Wrocławski Rynek, Medieval marketplace in Wrocław, Poland.
Wrocławski Rynek is a rectangular marketplace at the center of Wrocław, surrounded by 60 multi-story townhouses built across different centuries. Two town hall buildings stand freely in the middle of the space, dividing the open square into several smaller sections.
The square was established between 1214 and 1232 under Polish Duke Henry I the Bearded, following the legal framework of Magdeburg law. Over the centuries, the area survived multiple destructions and underwent extensive reconstruction after World War II.
The name Rynek simply means marketplace in Polish, reflecting the central function this space has held for city residents over centuries. On warm evenings, outdoor seating at restaurants and cafés fills with guests, while street musicians perform between the historic house facades during the day.
The entire area functions as a pedestrian zone, with only a few authorized vehicles granted access. Eleven streets lead onto the square from different directions, making it easy to navigate while exploring the old town.
Beneath the square lies the Piwnica Świdnicka restaurant, one of the oldest continuously operating dining establishments in Europe. The vaulted cellars date back to the 13th century and originally served as the city beer house.
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