Bytom Odrzanski

With its buildings and preserved urban layout, Bytom Odrzanski is a precious treasure of the Lubuskie Land. It can be compared with the town of Kazimierz Dolny upon Vistula, even though it is far from such popularity. Located upon the river Odra, this town’s history dates back to the very beginnings of the Polish country. During the district breakdown, it was part of the Glogow Duchy, later it was owned by the Czech Crown, the Habsburg Country, and finally, the Prussia.

The Odra river always played a crucial part of the town’s life. In the 19th century, there were 250 ships floating by Bytom Odrzanski everyday. After several decades of the town turning its back form Odra, the river began to bev important once again. The renovated harbor and promenade running down the river encourage tourists to taking long walks. Sometimes, the harbor is visited by sailing ships and motors yachts, as well as kayakers rowing down the trail of Odra.

The Market Square in Bytom Odrzanski is one of the most beautiful ones in Poland. Its sizes prove that it was a crucial place in the town’s history. Two- and three-floorr stonehouses in its corners is a variety of styles, ranging from renaissance to 19th century eclectisism. The most gorgeous facade can be observed in the 16th century stonehouse, which holds the Golden Lion Hotel. In the Market Square there is also an 18th century fountain with a figurine of a small fisherman. In the south-east corner of the Market Square you can see a renaissance town hall, built in the early 16th century. It is ornamented by the square clock tower wih a gallery on top.

Not far from the market square, at the large plaza, covered by trees and bushes there is a 14th century gothic church of St. Hieronim with a high tower, built in the 15th century. The church preserved a gothic shapr-arch portal, and the baroque interior originatedfrom late 17th and early 18th century.

Not long ago, Bytom Odrzanski was proud to celebrate its 900th anniversary. It’s worth stopping by at least for a moment, to take a walk around the Market Square. Don’t hesitate and go ot Bytom Odrzanski now, before it gets crowded by hundreds of tourists.