Stary Ratusz - The Beautiful Gothic Town Hall of Wroclaw Poland

Wroclaw’s Town Hall called Stary Ratusz is one of the most beautiful buildings in the city of Wroclaw and when we finally had a chance to get inside it, we were charmed by its historic rooms filled with significant architecture and extraordinary ornamental elements.  Constructed, remodeled and decorated over seven centuries, it is a wonderful example of early civic architecture in Poland.

The structure and floor plan of the town hall developed over 250 years, from the 13th century through the 16th century and was revised and expanded over the centuries in response to the changing needs of the city. 

Sometime between 1299 and 1301 a single-story structure with cellars and a tower were built. The oldest parts of the current building, the Burghers’ Hall and the lower floors of the tower, may date to this time.  The early function of the building was to facilitate trade, but as the town grew, it became an administrative center as well.

Between 1328 and 1333 an upper story was added to include the Council Room and the Aldermen’s Room. Expansion continued during the 14th century with the addition of extra rooms, most notably the Court Room.

Above and Below: The Court Room

Below: The Council Room

Below: Council Office

Below: The Great Hall built from 1354-1357. It originally had a wooden cieling. Cross-ribbed vaulting throughout was added in 1470.

The 15th and 16th centuries were times of prosperity for Wroclaw particularly from 1470 to 1510, when several rooms were added and the Burghers Hall was remodeled. In the upper story, the Great Hall and Treasuries were redesigned.  The town hall’s present appearance is from this period. 

Net Vaulting was also added in 1470

During the second half of the 15th century, the tower was heightened by two stories and crowned with a Gothic cupola. During the 16th century the city’s Coat of Arms was added to the façade (1536), and the the upper part of the tower was rebuilt (1558–59). This was the final stage of the main building program.

During the 17th century, the allocation of space within the building was changed to ensure that all the town offices could be housed within Stary Ratusz.

The ground floor was allocated for military purposes and the general public had access only to the basement, where alcohol was served. 

We peasants can still enjoy alcoholic beverages among the basement vaults because Piwnica Swidnicra restaurant is located beneath the town hall.  Of course we had to have a drink there just to continue the tradition! 

Even though the second half of the 17th century was a period of decline for Wroclaw, efforts were made to enrich the interior decorations of the hall. In 1741, Wroclaw became a part of Prussia, and the power of the city diminished. At that time, much of the town hall became allocated to administering justice.

During the 19th century the courts moved to a separate building and Stary Ratusz became the site of the City Council and its supporting functions. There was also a major renovation of the south façade with the addition of neo-Gothic stone features including sculptural decoration.

In the early years of the 20th century improvements continued with various repair work and the addition of the Little Bear Statue in 1902.  Fortunately, during WWII, the town hall suffered only minor damage.

Stary Ratusz now houses a museum displaying the architectural history of the town hall, period antiques and special exhibitions.  The Great Hall and other rooms are used for meetings and performances.  

Don’t miss a visit to this beautiful historic building it is an amazing place learn more about the history of Wroclaw, Poland.