Things To Do in Zamosc

Begin your exploration of Zamosc at the center of Morando's 16th-century vision, the Rynek Wielki (Great Square). In keeping with the Renaissance ideal of perfect proportions, the square measures exactly 100m (328 ft.) across from top to bottom and side to side. Not surprisingly, this is the center of the action in Zamosc and the site of numerous performances and cultural activities throughout the year, particularly in summer. The Rynek is dominated by the enormous Town Hall (Ratusz), which was purposefully placed off-center. The building still follows Morando's original design, though it was remodeled several times over the centuries (and was under scaffolding once again at press time). The sweeping fan-shaped double stairway was added later, in the 18th century. Many of the buildings that line the square have retained their original Renaissance arcades. The most noteworthy houses are the one at no. 25, where Morando himself once lived, and the colorful series of houses that start to the right of the town hall, known collectively as the Armenian houses both for their ornate appearance and the fact that a wealthy Armenian merchant built the house known as "Under the Angel" in 1632-34. The houses are now home to the Zamojskie Museum.

Follow Grodzka west across Akademicka to find the Zamoyski Palace, the family's former residence. While the palace was certainly fabulous in its time, it's a bit of a disappointment today. In 1809, the palace ceased to be the seat of Zamosc's founders and was later sold to the state for use as an army hospital. Today, it houses regional administrative offices (and is closed to the public). The cathedral just across the street is more impressive and dates from the 16th century. You're free to walk around inside; the Zamoyski family are buried in the crypts below. You can also climb to the top of the balcony for a view of the Old Town and to see the old belfry. Also worth checking out are the two surviving town gates: The Old Lubelska Gate, which stands to the north of the Zamoyski Palace and has been walled since 1604, and the Old Lwowska Gate, toward the eastern end of Grodzka. This was once the town's main entryway from the east and was designed by Morando himself. The former Jewish quarter of Zamosc ran north and east of the Rynek. There's little left today of this community that once numbered several thousand, though the city's grand Synagogue survived World War II and is now undergoing renovation.