Wroclaw > About Wroclaw > The Salt Square and Old Butchers' Stalls
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The Salt Square and Old Butchers' Stalls
The Salt Square (Plac Solny) dates back to the 13th century and its name comes from the salt stalls that used to to line the northern side of the square. Altogether there were 12 wooden sheds. Such formerly luxurious articles as honey, furs, caviar or tea were also traded there. The salt stalls ceased to operate altogether in 1815. Nowadays, the Salt Square is famous for its romantic atmosphere with flower girls trading till late night and lovers walking holding hands or sharing a longembrace at the fountain.
The so-called “Old Exchange” is the most imposing building at the Salt Square. Beautiful balcony portico decorates its main entrance, while the first floor is bound by a line of floral garlands and eagles. This splendor is owed to Wroclaw merchants who decided to highlight their high status by a grand-scale investment. In the medieval times, Wroclaw's Butchers' Stalls (Stare Jatki) was a place where meat was sold. After 700 years, Butchers' Stalls have been converted into galleries and high-end souvenir shops. Apart from the hatches leading to cool storage rooms, which were under the stalls, there is little evidence of the 13th century slaughterhouse.
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Tags: Tourist Route
Related locations by tags: The Main Market Square | The Town Hall | St. Elisabeth's Church & Mary Magdalene's Church | The Dwarfs of Wroclaw | The Mutual Respect District