 |
The Market Square is one of the most beautiful in Warsaw and one of the most popular walking places for the Varsovians and tourists. The old architecture, buskers and painters, small shops, cozy cafes and restaurants create a unique atmosphere of medieval Europe. The Market Square dates back to the 13th century, its present plan is of the 17th century when the rich merchants built their houses. In the 17th century the Town Hall, constructed in the 15th century, dominated the square. In 1817 it was destroyed and never rebuilt. In the 18th century it was the most important place in the city, the center of public and commercial life of Warsaw. It is difficult to belief but this corner of the Middle Ages is only a copy, while the original one was wiped of the face of the earth by the Nazi. The Old Market Square as well as the historic Old Town was carefully reconstructed in the postwar years using old prints, plans and paintings. Only two of the mansions on the square, numbered 34 and 35, are original ones.
The square is a mixture of architectural styles. Most of the buildings represent Neo-classic style. Klucznikowska House (number 21) features some Gothic elements; the facade of the Baryczka House (number 32) combines late Renaissance and Baroque style; Szlichtyngowska House (number 34), Little Negro House (number 36) and Talents House (number 38) are in Renaissance style. It is interesting to note that until the end of the 18th century the houses in Warsaw didn't have any numbers, but names. It could be the name of the owner or of something special connected with the house. For example, the house called the Pod Murzynkiem ("Under the Negro") was named so because of the inn sign that used to hang above the doorway.
In the middle of the Market Square there is a symbol of Warsaw - the fountain Warszawska Syrenka, or Warsaw Mermaid. It has been recently returned to its original location, from where it disappeared during World War II. The sculpture was made in 1855 by Konstanty Hegel. The official symbol of the city, Syrenka is as usually depicted with a double tail and armed with a sword and shield. There are many versions of the legends about Warsaw mermaid and there is no way of knowing which version is the correct one. According to one of them very long time ago a witch turned a young beautiful woman, Sawa, into a mermaid who then had to live in the Vistula River. He beloved, a fisherman Wars, underwent all the difficulties, passed all the testes and rescued her. They married and made their home on the bank of the Vistula. From their names Wars and Sawa the name of the new city was formed - Warsaw. According to another version, a mermaid living in the River Vistula helped prince Kazimierz, who had got lost while hunting, showed him the way home and foretold him that soon on the bank of the river a grand city would appear.
In summer the square is crowded with painters and craftspeople that sell their wares, professional and amateur artists that give perform to passers-by, and holiday-makers that flood the numerous open-air cafes. All the year round you can come to the square at the weekend and enjoy musical performances. Day and night horse-drawn carriages await visitors who want to take a ride around the charming narrow streets of the Old Town and New Town that is almost as old as the former.
There are some museums situated in the square. One of them is the Historical Museum of Warsaw, elucidating the history of the town from the foundation till nowadays with the help of numerous documents, paintings, photos and crafts. It was established in 1936 and housed in the building once belonging to the Baryczka and Szlichting families. There is also the Museum of Literature "Adam Mickiewicz" - a sort of a temple to the outstanding Polish poet.
At night, the Market Square turns into one of the most popular dating places: the facades are beautifully lit up that creates charming and romantic atmosphere.
