A historical town between two countries
Why Cieszyn?
According to the legend, Cieszyn was founded in 810 by three brothers: Leszko, Bolko and Cieszko, in memory of their meeting after a long separation. That means that Cieszyn hides a lot of history in the streets. The town was divided into two parts during the beginning of the 20th century: Cieszyn, the polish part at the right side of the Olza River, and Český Těšín on the left side, and part of Czech Republic. This division is kept nowadays, and is what makes Cieszyn a very interesting town.
What to visit?
Most Przyjaźni
The "Friendship Bridge", previously called the "Peace Bridge", was not always an easy border to cross as it is nowadays, since it separated Poland from the Czech Republic. But thanks to the European Union and the Schengen Area, today this bridge can be crossed with no restrictions.
Besides, this bridge has became one of the most photographed spots in Cieszyn. Indeed, this is the place where you must come if you want to be in two countries at the same time.
Habsburg Palace
Pałac Myśliwski Habsburgów (1838) is the first thing that you will see before you enter into the Castle Hill. This classical building designed by a Viennese architect was rarely visited by the Habsburgs.
But as a curiosity, big composers as Franz Liszt or Wagner, performed in the surroundings of this palace. Maybe for this reason, nowadays is home to the Cieszyn State Music School.
Castle Hill
From Góra Zamkowa you can get the best panoramic view of both "Cieszyns".
Do not look for a castle, because you won't find it, it was destroyed in the 1647. But this hill hides a lot of history, the oldest evidence of settlement on the hill dates from the 6th and 5th centuries BC.
St. Nicholas Rotunda
This is one of the historical structures that you can find in the Castle Hill.
Rotunda św. Mikołaja, was build in the 12th century and is one of the oldest Christian temples in Poland. Back then was used as the castle chapel.
As a curiosity, if you take a 20 złoty banknote, you will realise why this building maybe is familiar to you.
Piast Tower
This tower is one of the oldest architectural treasures of Cieszyn, the remains of the medieval Gothic Piast castle. It is one of the four towers that once existed there but the only one that survived.
If you are more interested about its history, the tower is available for visitors, and after climbing the 121 steps, you can get an amazing view from the observation terrace.
We also recommend you to walk around the Castle Hill and take a look at some hidden treasures, like the Final Defence Tower from the 13th century or the Cieszyn Women's Alley, an initiative to highlight the role and significance of the women who have largely contributed to Cieszyn's uniqueness.
Cieszyńska Wenecja
One other curiosity about Cieszyn, is that its Old Town they has a part called 'the Venice of Cieszyn'. Concretely, this area is located along Przykopa Street, on the Młynówka river.
It's unkown when exactly people started to call this area like that, but we think that it doesn't need explanation as soon as you arrive there.
Well of the Three Brothers
Not too far from the ''Venice of Cieszyn'' you can find Studnia Trzech Braci on the Ul. Trzech Braci, an obligatory stop in your trip.
Here is where history was written according to the legend. The three brothers met on this place after a long journey, and as sign of their happiness, they decided to found a new settlement, a meeting point for them. It was called Cieszyn, which basically means "I am happy" - as the brothers were happy they met again.
Old Market Square
Just 100 metres from our last stop is the historical Ul. Głęboka, the main street of the town, which is connected to the Castle through the Market Square.
Following this street you will arrive to the Old Market Square (Rynek), a very lovely an important part of this city. Surrounded by buildings from the 15th and 19th centuries, the most important is the Town Hall (Ratusz) from the Habsburg period.
You can find more information in:
www.visitcieszyn.com
Where to have a break?
Coffee shops
Rynek 4, Cieszyn
Cafe Arkady
Great coffee shop in the heart of Cieszyn. A big range of coffee, drinks and desserts. Lovely place with a great atmosphere and staff. Accessible for disabled.
Ul. Tadeusza Regera 6
Cafe Muzeum
Very close to the Market Square, is this elegant cafe within the museum walls. Just because of its interiors, is worth to visit it even if you don't want to order anything. Accessible for disabled.
Ul. Sejmowa 1
Kornel i przyjaciele
An adorable little café that performs two other functions: library and antiquarian. Great selection of beverage and desserts. Slow and relax atmosphere. As a curiosity, there are books in a lot of languages. Some of them you can buy them, others you can just read them in the store.
Restaurants
ul. Limanowskiego 9
Obiady jak u mamy
Simple and really cheap, satisfying and homemade. Like at mom’s home, that´s what the name means and that´s the definition of this place. Different menu every day with a big variety of food.
ul. Sejmowa 4/4
Winiarnia u czecha
Romantic and familiar atmosphere. The best of the czech cuisine in the polish Cieszyn. The wine and the beers are czech as well. Nice and friendly staff. It is preferable to book a table.
facebook.com/glebokitalerz/
ul. Głęboka 29
Gleboki talerz
There is another cheap option with tasty European and polish meals in the Cieszyn´s main street. Pleasant atmosphere and helpful staff.