The Market Square

The Market Square (Rynek) in Wrocław is a large medieval market square established in the 13th century and remains the civic and commercial heart of the city. It is one of the principal medieval market squares in Central Europe.

The open rectangular plaza is bordered by rows of historic townhouses and dominated by the Gothic Old Town Hall, which dates from the medieval period and was developed further through the 14th to 16th centuries. The square hosts markets, festivals and open-air events throughout the year and is a focal point for visitors exploring Old Town.

The square was laid out in the medieval period as the commercial centre of the town and has been rebuilt and restored repeatedly, notably after heavy damage in the Second World War and subsequent reconstruction in the mid 20th century.

The Market Square sits in central Wrocław in the Lower Silesian Voivodeship on the islanded stretch of the Oder River; it is within the historic Old Town district and is easily reached from the city’s transport hubs.

• Size and age: The rectangular market square measures roughly 200 by 200 metres and dates back to the founding and urban expansion of the town in the 13th century.
• Key building and use: The Gothic Old Town Hall stands on the square and is the site's architectural and historic focal point; the square is used for markets and public events year-round.