Market Square in Olsztyn near Częstochowa

The Market Square (Rynek) in Olsztyn near Częstochowa, also called Marshal Józef Piłsudski Square, is about 115 metres long and covers about 8,000 m². It existed as early as the 14th century at least, and was laid out in a shape close to today's in the first half of the 18th century.

How the square has changed

Until the interwar period the buildings were wooden and there was no greenery on the square. In 1926 the town hall was built at number 15, and today it houses a cultural centre and a library. In 1929 pavements were laid, and in the 1960s greenery appeared, the wooden buildings were demolished and trading pavilions were put up. The regeneration of the square was completed in 2013, when a fountain was also built.

What stands on the square

The focal point of the square used to be an artesian well. Today it holds the sculpture “Into Infinity” by Jerzy Kędziora, made as a balancing structure. In a glass case you can see a 1:100 scale model of the castle; the Model of the Castle in Olsztyn is described in more detail in a separate entry.

The square was entered in the heritage register, first in 1953. From the square it is a short way to Olsztyn Castle, about 400 m further on.

Practical information

• Location: the centre of Olsztyn, Częstochowa County.
• The square is open to all; in its northern part there is a bus stop.