City of Maria – Adventure in Mariensztat

In the quiet of the Old Town – away from tourists, at the foot of the Vistula escarpment – there is the charming Mariensztat. Founded by Maria and Eustachy Potocki as a jurydyka, Mariensztat (from the German Marienstadt – City of Mary) was the main commercial square of Powiśle – with time the marketplace from the Old Town Square was also moved there. Destroyed during World War II, Mariensztat was rebuilt as the first post-war housing estate – one of the houses was built in 19 days. Now Mariensztat is a beautiful, atmospheric housing estate located off the tourist trail.

Walking along Krakowskie Przedmieście towards the Old Town, turn into Bednarska Street and admire the picturesque street going towards the Vistula River.

Having reached the intersection with Furmańska Street, look to the right and admire the sgraffito on the facade of the building depicting Warsaw of the old days.

Turn into Sowia Street and head towards the Mariensztat Market Square – here you can rest on one of the benches next to the fountain or drink delicious coffee with a view of the Market Square (don’t look at the colorful clock on the building – time flows differently here).

Walking towards the Church of St. Anna – you will reach the sculpture of a vendor with a hen – referring to the commercial tradition of Mariensztat.

Continue “uphill” and admire the extraordinary view of the Royal Castle – ending your own adventure in Mariensztat here.