I
have never seen a public square so beautiful, so picturesque, so vibrant as Rynek.
Life transpires here. You see people dancing, singing, playing, painting,
eating, or simply sitting on a bench with a gelato at hand, wondering,
marvelling, witnessing the beauty of life. For the entire week that I stayed in
Wroclaw, I did not miss a day without passing by at the Old Town Square. I
could spend an hour or so just gawking at the Ratusz (Old Town Hall) while
admiring its picture-perfect structure and intricate details. For an old soul
like me, this is heaven!
A Short History of the Rynek
Considered as one of largest market squares
in Europe, second only to Krakow’s, Rynek is also where the two largest city
halls in Poland is found. The Town Square is surrounded by buildings of
different styles. An urban ensemble, it has two diagonally contiguous areas -
the Salt Market and the square in front of St. Elisabeth's Church. The Magdeburg
law passed in the early years of the rule of Polish Duke Henry “the Bearded”
ensured the establishment of the market and town’s patricians later built
houses around. Tram lines were later built, which were connected to the square
in the 19th century. What started as a horse-drawn system was replaced by the
electric system in the 1890s. World War II wrought havoc to the market square.
Careful restoration work in the second half of the 20th century guaranteed the restoration
of these buildings.
The heart of Rynek is the Ratusz (Old Town
Hall), a historic and cultural attraction that dates back to the 13th century.
The Ratusz’s impressive image reflects Wroclaw’s 15th century fortunes. As the
city’s commercial and administrative building, it was only fitting for the
Ratusz to showcase Wroclaw’s Renaissance glory. Sitting handsomely outside the
Ratusz is the statue of Alexander Fredro, one of Poland's most renowned literary
figures.
Experience the Rynek
The Market Square in Wroclaw has everything
for everyone. It is the heart of Wroclaw’s Old Town and attracts locals and
tourists alike, thanks to its unlimited shopping, dining and entertainment
options. But let’s not forget it is also a priceless cultural treasure with its
history spanning hundreds of years from the medieval period to the present.
With colourful, centuries-old buildings, no visit to Wroclaw is complete
without experiencing Rynek!
During the daytime, the place teems with
tourists eager to capture what’s going around—its beautiful structures and the
life that gets more and more exciting as dusk settles. In the evening, the
Rynek is transformed into a bustling entertainment hotspot with restaurants,
cafes and clubs welcoming everyone who
yearns for some good food and great time.
The Rynek is a spectacle comes by only when
you visit Wroclaw. Just look for somewhere to sit down and let life happen
right before your eyes. No need to spend so much! The old buildings are enough
to fill your mind with inspiration.
One summer dusk in the old Market Square, the golden sunset rays kissing the storied walls of the centuries-old buildings leave a romantic feel. Crowd begin to flock this place.
Tourists from other parts of Poland and Europe emerge in the Market Square. I saw very few Asians loitering around.
Life thrives in the afternoon. Many simply stroll and enjoy the relaxing vibe of the place.
The statue of Aleksander Fredro was originally from Lviv in Ukraine. When the city's Polish inhabitants returned to Wroclaw, they brought with them this statue, which ended at the heart of the Market Square.
The Old Town Hall's east elevation where the famous clock is hung.
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