Stary Rynek

The market square in Uniejów is one of the oldest preserved urban squares in Poland, established around 1283 on the site of an earlier trading settlement when the town received its municipal charter. Uniejów itself is even older: it was first mentioned in a bull by Pope Innocent II in 1136. Today the square remains the town's historic centre and a meeting place for residents, and during festivals and outdoor events, the centre of local life.

Medieval layout that has survived

The square has retained its original medieval spatial plan, visible today in the layout of two streets diverging from its corners. The course of the former municipal fortifications corresponds to the route of the present streets surrounding the square, so walking around the square, one can trace the boundaries of the medieval town.

Collegiate church and clock tower

In the corner of the square stands a Gothic collegiate church dedicated to the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, erected in the 14th century on the initiative of Archbishop Jarosław Bogoria Skotnicki. Next to it rises a Neo-Gothic bell tower 25 metres high, with a clock that has been operating since 1901. The square is surrounded by 19th-century tenement buildings, which give it a uniform, historical character.

Well, fountain and monument

On the square's paving stands a historic well and a fountain fed by geothermal water, alluding to Uniejów's identity as a spa town. There is also a Monument to the Defenders of the City, commemorating residents connected with the town's defence. These three elements mean the square today serves as the main place for walks and rest for both residents and tourists visiting the spa, rather than merely a passage between streets.

Redevelopment plans

The square's redesign project was prepared by the Nizio Design International office and presented to residents in March 2023. The plan divides the square into zones: green space with pergolas covered in climbing plants, a water feature with fountains fed by thermal water, a children's area with a play area and a formal zone. The concept also includes relocating the public toilet, with the freed underground space to be converted for use by tourists. The historic well on the square is to be highlighted, and the existing trees retained and supplemented with new seasonal planting. During consultation meetings, residents and business owners raised concerns about changes to traffic organisation and the availability of parking spaces during construction. Implementing the concept still requires preparation of full documentation, obtaining permits and securing funding, so there is currently no set date for work to begin.

Heart of the spa town

Uniejów is nowadays known primarily for its geothermal baths, but the square remains its historic centre and starting point for exploring the rest of the town. A walk around the square can be combined with a visit to the Uniejów thermal baths, and those seeking accommodation with medieval character can stay at the nearby Kasztel Rycerski with thermal pools.

Practical information

• Address: Rynek, 99-210 Uniejów (sometimes mistakenly called Park Miejski, though it is actually the town square).
• Getting there: on foot; the square is in the very centre of the town.
• What to expect: a Gothic collegiate church, a Neo-Gothic clock tower, a historic well and a fountain with geothermal water; part of the infrastructure is in the redesign planning phase, so the square's appearance may change in coming years.