Market Square in Chorzów

The Market Square (Rynek) in Chorzów is a square in the Centrum district, over which a road flyover passes, with a town hall and townhouses around it. After the rebuilding of 2017-2019 it serves as a transfer hub and a meeting place.

How the square changed over time

The layout of the square took shape at the end of the 19th century, and the town hall was built in 1874-1876. Until 1905 trade took place here, and then the market was moved to the newly opened market hall.

The name of the square changed: from 1935 it bore the name of Marshal Józef Piłsudski, in 1939-1945 a German occupation name, and from 1945 to 1992 it was called 1 May Square. In 1919 the army opened fire on demonstrating workers, and 17 people were killed.

The flyover and the transfer hub

Construction of the flyover began in August 1976 and it was opened in July 1979. It is about 400 metres long and is part of national road no. 79. In 2015 the Chorzów Rynek transfer hub with four tram platforms was created here.

Buildings around the square

At number 1 stands the historic town hall. In the townhouse at Rynek 7 there is a contemporary art gallery, and at Katowicka 72 stands the building of the Royal Mining Office from 1892. The former court and prison building at Rynek 12 was demolished in 1969.

Revitalisation 2017-2019

The square was opened after rebuilding on 28 June 2019. Four glazed pavilions were built with catering outlets, a bookshop with a café, a shop, a gallery and an information point, as well as public toilets. 47 trees and over 3,000 shrubs were planted, and green areas occupy 27 per cent of the square.

Practical information

• Location: Rynek, Chorzów-Centrum, by the tram interchange.
• Nearby are the Teatr Rozrywki (200 m), the Prezydent Shaft and the Rose Park.
• Check the opening hours of the premises in the pavilions with their operators.