Old Town of Lublin

Today I will take you to the second biggest city on the left side of Vistula river. Those of you who read my blog for a longer time know that we have already visited Lublin. But in winter time we could not see its full beauty so I propose we spend a bit more time there. 

First traces of humans found by the archeologists in the surroundings of Lublin date five thousand years back. The name of Lublin first appeared in chronicles in 1198. But if you ask any Polish person what was the most important day in the history of Lublin they are likely to tell you it is 1 July 1569, when the Union of Lublin was signed, uniting Poland and Lithuania into one Commonwealth. This event is commemorated by an obelisk.

Next to it stands the monument of marshal Piłsudski. We talked about him already a number of times.

The monument of Józef Piłsudski, just like in Warsaw, you will find a monument dedicated to the unknown soldiers who perished fighting for freedom and justice.

 In the back there is a nice fountain.

It is facing the former Palace of the Lubomirski family. Today it belongs to the Lublin University.

Before we move on to the Old Town we need to make a little stop by the main Post Office.

My dear Postcrossing friends, I do rememeber about you!

When we were on Krakowskie Przedmieście in winter the street was empty. In summer time it is really crowded.

Many buildings are freshly renovated, with lots of nice cafes and restaurants inviting tourists.

Those who count every penny can always use the public water dispenser. The goat is in the coat of arms of Lublin.

But do not try to drink water from public fountains, no matter how pretty they are.

Finally we reach the end of Krakowskie Przedmieście and the New Town Hall. It was built in 1827 and serves as the seat of local government.

You probably remember the Kraków Gate, leading to the central part of the Old Town.

But before we take it we will go right to visit the Cathedral of Lublin. They wanted to devote it to Saint John but could not decide to which so it is devoted to both Saint John the Baptist and Saint John the Evangelist. It is built in baroque style.

 You can admire there a huge organ ...

 ... and an altar decorated with rich ornaments.

Time to move on to the Market Square. I really liked the residential buildings there.

In the middle of the square you will find the former Main Royal Tribunal, so the supreme court for Polish nobility between 1578 and 1795.

From the Market Square you can see the tower of the Kraków Gate ...

... and the Trinity Tower, the highest observation deck in town. Unfortunately horses are not admitted inside.

I know that this was a pretty long walk so I decided to stop here for the moment and find a nice place for lunch. We still need to see the biggest attraction of Lublin - its castle.