This historic southern Polish city dates to the 14th century, with a preserved medieval Old Town, Gothic basilica, and Renaissance architecture at its central market square.
An hour east of Kraków, Tarnów welcomes you with its 14th-century medieval streets and Renaissance buildings. Walk through the Market Square to see merchant houses painted in yellow, pink, and green, or climb the 30-meter Town Hall tower for city views. Inside the red-brick Cathedral, you'll find marble tombs with life-sized figures of Polish nobles. Visit the 16th-century wooden church with its hand-painted ceiling, explore the Jewish cemetery from 1583, or hike up St. Martin's Hill to see the Carpathian foothills spread out before you.
Exploring the Renaissance Old Town
The Market Square sits at the center of Tarnów's medieval district, where narrow streets follow the original 14th-century plan. You can visit the Gothic Town Hall, which architects rebuilt in Renaissance style during the 16th century. Inside, the Old Art Gallery displays the Old Polish Portrait collection in the decorated Commoners Room. Climb the 30-meter tower for views stretching to the Beskid Mountains. Look for the Mikolajowski House from 1524, the oldest surviving townhouse on the square.
Religious Architecture Through Centuries
The red brick Neo-Gothic Cathedral rises above Tarnów's rooftops. Inside, you'll see marble tombs of the Tarnowski and Ostrogski families, with detailed life-sized sculptures and Renaissance ornaments. The wooden Church of Our Lady of the Scapular dates to 1589, with its traditional shingled roof and ceiling covered in painted designs. For contrast, visit the Church of the Holiest Heart of Jesus, built in 1935 with clean modernist lines.
Jewish History and Sites
Before World War II, Jewish residents made up half of Tarnów's population. Near the Market Square, you can see the remaining bimah (Torah reading platform) from the destroyed 17th-century synagogue. The Jewish Cemetery, established in 1583, is one of Poland's oldest and largest burial grounds. Visit the restored mikvah (ritual bathhouse) from 1902 to see its Moorish-influenced architecture.
Local Drinks and Climate
Tarnów experiences Poland's longest summer season, from mid-May to mid-September. The warm weather and south-facing slopes of the Pogórze region create ideal conditions for vineyards, making this area a center for Polish wine production. Try Tarninówka, a local vodka flavored with sloe berries. In the Mościce district, you can visit Trzech Kumpli, which ranks among Poland's top craft breweries.
Getting Around and Transportation
Trains and buses run regularly between Tarnów and Kraków. The 1855 railway station, decorated with Art Nouveau details, includes the "Panorama" Gallery with rotating historical exhibitions. Stop by the Tourist Information Center on the Market Square to rent bikes, store luggage, or pick up city maps.
