Old towns & squares

Wrocław Market Square

Wrocław Market Square is one of the largest medieval squares in Europe: 204 by 170 metres, 3.64 ha of buildings around a central block with the Gothic Town Hall. The city was founded around 1232 by Henry the Bearded, and the first mentions of the town hall date from 1299–1301. Today it is the city's living room — cafes, restaurants and hundreds of dwarf figurines hidden in the side streets.

The Town Hall and Piwnica Świdnicka

The Gothic Town Hall grew with the city: the tower was raised in 1354 and topped with the helmet visible today in 1559. In its cellars operates Piwnica Świdnicka — the first mention of it comes from 1303, and barley beer was sold there from 1332. It ranks among the oldest beer cellars in Europe, working in medieval vaults beneath the town hall.

60 townhouses and hundreds of dwarfs

10 streets lead into the square — two from each corner — and around it eventually took shape 60 properties, including townhouses with names of their own. Next to the town hall stands a sandstone pillory from 1492, 10 metres tall. Hunting for dwarf figurines can fill hours — the most Wrocław way of sightseeing.

Destruction and reconstruction

In 1945 more than 60% of the buildings around the square were destroyed; only 17 townhouses survived. Reconstruction was decided in 1953 and most facades were restored by 1955, following old views of the city. The last house rebuilt from scratch, 'Pod Złotym Psem' (Under the Golden Dog), went up in 1992–1994.

Practical notes

The square is a pedestrian zone and a great base for exploring: Ostrów Tumski with the cathedral is a 10-minute walk, and the Oder riverside boulevards are close by. The square bustles from morning till night and is least crowded on weekday mornings. After lunch, set off hunting for dwarfs — figurines hide in the side streets too.