Narutowicza Square in Bełchatów

Narutowicza Square is located in the centre of Bełchatów, on Pabianicka Street, and serves as the main city square, with monuments, sculptures and places to rest. It is here that most of the representative and recreational life of the city centre is concentrated.

From the Old Market Square to Narutowicza Square

Until 1925 the place was called the Old Market Square, then it was renamed in honour of Gabriel Narutowicz. In the pre-war period the square was the commercial centre of the city, where crafts and factory goods were sold, so from the beginning it served as the heart of municipal trade and meetings. During the German occupation it bore the name Friesenplatz, which recalls the difficult history of the city during the Second World War.

Successive modernisations

The square underwent modernisation in 1995–1996, 2006 and 2010, so its current appearance is the result of several successive stages of work spread over more than a decade. After the 2010 works, the square took on representative and recreational functions and became a central meeting place for residents, replacing the former, mainly commercial role of this space.

Sculptures and memorials

On the square stands the sculpture Balancing Eva by Jerzy Kędzior, made of cold bronze in 2018. It depicts the figure of Eva with an apple and refers to the coat of arms of Bełchatów, combining local symbolism with sculptural form. There is also the Volleyball Hall of Fame here, commemorating athletes who achieved success in men's volleyball, which reflects the strong position of this discipline in the city associated with a volleyball team.

Fountains and the PGE Giants of Power exhibition

Two fountains operate on the square, one in the central part, the other near the Municipal Culture Centre. Both, like other city fountains in Bełchatów, are operated seasonally and in summer provide a natural resting point on hot days. The space is complemented by the PGE Giants of Power exhibition, a multimedia presentation of brown coal mining and electricity production processes, referring to the industrial history of the Bełchatów region.

The square as a centre of events

Due to its central location and open space, the square today serves as the main venue for municipal events in Bełchatów. The proximity of the Municipal Culture Centre means that outdoor events organised here can benefit from the technical and programme facilities of this institution.

Practical information

• Address: Narutowicza Square 3, Pabianicka Street, Bełchatów
• Getting there: city centre, walking distance from most city centre streets
• What to expect: monuments and sculptures, two seasonal fountains, an outdoor exhibition, proximity to Jan Nowak-Jeziorański Park and Freedom Square