Castle Square in Warsaw (Old Town)
per person
[Featured image: Castle Square in Warsaw @ DimaBerkut via iStock ]Thanks to its architectural harmony, Castle Square in Warsaw is the most beautiful square in the city. This is where the Old Town, the Royal Castle and the Royal Route meet. Especially in summer, the colourful townhouses shine in all their splendour. This is also the starting point of our best-selling public tour, “Old Town & More”.
Description of Castle Square
Castle Square is the most beautiful square in all of Warsaw. It impresses not only with its harmonious and consistent architecture, but above all with its lively atmosphere. Food lovers will find dozens of cafés, restaurants and bars here, while culture enthusiasts can visit the museum inside the Royal Castle and several other museums in the neighbouring Old Town. Those who simply want to take a walk should head along Warsaw’s most pleasant avenue, ulica Krakowskie Przedmiescie, the northernmost and most beautiful section of the Warsaw Royal Route.
Historical Context
Castle Square initially belonged to the Dukes of Masovia, who resided in what is now the Royal Castle, then known as the ducal court. The square was therefore not subject to the jurisdiction of the city. Nevertheless, it and the Old Town were enclosed by a shared defensive wall. To the west of Sigismund’s Column, you can see a Gothic brick bridge that was rediscovered only after the Second World War. The original gateway into the city once stood here. At the time, ulica Senatorska was the main road leading towards Kraków. Behind the bridge, a darker strip can be seen on the ground extending as far as the corner of the Royal Castle. This strip marks the route of the city wall from the 14th century.
Castle Square acquired its present form in 1818. Part of the wall was demolished, and Sigismund’s Column was surrounded by a fountain, which was later removed.
TIP Climb the bell tower of St Anne’s Church and enjoy one of the most beautiful views of the city. For a tourist overview of the viewpoint, click on the box below.
General Information
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Located in the tourist area?
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How to get there?
Castle Square is located directly in front of the Old Town and the Royal Castle. We have created separate overviews for both attractions.
Accessibility
Only half of the square is accessible. The entire northern side is covered with cobblestones. It is very difficult for wheelchair users or people who require a walking frame to move around. One positive feature is the level strip along Piwna Street. In the future, the City of Warsaw intends to make the entire square accessible. At least there is an awareness that this is a serious problem.
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