Zamosc

Places of Interest - Poland

introduction

Zamosc, a medium-sized town in the southeastern province of Poland's Malopolska was transformed into the pearl of the Renaissance in the 16th century. Because an Italian architect released his dream on the Polish town, it currently has more than 100 beautiful buildings and houses and, not unimportantly, it has been on UNESCO's World Heritage List since 1992.

The then walled town has a very rich history known for its determination - it did not tolerate any Swedish invasion, it resisted the attacks of the Cossacks and it refused to take the name Himmlerstadt in the WWII when the Germans tried especially Baltic Germans to settle in Zamosc. It’s a sleepy, small town with a big heart and shouldn’t be missed on you’re journey to Poland.

highlights

Inner city:

All sights of Zamosc are located within the old walled city of which unfortunately the walls have almost disappeared due to the Russians. There are still small fragments standing up though which you can see.

The highlight in the city is formed by the Rynek Wielki, or the big Market, in the center of the old town. This is relatively too large for the city center itself but a feast for the eyes. Surrounded by beautiful colored merchant houses, it feels more Italian here than Polish. One of the buildings on the square is the town hall - built in the 17th century.

The best way to explore the city is simply to wander around - there is a cathedral, a church and many other interesting buildings that usually have a plaque on the façade with information.

history

In the 16th century the city of Zamosc was built with Italian influences and not much later, because of the beauty of the city and the prime location on the trade routes between Kiev and Lublin, many international traders came to the city to settle here. The city walls stopped the Cossacks and later the Swedes to invade but the city was temporarily in the hands of the Austrians and then of the Russians.

They used the beautiful houses for military use and broke many of the city walls, so that only parts can now be seen. Despite this there are still about 100 architectural monuments to see and the city has been on the UNESCO list since 1992.

tips & advice (2009)

At about 2 km from the center is the bus station of Zamosc situated.

Zamosc - Lublin: the trip takes about 2 hours and the buses go regularly (almost every half hour) - costs are 12 Zlt.

Name: Youth hostel

Address: Ul Zamoyskiego 4

Price: 15 Zlt (dormitory)

Phone nr. : 084 638 9500

Content:

In July and August this school, which is located about 1.5 km from the center, is used as a hostel. Classrooms are “furnished” with camp beds and they have simply left the children's chairs and tables to use. Showers and toilets are in the hallway and every now and then a kind of party is given in the gym.

Different experience, worthwhile and very cheap. Finally, it is within walking distance (about 500 meters) from the bus station.