Rzeszów Underground Tourist Route
Podkarpackie
The Rzeszów Underground Tourist Route is a unique historical attraction located beneath the Old Town Market Square of Rzeszów, Poland. This extensive network of connected cellars and tunnels dates from the 14th to the 18th century, spanning approximately 396 meters and comprising 40 chambers on three levels, from 0.5 to 10 meters below ground. Visitors can explore historic cellars such as the Bławatników, Gruba Kochanowicza, and the narrow Tatar Dungeons, offering an immersive glimpse into the city's past. The route features a historical and educational exhibition with replicas of knightly armor, various weapons, old ceramics, and everyday objects, as well as heraldic symbols representing former city and regional rulers. Originally conceived in the 1980s and opened to the public in 2001, the route was extended in 2007 after major renovations of the Market Square. Guided tours provide insight into Rzeszów's medieval trade significance, its architectural heritage, and the role of these cellars in urban life. The Underground Tourist Route is open year-round except Mondays and holidays, making it an accessible cultural experience for visitors interested in history and archaeology.
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Astuce: The best time to visit the Rzeszów Underground Tourist Route is during the spring to autumn months when the weather is pleasant for exploring the city above ground as well. Tours are conducted in groups with a guide, so booking tickets in advance is recommended, especially during weekends and holidays. The route is open year-round except Mondays and public holidays. Visitors can benefit from discounts available for students, seniors, and children. Comfortable footwear is advised due to uneven surfaces and narrow passages. The entrance is located near the Rzeszów Town Hall at Rynek 26, with the exit at Rynek 12.
Faits intéressants
- •The narrowest point of the route is the Tatar Dungeons, measuring just 70 cm wide.
- •The underground route connects cellars beneath several historic townhouses, including numbers 11, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, and 21.
- •The route features heraldic symbols of former city owners and regions, displayed in the 'Coat of Arms Corridor'.
- •Initial conservation works were conducted by specialists from the Kraków University of Science and Technology in the 1960s and 1970s.
- •The route was extended after a major renovation of the Market Square between 2005 and 2007.
Histoire
The idea to create the Rzeszów Underground Tourist Route originated in the 1980s, with initial conservation work carried out in the 1960s and 1970s by experts from the Kraków University of Science and Technology.
The route was officially opened to visitors in 2001, initially covering 213 meters and 34 rooms.
Between 2005 and 2007, following renovations of the Market Square, the route was extended by an additional 156 meters to its current length.
The cellars themselves date back from the 14th to the 18th century, reflecting the city's medieval and early modern urban development.
Historically, these underground spaces served as storage, trade, and defensive facilities beneath the prosperous city of Rzeszów, which was an important trade hub in southeastern Poland.
Guide du lieu
Bławatników Cellars14th-18th century
Historic cellars that were once used by local merchants for storing goods related to the textile trade, reflecting the commercial history of Rzeszów.
Tatar Dungeons14th-18th century
The narrowest section of the route, named after historical Tatar invasions, providing a glimpse into the defensive and storage functions of the underground spaces.
Heraldic Corridor
A corridor displaying coats of arms of former city rulers, landowners, and the city of Rzeszów itself, highlighting the political history of the region.
Historical Exhibition
Exhibition showcasing replicas of knightly armor, white and firearm weapons, old ceramics, and everyday objects used in Rzeszów's past.
Contact
Téléphone: 798 445 920