Lublin: Old Town, Poland
Discover the Charms of Lublin
As the bustling capital of the Lubelskie Voivodeship, Lublin stands as the ninth-largest city in Poland by population, boasting a rich and complex history that stretches back centuries. While officially founded in the early 14th century by King Władysław Łokietek, its origins as a settlement can be traced all the way back to the 6th century. Our primary interest lies in the stunning Old Town area. Once a shadow of its former self, it has undergone a remarkable and effective renovation in recent years, transforming it into a truly impressive destination. We invite you to explore its beauty through this article and the accompanying video!
Lublin's Old Town is more than just a collection of historical buildings; it is a testament to the city's resilience and a vibrant center of cultural life. The revitalization efforts have meticulously restored its stunning architecture, making it one of the most beautiful old towns in Poland. This district is a perfect fusion of history and modernity, where medieval charm coexists with bustling cafes, art galleries, and lively squares. The city’s history is a blend of Polish, Jewish, and Ukrainian cultures, a heritage that has shaped its unique character and is still palpable in its streets and institutions today.
Lublin - parking nearby the Old Town
Finding convenient parking is crucial for a smooth visit to any historic city center, and Lublin provides excellent options right at the doorstep of its Old Town. The choice of parking at Castle Square is particularly advantageous, as it places you within immediate walking distance of the most significant sights. This eliminates the need for a long trek and allows you to dive straight into your sightseeing adventure. The automated parking meters and various nearby lots ensure flexibility, catering to different needs and visit durations, making your arrival stress-free.
Of course, we wanted to stay as close to the Old Town as possible. We chose the Castle Square (1, GPS: 51.2512498, 22.5702085), located - as the name suggests - next to the castle. Parking is paid, you must specify the parking time at the parking meter and buy a ticket. Be careful of pressing the extension button too quickly! At some point, the parking meter begins to increase the time itself - fortunately, you can reverse it.
Other parking lots in the vicinity of the Old Town are the Targ Pod Zamkiem parking lot (2, GPS: 51.2469330, 22.5735796) and the parking lot near the Krakowska Gate (3, GPS: 51.2485395, 22.5660421).
Towards the main square
The journey from Castle Square to the main square is a walk through centuries of history, beginning with the monumental Grodzka Gate. This iconic entrance, known as the "Jewish Gate," once served as a bridge between the Christian and Jewish quarters, symbolizing the city's diverse heritage. As you walk down Grodzka Street, the meticulously restored tenements reveal the story of Lublin's rebirth. The walk sets the perfect tone for a visit, offering a gradual immersion into the Old Town's unique atmosphere and architectural splendor.
After leaving the car at the Castle Square, we went up the stairs leading to the castle, and then turned right onto Zamkowa Street, leading towards the Grodzka Gate (A, GPS: 51.2497068, 22.5699348), through which we entered the Old Town. We walked along Grodzka Street, passing Plac Po Farze (it's a square) on the left (B, GPS: 51.2487054, 22.5692988) - the place of medieval church of St. Michael. Due to the progressive ruin caused, among others, by fires, as well as the establishment of the cathedral, the church was demolished in the nineteenth century. Currently, only its foundations are visible in this place. You can also watch the model of the church and find out what it used to be like.
We continue walking the Grodzka Street, passing renovated tenement houses. A really great job has been done to bring the Old Town back to its splendor! There are still some tenement houses to be renovated, but the current condition of the Old Town is something amazing. If you are interested in what the Old Town looked like during World War II, click on the gallery of Dziennik Wschodni. You can also visit the Kurier Lubelski gallery to see how Lublin has changed over the years.
Lublin - the main square
The heart of Lublin's Old Town is its bustling Main Square, a place that has served as the city's commercial and administrative center for centuries. Despite its compact size, the square is architecturally rich, surrounded by a mosaic of beautifully decorated townhouses from different eras. The square's focal point is the majestic Crown Tribunal, a building that embodies the city's legal history and adds to the square's unique character. It's a place where you can sit at a cafe, admire the architecture, and feel the pulse of the city's past and present.
The Main Square in Lublin (C, GPS: 51.2478894, 22.5678897) is not very large, but it's interesting because of the various townhouses that surround it. In the middle of the square is erected imposing building of the Old Townhall, which served as the Crown Tribunal since 1578. To be honest, it makes a bit of a hassle to see the entire market square, but of course we are not going to petition for the demolition of the Old Townhall 😊.
As usual, we walk around the square admiring the decorations on tenement houses, and then we go down the narrow streets. Finally, we appear on Bramowa Street and head towards Brama Krakowska (Krakowska Gate).
Brama Krakowska and Krakowskie Przedmieście
The Krakowska Gate, a majestic remnant of the city's medieval fortifications, is an architectural icon and an enduring symbol of Lublin. This beautifully preserved structure marks the transition from the modern city to the historic heart of the Old Town. Beyond the gate lies Krakowskie Przedmieście, a bustling promenade that serves as the city's main thoroughfare. The street is a lively blend of historic elegance and contemporary energy, lined with a mix of shops, cafes, and historic buildings, making it the perfect place for a relaxed walk.
Brama Krakowska - Krakowska Gate(D, GPS: 51.2475729, 22.5664189) is a real tourist attraction. It is a very characteristic building with which we can immediately associate Lublin - it's simply its symbol. It is a well-preserved fragment of the city walls from the 14th century. After passing the Krakowska Gate, we arrive at Plac Łokietka, from which the pretty Krakowskie Przedmieście Street (E, GPS: 51.2475236, 22.5651516) leads up to the Saski Garden. The Saski Garden is a large park that is an attraction not only for the youngest. A great place to rest - especially on hot summer days.
Trynitarska Tower, Lublin Cathedral
The cluster of religious and historical landmarks on Jezuicka Street offers a profound glimpse into Lublin's spiritual heritage. The imposing Trinitarska Tower, with its striking height, serves as a majestic landmark visible from many parts of the city. While it was once just a monastery gate, its transformation into a bell tower for the Jesuit complex highlights the city's architectural evolution. Right next to it stands the Lublin Cathedral, a masterpiece of Baroque art that showcases the religious fervor of centuries past.
We return to the Old Town and go the Jezuicka Street to the Trinitarska Tower (F, GPS: 51.2471393, 22.5680506), which is a bell tower about 40 meters high. It is a part of the Jesuit buildings and used to be just a monastery gate. After passing through the gate, on the left we notice a large building of the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist and St. John the Evangelist (G, GPS: 51.2467899, 22.5687072), built in the baroque style at the turn of the 16th and 17th centuries. Its interior, full of paintings and sculptures, is really impressive.
The Lublin Castle
Standing proudly on a hill overlooking the city, Lublin Castle is a powerful symbol of the city's royal and turbulent past. Its history is incredibly diverse, from its origins as a medieval fortress to its dark period as a prison, which gives it a unique and complex narrative. Today, as the home of the National Museum, it has been transformed into a cultural hub, preserving valuable art and historical artifacts. The castle grounds themselves are a peaceful escape, offering visitors a chance to explore both its architectural beauty and its rich, sometimes somber, history.
We leave the visiting the royal castle ((H, GPS: 51.2505226, 22.5721043) at the very end of our stay in Lublin. The castle was built in the 12th century, but was rebuilt many times, and even used as a prison (we saw something similar in Sandomierz). It currently houses the National Museum.
Interesting is the Romanesque defense tower, which offers a beautiful panorama of the entire Old Town. The castle can of course be visited - tickets are also available online. More information on this subject (including ticket prices) on the website of the Lublin Castle (warning: not fully in English!).
Gastronomy in Lublin
Lublin's culinary scene is a vibrant reflection of its rich history and location in Eastern Poland. The city offers a wonderful array of traditional Polish cuisine, as well as unique regional dishes that are hard to find elsewhere. The Old Town is particularly rich with charming restaurants, cafes, and bakeries where you can enjoy hearty meals and local delicacies. The cuisine is known for its wholesome, satisfying flavors, using ingredients from the fertile Lublin region.
What to Try?
- Cebularz Lubelski: This is a must-try local specialty. It's a flat, round bread topped with onion and poppy seeds. It's a protected regional product and a true symbol of Lublin's culinary heritage.
- Pierogi: Of course, you must try Polish dumplings. They come with various fillings, including meat, cheese, potatoes, and mushrooms.
- Kaszak Gryczany: A traditional dish made from buckwheat groats, potatoes, and bacon, often served as a main course.
- Roast Duck with Apples: A popular dish in the region, showcasing the rich flavors of Polish home cooking.
Where to Eat?
The Old Town is the best place to find restaurants and cafes offering both traditional and modern Polish cuisine. You can find everything from cozy milk bars (bar mleczny) serving simple, inexpensive meals to elegant restaurants with a view of the square. For the best cebularz, look for a local bakery with a long history of baking this specialty. You can also explore the streets around Krakowskie Przedmieście for a wider selection of international and Polish eateries, all within walking distance of the main sights.
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