Świdnica, Medieval commercial center in Lower Silesia, Poland
Świdnica is a city in Lower Silesia, Poland, that stretches along the Bystrzyca River and features a central Market Square with Gothic and Baroque buildings. Eleven parks spread across the urban area and offer green spaces between residential districts and historic streets.
The settlement received town status in 1250 and grew into a trade hub with city walls and six gates by the end of the 13th century. The Peace Church was built in the 17th century and now holds UNESCO World Heritage status as a witness to the religious history of Silesia.
The name comes from the Bystrzyca River, which flows through the center and has shaped life here for centuries. Residents meet in the Market Square for shopping and coffee, while the surrounding streets fill with shops and restaurants throughout the day.
The city is easy to explore on foot, as the central Market Square and many points of interest sit close together. During winter, two ice skating rinks open, one outdoors in the Market Square and one indoor venue on Slaska Street.
In the 15th century, three hundred houses here held brewing rights and distributed their beer across large parts of Europe. This brewing tradition made the place an important center of beer production in the region.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
