrów received its town charter in 1441, and from 1593 it belonged to the Radziwiłł family, who fostered its trade.

The basilica and the fountain

In front of the church stands a fountain whose jet changes intensity, bringing life to the square. The Baroque mass of the basilica makes the strongest impression framed together with the surrounding townhouses.

The Gdańsk House

The northern frontage features the elegant Baroque Gdańsk House from the 18th century. It was erected by merchants from Gdańsk, who held business talks here with Węgrów traders — hence the name. It is a memento of the times when the grain trade flowing towards Gdańsk made Węgrów a serious merchant centre.

The mystery of the old town hall

During the revitalisation of the square, traces of the former town hall were discovered — previously known only from an old portrait, as it had been destroyed long ago. Its appearance and history are now described on information boards placed around the square.

In practice

The square is a good starting point for the town and the area: the castle in Liw lies about 4 km away, while the basilica and the Gdańsk House wait right by the square.