Old Town Market Place (Rynek Starego Miasta)

Square in Warsaw

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Adrian Grycuk

The Old Town Market Place (Rynek Starego Miasta) sits at the very heart of historic Warsaw and has served as the city’s social and commercial core since its foundation in the 13th century. Originally a meeting place for merchants, it soon became the backdrop for a wide range of civic life—from bustling markets and jubilant festivals to grim executions. Throughout the centuries, this central square evolved in architecture and function, but it always remained a vital node in the fabric of Warsaw. At its center stands the statue of Syrenka, the sword-bearing Warsaw Mermaid, who has symbolized the city’s strength and protection since the 14th century. Sculpted by Konstanty Hegel in 1855, she remains one of the most cherished icons in Warsaw.

The surrounding townhouses, originally built in the Gothic style, were rebuilt in the Renaissance style after a fire in 1607, and later took on a Baroque appearance. Tragically, during World War II, the German Luftwaffe destroyed the square, including its large town hall and much of its historical architecture. However, in a powerful act of cultural resilience, the square was meticulously reconstructed in the 1950s, based on 18th-century paintings by Bernardo Bellotto. The four sides of the square were named in honor of prominent 18th-century parliamentarians: Dekert’s Side (north) is named after merchant and activist Jan Dekert; Barss’ Side houses the Adam Mickiewicz Museum; Kollataj’s Side honors constitutional reformer Hugo Kołłątaj; and Zakrzewski’s Side commemorates mayor and art patron Ignacy Zakrzewski.

Today, the square is not just an architectural marvel but a vibrant cultural hub. Cafés, shops, and restaurants surround the cobbled plaza, while street musicians and artisans add life to its historic ambiance. Seasonal markets, particularly around Christmas and Easter, bring color and activity to the space, drawing crowds with festive food, local crafts, and music. Several of the townhouses host the Warsaw Museum, entered via No. 42 on Dekert’s Side, where visitors can explore over 300,000 artifacts arranged across 21 themed rooms. These exhibits provide a fascinating window into the city’s past, from daily life and urban development to Warsaw’s endurance through occupation and war.

As part of Warsaw’s UNESCO-listed Old Town, the Old Town Market Place stands as both a living square and a monument to national perseverance. The care with which it was restored, its blend of cultural layers, and the continued vitality it exudes make it one of the most meaningful and enjoyable destinations in the city. Whether you stop for a coffee, explore the museum, or simply admire the mermaid, this historic square is a must-see for understanding both Warsaw’s past and its spirited present.

The Old Town Market Place (Rynek Starego Miasta) appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Warsaw!

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