Market Square in Cieszyn

The Market Square (Rynek) in Cieszyn is a rectangular square measuring about 113 by 60 metres with an area of 6,780 square metres, surrounded by Renaissance and Baroque tenement houses. In the middle stands a fountain with a figure of St Florian, and on the south side the town hall.

Where the square came from

The square was laid out in 1496 by Duke Casimir II, who sold town land for building. After the great fires of 1552, 1720 and 1789, wooden houses were replaced by brick, Renaissance and Baroque ones.

The fountain and the town hall

The fountain with St Florian was probably made around 1776, and its author was most likely the sculptor Wacław Donay of Skoczów. The saint is shown as a Roman legionary with a breastplate shaped along the lines of the ribs. The present form of the town hall in Cieszyn was completed in 1800 to a design by Ignacy Chambrez.

What lies under the paving

In 2022-2023 archaeological research uncovered more than a hundred features in the square: medieval wooden buildings, Renaissance foundations and numerous objects, from Roman coins to household items of the 18th century.

Practical information

• The Market Square is the heart of the old town, an open square without restrictions.
• In the immediate vicinity, about 100 metres away, is the Parish Church of St Mary Magdalene, and half a kilometre further the Jesus Church.
• The Cieszyn Information Centre is based at Rynek 1.