Domki budnicze w Poznaniu, Historic merchant houses in Old Market Square, Poznań, Poland
The Merchants' Houses form a row of narrow brick buildings with distinctive sandstone-columned arcades that line the eastern side of the Old Market Square. The facades display Renaissance details and have been carefully restored over time.
These buildings evolved from 13th-century wooden herring stalls into permanent brick structures during the late 15th and 16th centuries. The transformation reflects the square's growing prosperity and the shift toward more permanent commercial establishments.
Local artists occupy the ground floors today, displaying and selling works featuring Poznań scenes and landmarks. This continuation of buying and selling in these spaces reflects centuries of commercial activity on the square.
The buildings are easily accessible from the street and you can view the arcades and facades at any time. The pavement is even and the area is well-lit, making it pleasant to walk around and observe the details.
A sandstone column at house number 11 bears the carved date 1535, providing direct evidence of when these Renaissance structures were built. This detail offers visitors visible proof of the buildings' age and authenticity.
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