Castle Square (Plac Zamkowy)

Square in Warsaw

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Rhododendrites

Castle Square (Plac Zamkowy) is the historic heart of Warsaw and one of the city’s most iconic and atmospheric public spaces. Situated at the entrance to the Old Town and directly in front of the Royal Castle, the square has served as a focal point for political, ceremonial, and social life in Warsaw for centuries. Its cobbled expanse is framed by elegant townhouses with colourful facades, and it often teems with life—street performers, local artists, and visitors from around the world fill the space, creating a vibrant and energetic ambiance.

At the centre of the square stands the towering Sigismund’s Column (Kolumna Zygmunta), erected in 1644 to honour King Sigismund III Vasa, who moved the Polish capital from Kraków to Warsaw. The column was the first of its kind in Europe to commemorate a secular leader and remains a powerful national symbol. Despite being toppled and damaged during World War II, it was restored and continues to dominate the square, its statue of the king with cross and sword standing watch over the city.

Castle Square’s surroundings reflect a layered history of destruction and resilience. The Royal Castle, heavily bombed during World War II, was painstakingly reconstructed in the post-war period using original plans and paintings. Nearby buildings, many reduced to rubble during the Warsaw Uprising, were similarly restored to their pre-war appearance, creating a faithful representation of the historic square while symbolising Poland’s commitment to preserving its heritage against great odds.

Today, Castle Square is a prime location for public events, cultural celebrations, and political gatherings. Its open space often hosts concerts, markets, and festivals, and it serves as the gateway for walking tours into the Old Town. With panoramic views, rich history, and lively surroundings, Plac Zamkowy remains not just a landmark, but the beating heart of historical Warsaw.

The Castle Square (Plac Zamkowy) appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Warsaw!

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