Castle Square (Plac Zamkowy)
Castle Square was second in the ranking of most beautiful square in Warsaw, that had been functioning for last year on the main page. More than 12 % of people who took part in the voting recognised it as the most beautiful one. And there is nothing strange in such opinion. The square is surrounded by pretty, historical buildings, it is one of most popular meeting places among Warsaw inhabitants and tourists, as well as a very nice place to go for a walk. Very often various concerts and other events go on here. Even a New Year's party took place here a few years ago. Every year the main Christmas Tree in Warsaw stands here. The panorama of Castle Square, with the Royal Castle and Zygmunt's Column, is probably the most popular sight that appear on postcards from Warsaw.
Castle Square had been forming step by step. In the first years of the city's existence it was not an open space, as it is now. Town walls ended just next to the castle at that time and at the end of Senatorska street a town gate, called Cracow Gate, was located. The first form of the square was so-called Front Courtyard, which was created in 17th century between north-western part of the castle and wooden magazines, that stood here then.
In 1644, when the Zygmunt's Column was built, a small square was created between it and the town gate. But the Castle Square as we see it today was formed in the first half of 19th century. In 1808 the main part of Cracow Gate was disassembled and in 1818 also the rest of it. Also the houses on the eastern side of Przedzamkowa street, that used to go through today's Castle Square at that time, were liquidated, as well as wooden houses at the former Front Courtyard.
Further transformations of Castle Square took place when the W-Z Road (Trasa W-Z) was built. The shape of its south-eastern part was changed. Some changes were also made later, when the Royal Castle was reconstructed. The level of the square's floor was lowered then.
The viewing terrace
Apart from Royal Castle and Zygmunt's Column, there are some more interesting places on Castle Square. A viewing terrace, which is situated at the south-eastern part of the square, is one of them. It offers a very nice view over W-Z Road, "Under the Metal Roof" Palace (Palac Pod Blacha) and Mariensztat estate. On the horizon also the pylon of Swietokrzyski bridge can be seen and Saint Florian Cathedral, located on the other side of Vistula.
Gothic Bridge
Also the Gothic Bridge, located at the south-western part of the square, next to the ending of Senatorska street, is an interesting object. It is the only relic of medieval Cracow Gate, liquidated in the 19th century. The contour of the former gate is today marked on the square with red brick. The bridge was discovered in 1977, during archaeological works, that were made on the occasion of the Royal Castle's reconstruction. After conservation, the Gothic Bridge was opened for public in 1983. Since recently, an exhibition of medieval torture tools functions in the former moat, under the bridge.
The houses at Castle Square
It is also worth to take a look at the colourful houses that stand opposite Royal Castle. Their names are:
- Kamienica Szpitalna (Hospital House, first from the town walls, no. 1/15);
- Kamienica Krzysztofowiczów (Krzysztofowiczs' House, the next one, also no. 1/15);
- Kamienica Dyndy (Dynda's House, third from town walls, also no. 1/15);
- Kamienica Pod Pelikanem (The House Under The Pelican, at the corner of Piwna street, with the same number, its name
comes from the pelican sculpture, situated on the corner, at the height of second floor);
- Kamienica Kleinpoldowska (Kleinpoldt's House, no. 15, on the other side of Piwna street);
- Kamienica Jeleniowska (Jeleniowska House, also called Baryczkowska House, no. 17);
- Kamienica Pigulczynska (Pigulczynska House, at the corner of Swietojanska street, in 17th century it was property of
Adam Jarzebski, the court musician, architect and poet, who was also the author of rhymed Warsaw guidebook;
All that houses were built in 16th or 17th century, in the place of former wooden houses, they were rebuilt in various
ways, but all of them were completely destroyed during Second World War. They were restored in 1950s and 1960s it the
style that refer to their forms from 18th and 19th century.
The building which is situated on the other side of Swietojanska street is called Mansjonaria. It dates back to
medieval ages. It has characteristic slopes, that strengthen the building.
The tree that grows next to Mansjonaria is a pedunculate oak. It is already 60 years old, but it stands at Castle
Square only since March 2006. Before, a grey poplar used to stand here. It grew on the ruins of the city in 1945 and was
a symbol of the city's coming back to life. But in last years the tree rotted completely and it was necessary to cut it
down, so a new tree was planted then.
"100" and tourist "train"
Next to Castle Square a tourist bus line "100" has its first stop. Sometimes the line is operated by a double-decker bus, a ride by it is a great fun! The hundred goes around whole centre and surroundings and reaches most popular places. For example it is possible to get by it to Wilson Square, Citadel, Zoo, Lazienki park or Warsaw Uprising Museum. It takes 95 minutes to complete the whole route. Exact route and timetable can be found on the website of City Transport Authority www.ztm.waw.pl. In the summer season also a tourist "train" rides from Castle Square. Actually, it is not exactly a train, because it has normal tyres and ride through normal streets. It carries tourists around Old Town, New Town and Royal Road.
(C) 2001-2010 Maciej Blazejewski