Olsztyn's historic market square is located in the heart of the Old Town and is surrounded by tenement houses, most of which were destroyed during World War II and rebuilt in the Renaissance and Baroque styles.
At the center of the square stands the Old Town Hall, which now houses the Provincial Public Library after undergoing a renovation. The building is a stunning example of Renaissance architecture, and its tower casts a shadow over the nearby Mayor's House, a tenement house with Gothic arcades.
The Old Town Square has been a trade center since the city's establishment in the 14th century. Although it was significantly damaged during World War II, it was rebuilt in the 1950s. Many tenement houses were decorated with sgraffito and carved images of people fighting for Polish identity in the Warmia and Mazury regions.
The square is strategically located on the city's north-south axis, with Górne Przedmieście and Staromiejska Street leading to the Upper Gate and the High Gate to the north, and Dolne Przedmieście and Prosta Street leading to the former site of the Lower Gate to the south. Visitors can still see remnants of the city's fortifications, including fragments of the Upper Gate, a former gate to the town, and a statue of astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus, who spent a significant portion of his life in the Warmia and Mazury region where Olsztyn is located. While Copernicus was not born in Olsztyn, the statue is a tribute to his scientific contributions and connection to the area. The statue is a popular spot for photos and a symbol of the city's rich history and culture.
Aside from its historical significance, the Old Town Square offers many modern amenities, such as numerous shops and restaurants.
