Kościuszki Square in Tomaszów Mazowiecki

Kościuszki Square is the central square of Tomaszów Mazowiecki and the main meeting place for residents, known here as the city salon. Originally named Market Square of Saint Joseph, in 1918, on the hundredth anniversary of Tadeusz Kościuszko's death, it was renamed in his honour. That same year a monument to the general was erected here, which remains one of the recognisable landmarks of the city centre.

Origin of the name Market Square of Saint Joseph

Before the square received its present name, it functioned for decades as the Market Square of Saint Joseph, serving the typical role of urban markets in trade and commerce. The name change in 1918 coincided with Poland's regaining of independence and was part of a wave of honouring national heroes in the public spaces of Polish cities.

Buildings around the square

The square is surrounded by several buildings with history dating back to the nineteenth century. The Evangelical-Augsburg Church of the Holy Trinity from 1823–1829 is the oldest religious building in Tomaszów. Next to it stands the Knothe family townhouse from the 1820s, which today houses the Municipal Centre of Culture. The former city market stalls from 1830–1837 have been adapted into the Arkady Gallery, so the commercial function of this place has in a sense survived to the present day, only in a different form.

Revitalisation of the square

In 2011–2014 the square underwent a thorough reconstruction. Modern fountains appeared, new plantings of greenery and solutions called green-blue infrastructure, that is systems that retain rainwater within municipal green spaces. For the results of this reconstruction Tomaszów Mazowiecki received an award from the Association of Polish Architects in the Łódź Voivodeship [region] in the category of best developed public space rescued and revitalised.

Place of urban life

Kościuszki Square serves a representative function and remains the main venue for events in the city. State ceremonies, concerts, cultural and sporting events are organised here. Thanks to its central location the square connects directly with other historic points in the centre, including Roman Dmowski Roundabout and Independence Square.

Practical information

• Address: Plac Kościuszki, 97-200 Tomaszów Mazowiecki
• Getting there: city centre, the square is easily accessible on foot
• What to expect: open space with fountains and greenery, historic townhouses nearby, monument to Tadeusz Kościuszko, venue for city events