Merchants’ Houses (Domki Budnicze)

Historic Site in Poznań

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Janpakos

Nestled just south of the Town Hall in Poznań’s Old Market Square, the Domki Budnicze are a row of narrow, 3‑ to 4‑storey merchants’ houses built in the early 16th century. Originally replacing wooden stalls where traders sold fish, torches, and salt, these slender brick buildings feature distinctive Renaissance arcades supported by sandstone columns. Each facade is a testament to historic craftsmanship, with remnants of original design—such as a column engraved with the date “1535”—and the coat of arms of the budnik merchants: three palm trees and a herring.

Though heavily damaged during World War II along with much of the Old Town, the Domki Budnicze were meticulously reconstructed in the 1950s and ’60s with polychrome facades designed by Zbigniew Bednarowicz. Today, their vibrant pastel hues, varied rooflines, and arcaded ground floor remain one of Poznań’s most photogenic and historically evocative sights. Under the arcades, local artists sell souvenir items, often featuring scenes of the Old Town, giving the space lively continuity with its market origins.

The Merchants’ Houses (Domki Budnicze) appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Poznań!

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