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Rynek Główny, Oświęcim
The Main Market Square in Oświęcim is a rectangular plaza laid out in the Middle Ages that served for centuries as the town's commercial and political core. It lies in Lesser Poland, a few minutes' walk from the castle above the Soła river, and shows a very different side of Oświęcim than the one the town is usually associated with.
Under communist rule the centre of the square was occupied by the „Tęcza” department store, which disrupted its layout. Its demolition and the redevelopment that followed restored the open space: a cobbled surface was laid and the town well reconstructed. During the works, remains of the old town walls were uncovered and are now displayed beneath a glass pane set into the square.
Cafés and restaurants with outdoor seating operate around the square, and there is a tourist information point. Information boards outline the town's history and numerous benches invite a rest. After dark the illumination changes the character of the square completely.
