Stare Jatki, Wrocław

Statue in Wrocław

Stare Jatki
Stare Jatki
CC BY-SA 3.0 / fot. Slawek Ilski

Stare Jatki is a short, cobbled lane just north of Wrocław's Market Square, and it's exactly the kind of place you stumble into by accident and then recommend to everyone afterwards. Once the medieval butchers' stalls of the city, it has kept its old-world proportions and low, timber-lined feel, even as its purpose has shifted from trade to creativity.

Today the lane is calm, gallery-filled, and quietly photogenic, with small studios and artisan shops that make it feel like a miniature cultural pocket inside the Old Town. It's one of the things to see in Wrocław if you like places where history and daily life overlap, and it slots effortlessly into a walking tour of Wrocław when you want a gentle, atmospheric break from the crowds around Rynek.

History and Significance of the Stare Jatki

The name Stare Jatki translates to “Old Butchers' Stalls,” and the street's identity is rooted in Wrocław's medieval market life, when this was the practical, working heart of food trade near the city centre. The lane's narrow footprint still reflects that original function: compact, utilitarian, and built for stalls and foot traffic rather than grand processional architecture.

Over the centuries, the street evolved from a commercial meat market into a small architectural time capsule, with a distinctive line of low buildings that feels noticeably different from the taller façades around Rynek. That contrast is part of what makes the lane so satisfying to visit: you can feel the scale of “old Wrocław” in a way that bigger streets often smooth out.

Its most famous modern symbol is the Monument to the Slaughtered Animals, a set of bronze farm animals that adds humour, poignancy, and a very Wrocław-style touch of public art. It's a gentle reminder of what the street once was, while also signalling what it has become: a place for creativity, craft, and small discoveries.

Things to See and Do in the Stare Jatki

Start at the entrance where the bronze animals gather and take a minute to enjoy how the sculptures soften the lane’s history into something approachable. It’s an easy photo stop, but it’s also worth looking closer, because the details and expressions are part of the charm, and the setting makes even quick snapshots feel atmospheric.

Then do a slow walk end-to-end, peeking into galleries and workshops as you go. This is the kind of street where the best experience is unplanned: a handmade print, a small exhibition, a local craft item that feels more personal than a standard souvenir from the main square.

If you want the lane at its best, visit twice in one day: once in daylight to browse and photograph, and again in the evening when the Old Town quiets down and the street feels almost theatrical. Because it's so short, it never becomes a “time commitment,” which is exactly why it works so well as a flexible stop.

How to Get to the Stare Jatki

The nearest airport is Wrocław Airport (WRO); if you are connecting internationally via a larger hub, Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW) is the most common alternative for reaching Wrocław by onward travel. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Wrocław on Booking.com.

If you arrive by train, Wrocław Główny is the main station, and you can reach Rynek easily by tram, bus, taxi, or a straightforward walk, then continue on foot to Stare Jatki in a few minutes. You can easily check schedules and book tickets through the PKP Intercity website. However, for a smoother experience, we recommend using Omio, which simplifies the booking process and lets you compare prices and schedules all in one place.

From Rynek, simply head toward the Old Town streets north of the square and look for the lane connecting the area around Kiełbaśnicza and Odrzańska. The approach is simple, and walking is usually faster than public transport once you are in the centre.

If you are driving, park in a central garage on the Old Town edge and walk in, as the tight centre streets are not designed for quick stops and the short walk is part of the enjoyment. If you are looking to rent a car in Poland I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Stare Jatki

  • Entrance fee: Free.
  • Opening hours: 24 Hours
  • Best time to visit: Late morning to early afternoon is best if you want shops and galleries open; early evening is ideal for atmosphere and photos with fewer people.
  • How long to spend: 15-30 minutes is plenty for a relaxed stroll, or 45 minutes if you want to browse galleries and pick up a small souvenir.
  • Accessibility: The lane is short and walkable, but the cobbles can be uneven; sturdy shoes help, and wheels (strollers or suitcases) may feel bumpy.
  • Facilities: There are no dedicated visitor facilities on the lane itself, but Rynek is a two-minute walk away for cafés, restrooms, and longer breaks.

Where to Stay Close to the Stare Jatki

For a culture-heavy itinerary, base yourself in the Old Town around Rynek so you can walk everywhere and dip into small corners like Stare Jatki whenever the mood strikes.

If you want a modern, design-led stay with great walkability to the lane and the wider Old Town, choose PURO Wrocław Stare Miasto. For boutique charm in a classic Old Town position, Art Hotel puts you right in the atmospheric streets that make evening wandering so enjoyable. If you are after a more luxurious, “special trip” base close to the centre’s restaurants and landmark routes, Hotel Monopol Wrocław works well for travellers who like to turn nights out into part of the experience.

Is the Stare Jatki Worth Visiting?

Yes, because it’s a high-reward, low-effort stop that captures Wrocław’s personality in just a few minutes. The lane is small, but it feels curated by history, with enough art, texture, and detail to justify stepping away from the main square.

It's especially worth it if you like cities at human scale. Stare Jatki is not a “big ticket” sight, but it's exactly the kind of place that makes a trip feel more personal than a checklist.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.7 (815)

Slaughtered Animals Monument on Jatki in Wrocław is a small, charming memorial featuring animal sculptures tucked into a narrow street lined with craft shops, gift stores and a pub; visitors note it's a pleasant spot for a stroll, children enjoy playing around the statues, and the area's shops offer artsy souvenirs, while some mention candles are placed there on All Saints' Day.

Alice Leonard
2 months ago
"A lovely memorial to the slaughtered animals of Wroclaw on butchers alley. Very nice statues and lovely little street that had some art and someshops for gifts if you would like some artsy gifts to take home...."
Spelling Chmap
a month ago
"Monument to our edible friends. I heard they put candles here on All Saints Day, I would have liked to see that."
Max MLE
6 years ago
"Interesting place to go in Wroclaw. The memorial to Slaughtered Animals in Wrocław. In the Middle Ages, this place was a terrible place for animals💀,but a pretty good place to buy meat 🍖. Now you can find some nice little shops......"

For Different Travelers

Families with Kids

Kids usually love the bronze animals, and the lane is short enough that it rarely becomes a patience test. Treat it as a playful stop: find each animal, take a photo, and then reward yourselves with a snack break back toward Rynek.

If you are travelling with a stroller, expect a bumpy ride over cobbles and consider approaching slowly rather than trying to rush through. The lane works best when you let it be a gentle pause, not a transit shortcut.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

For couples, Stare Jatki is a perfect “small moment” in a larger Old Town day. The lane has a quiet, tucked-away feel that makes it ideal for slow walking, shared photos, and browsing for a meaningful souvenir that feels more local than mass-produced.

It’s also great just before dinner, when the centre starts to glow and the street feels calmer. Pair it with an evening loop around Rynek and nearby lanes for an effortless, romantic mini-itinerary.

Budget Travelers

This is one of the easiest budget-friendly stops in the Old Town: free, central, and genuinely memorable without needing a ticket. If you want a souvenir, small galleries and workshops often offer affordable prints or handmade items that feel more special than standard fridge magnets.

To keep your day efficient, weave Stare Jatki into your Old Town walking route rather than making it a separate “destination.” You get the atmosphere without spending extra time or transport costs.

FAQs for Visiting Stare Jatki (Old Butchers’ Stalls)

Getting There

It’s just north of Rynek in the Old Town, tucked into the small streets near the centre. If you are already sightseeing around Market Square, it’s only a few minutes away on foot.
Start from Rynek and head into the smaller lanes north of the square, following the flow of pedestrian streets. The lane is short and distinctive, so you will know you are there when the street narrows and the bronze animals appear.
Go into the Old Town first by tram, bus, taxi, or a direct walk, then continue on foot from Rynek. Once you are in the centre, walking is the simplest approach.
Driving into the tight Old Town streets is usually more hassle than it’s worth for a quick visit. A central car park plus a short walk is the easiest way to keep the stop stress-free.

Visiting Experience

Even 10 minutes is enough to enjoy the lane, see the sculptures, and take a few photos. If you have 20-30 minutes, you can browse galleries and enjoy the atmosphere without rushing.
Yes, because it’s close to major Old Town sights and gives you a “hidden corner” feeling without taking time away from bigger landmarks. It’s a smart way to add variety to a one-day route.
Pair it with Rynek and the surrounding Old Town streets, then continue toward the riverside or Ostrów Tumski if you want a calmer second act. It works especially well as a short detour between bigger stops.
Yes, because the lane is quick and you can keep it brief, then retreat to cafés nearby. If it’s raining heavily, treat it as a photo stop and save longer browsing for another day.

Photography

Very much so, because the lane’s scale, cobbles, and low buildings create a naturally atmospheric frame. The bronze animals make it easy to capture a classic “Wrocław moment” without needing a perfect setup.
Late afternoon and early evening often look best, when the light softens and the Old Town feels more cinematic. Early morning is best if you want fewer people in the lane.
Outdoor photography is straightforward, but individual galleries may prefer you not photograph inside. If you want interior shots, a quick polite ask keeps things comfortable.
Shoot from one end of the lane looking down its full length to emphasise the “hidden alley” feel, then do close-ups with the bronze animals for detail shots. A low angle often makes the cobbles and buildings feel more dramatic.

Accessibility & Facilities

It is short and central, but the cobbles can be uneven and tiring, especially for wheels. If mobility is a concern, approach slowly, keep the visit brief, and use the many nearby cafés for breaks.
There are no dedicated facilities on the lane itself, but the Old Town around Rynek is packed with cafés and venues where you can plan a practical stop. It’s best to treat Stare Jatki as a quick walk rather than a place to “base” yourself.

Food & Breaks Nearby

Rynek and the side streets around it are the easiest choice because you have plenty of options within minutes. If you prefer quieter, look for cafés just off the main square where the atmosphere is calmer but still central.
This part of the Old Town is more about cafés and casual dining than a single standout market next door. The best approach is to use Stare Jatki as a “between meals” detour, then choose food based on what you feel like.

Safety & Timing

Yes, it’s central and generally well frequented, especially around dinner time. Standard city awareness is all you need, particularly later at night when the Old Town quiets down.
Later in the day has the best Old Town feel, especially as the streets warm up with evening energy. Early morning is calmer and better for photos without people.

Nearby Attractions to the Stare Jatki

The Stare Jatki appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Wrocław!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

24 Hours

Price:

Free.

Address: Stare Jatki, Jatki, Wrocław, Poland
Wrocław: 1 km

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