Rzeszów ([ˈʒɛʃuf]; Ukrainian: Ряшів, Riashiv) is the capital city of Subcarpathian Voivodeship in the south east of Poland and has about 185,000 inahbitants. It has been a private town of the Lubomirski family for centuries. It has a fine old town, two synagogues and some castles.
The oldest written records of Rzeszów date back to 1354, when the place was granted city rights. The Lubomirski family, the owners of the town, were patrons of culture, arts and science. Under their reign Rzeszów developed quickly and its role and position in the region noticeably increased. Since then, the town has been a meeting point of many European nations from the Byzantine East and Mediterranean West and people from the southern and northern parts of Europe. It is a great example of how a young, vibrant and dynamically developing city is adapted to its historical heritage.
- Regional tourism information point, Rynek 25, +48 17 875 47 74.
Snow is common in winter, when night-time temperatures are typically below zero. In summer, temperatures may often reach 30°C (86°F), but averagely stay around 22°C (72°F). Annual rainfall is approximately 500 mm (20 in), among the lowest in Poland. The rainiest month is July, mainly due to short but intense cloudbursts and thunderstorms.
Regional tourism information point, Rynek 25, +48 17 875 47 74.
Polish is the only official language in Poland and all signs are in Polish as well. Poles learn other languages in school and now English is the main foreign language, although German, French, Spanish and Russian are also taught. Generally, Poles do not speak fluently foreign languages, but young generation usually can speak and understand English. Older people know rather German or Russian since both were almost only languages taught in schools some years ago. You should not have major difficulties with communication with Polish people, always you will find someone who can speak English and will be able to help you (even if does not know your language).
- Lubomirski Castle, Plac Śreniawitów 3. On the edge of the edge of the old town, it dates from the 16th century. In 18th century it was expanded and encircled with stone walls and bastions. It now serves as the law courts and so the interior is generally closed to the public. However, it's well worth walking around the impressive walls.
- Lubomirski Summer Palace, ul. Jana Dekerta 2. Built in the 17th and 18th century this attractive late-baroque style palace, situated on the corner of Dekerta Street and Lubomirski Alley, is often described as the most beautiful aristocratic residence of the Sub-Carpathian region. Since 2008 the building houses Rzeszów University's IT Department.
- Market Square, Rynek. Central square of the city. 6.50/4.50 zł for the Underground Tourist Route.
- Town Hall, Rynek 1. Built in the 16th century on the southwestern corner of the Rynek, and afterwards rebuilt several times. Closed to the public.
- Sts. Stanislaw and Adalbert Parish Church, plac Farny 5. The history of this church dates back to 1363, when probably a small wooden church stood on this location. The oldest fragments of the current Gothic church are most likely from the 15th century.
- Old Convent of Piarist Friars, ul. 3 Maja. From 17th century now consists of St. Cross Church, District Museum, and Lyceum No. 1.
- Old Town Synagogue, ul. Bożnicza 4. Built in the beginning of the 17th century it now houses state archives.
- New Town Synagogue, ul. Jana III Sobieskiego 17. From the end of 18th century, destroyed by Nazis and restored between 1954-63 is now the Office for Art Exhibitions (BWA).
- Bernardine Complex Convent, ul. Sokoła 8.
- Public library, ul. Sokoła 13. Built in 1890.
- Old Cemetery, ul. Targowa. Cemetery founded in 1792 at the edges of the town at that time. Officially the cemetery was used until 1910, but during the First World War people still were buried here. It is estimated that about 40.000 people are buried here.
- Jewish cemetery, ul. Dołowa. This kirkut was founded in 1849 and the youngest matzevah was placed there in 1851. The cemetery was largely destroyed and devastated during the Second World War and some matzevahs were used to pave streets in the neighborhood. 754 gravestones are still there, however most of them have fallen down. The site is surrounded by a brick wall and inaccessible as the sole gate is locked.
- Wanda Siemaszkowa Theatre, ul. Sokoła 7-9. Opened in 1944 it was the first professional dramatical theatre in the city.
- Revolutionary Act Monument, aleja Łukasza Cieplińskiego. From 1974 commemorating the fights for freedom that took place around the area. It's more often called the Huge Pussy though and mainly because of this reason it is known among many people in Poland.
- Multimedia Fountain, Aleja Lubomirskich (Between the Summer Palace and the Castle. The nicest fountain in the city that reopened after a renovation a few years ago. At night the fountain is decorated with several lights. Free.
Lubomirski Castle, Plac Śreniawitów 3. On the edge of the edge of the old town, it dates from the 16th century. In 18th century it was expanded and encircled with stone walls and bastions. It now serves as the law courts and so the interior is generally closed to the public. However, it's well worth walking around the impressive walls.
Lubomirski Summer Palace, ul. Jana Dekerta 2. Built in the 17th and 18th century this attractive late-baroque style palace, situated on the corner of Dekerta Street and Lubomirski Alley, is often described as the most beautiful aristocratic residence of the Sub-Carpathian region. Since 2008 the building houses Rzeszów University's IT Department.
Market Square, Rynek. Central square of the city. 6.50/4.50 zł for the Underground Tourist Route.
Town Hall, Rynek 1. Built in the 16th century on the southwestern corner of the Rynek, and afterwards rebuilt several times. Closed to the public.
Sts. Stanislaw and Adalbert Parish Church, plac Farny 5. The history of this church dates back to 1363, when probably a small wooden church stood on this location. The oldest fragments of the current Gothic church are most likely from the 15th century.
Old Convent of Piarist Friars, ul. 3 Maja. From 17th century now consists of St. Cross Church, District Museum, and Lyceum No. 1.
Old Town Synagogue, ul. Bożnicza 4. Built in the beginning of the 17th century it now houses state archives.
New Town Synagogue, ul. Jana III Sobieskiego 17. From the end of 18th century, destroyed by Nazis and restored between 1954-63 is now the Office for Art Exhibitions (BWA).
Bernardine Complex Convent, ul. Sokoła 8.
Public library, ul. Sokoła 13. Built in 1890.
Old Cemetery, ul. Targowa. Cemetery founded in 1792 at the edges of the town at that time. Officially the cemetery was used until 1910, but during the First World War people still were buried here. It is estimated that about 40.000 people are buried here.
Jewish cemetery, ul. Dołowa. This kirkut was founded in 1849 and the youngest matzevah was placed there in 1851. The cemetery was largely destroyed and devastated during the Second World War and some matzevahs were used to pave streets in the neighborhood. 754 gravestones are still there, however most of them have fallen down. The site is surrounded by a brick wall and inaccessible as the sole gate is locked.
Wanda Siemaszkowa Theatre, ul. Sokoła 7-9. Opened in 1944 it was the first professional dramatical theatre in the city.
Revolutionary Act Monument, aleja Łukasza Cieplińskiego. From 1974 commemorating the fights for freedom that took place around the area. It's more often called the Huge Pussy though and mainly because of this reason it is known among many people in Poland.
Multimedia Fountain, Aleja Lubomirskich (Between the Summer Palace and the Castle. The nicest fountain in the city that reopened after a renovation a few years ago. At night the fountain is decorated with several lights. Free.
Many of Rzeszów's state museums have free admission on Sunday and are closed on Monday and Saturday.
- Ethnographic Museum, ul. Rynek 6, +48 17 862 02 17. Traditional folk costumes and old woodcarvings from the region in the permanent exposition. 6 / 4 zł.
- Museum of the City of Rzeszów with Underground Tourist Route, ul. Rynek 12. The Underground Tourist Route "Rzeszow Cellars" - 369 m. long corridor which runs under the Square and tenement houses around it. (price: 6,50/4,50 zł) 4 / 3 zł.
- Rzeszów Regional Museum, ul. 3 Maja 19, +48 17 853 52 78. In the buildings of the former Priarist monastery with a frescoed vaulting dating back to the 17th century. The Rzeszów Regional Museum displays Polish paintings from the 18th to the 20th century and European art from the 16th to the 19th century. 8 / 6 zł.
- Technology and Military Museum, ul. Kochanowskiego 19, +48 601 885 820. Contact via e-mail or phone before arriving. Free.
- Museum of Bedtime Cartoons, ul. Mickiewicza 13, +48 17 74 83 652. Poland's only museum of this kind. The collection of the museum is dedicated to the popular animated films for children before bedtime, commonly called in Polish dobranocki. In general the land of bedtime cartoons is the land of good feelings. 7 / 4 zł.
- Dairy Museum, ul. Warszawska 20, +48 17 74 83 100. Contact via e-mail or phone before arriving. Free.
Ethnographic Museum, ul. Rynek 6, +48 17 862 02 17. Traditional folk costumes and old woodcarvings from the region in the permanent exposition. 6 / 4 zł.
Museum of the City of Rzeszów with Underground Tourist Route, ul. Rynek 12. The Underground Tourist Route "Rzeszow Cellars" - 369 m. long corridor which runs under the Square and tenement houses around it. (price: 6,50/4,50 zł) 4 / 3 zł.
Rzeszów Regional Museum, ul. 3 Maja 19, +48 17 853 52 78. In the buildings of the former Priarist monastery with a frescoed vaulting dating back to the 17th century. The Rzeszów Regional Museum displays Polish paintings from the 18th to the 20th century and European art from the 16th to the 19th century. 8 / 6 zł.
Technology and Military Museum, ul. Kochanowskiego 19, +48 601 885 820. Contact via e-mail or phone before arriving. Free.
Museum of Bedtime Cartoons, ul. Mickiewicza 13, +48 17 74 83 652. Poland's only museum of this kind. The collection of the museum is dedicated to the popular animated films for children before bedtime, commonly called in Polish dobranocki. In general the land of bedtime cartoons is the land of good feelings. 7 / 4 zł.
Dairy Museum, ul. Warszawska 20, +48 17 74 83 100. Contact via e-mail or phone before arriving. Free.
- Maska Theatre, ul. Mickiewicza 13, +48 17 862 68 08. Professional puppet theatre located in the center of Rzeszów. The different performances are not only suitable for children, but also for teenagers and adults. The only problem may be that it they are in Polish.
- Cultural House of the Voivodeship, Stefana Okrzei 7, +48 17 853 25 35. Cultural center with exhibitions, performances, and movie events.
- Artur Malawski Philharmony Hall, Fryderyka Szopena 30, +48 17 862 84 08.
Maska Theatre, ul. Mickiewicza 13, +48 17 862 68 08. Professional puppet theatre located in the center of Rzeszów. The different performances are not only suitable for children, but also for teenagers and adults. The only problem may be that it they are in Polish.
Cultural House of the Voivodeship, Stefana Okrzei 7, +48 17 853 25 35. Cultural center with exhibitions, performances, and movie events.
Artur Malawski Philharmony Hall, Fryderyka Szopena 30, +48 17 862 84 08.
- Lisia Góra nature reserve, Żeglarska (Upstream on the Old Town riverside. Located upstream, south of the town this nature reserve makes an excellent location for a short walk outside the city. There is a small café on the Wisłok river bank where you can rest and enjoy the view. Free.
- Żwirownia city beach. When it is hot it may be a good idea to go here. This city beach next to the Żwirownia lake is accessible for free and on hot summer days brings relief to many residents of the city. Utilities may be very limited, so come prepared. Free.
Lisia Góra nature reserve, Żeglarska (Upstream on the Old Town riverside. Located upstream, south of the town this nature reserve makes an excellent location for a short walk outside the city. There is a small café on the Wisłok river bank where you can rest and enjoy the view. Free.
Żwirownia city beach. When it is hot it may be a good idea to go here. This city beach next to the Żwirownia lake is accessible for free and on hot summer days brings relief to many residents of the city. Utilities may be very limited, so come prepared. Free.
The main shopping areas are on the pedestrianized Grunwaldzka and 3'ego Maja streets. There are several small shopping centres in the city centre.
- Millenium Hall, Aleja Kopsisto 1. A massive shopping center in the New Town, is one of the largest malls in southern Poland, and is located 1 km south of the Old Town. There is also a large cinema included, called Multikino.
- Galeria Rzeszów, al. Józefa Piłsudskiego 44, +48 17 777 10 00. 9:00-21:00. Shopping center in the vicinity of the railway station, northeast of the historical center. Also some eating options inside as well as a hotel (Hotel Rzeszów).
- CH New World, Krakowska 20, +48 17 717 90 01. Normal shopping center a bit outside of the center, but can come in handy if you have to be in the neighborhood.
- There are many also large hypermarkets in the suburbs, most of which incorporate a small pasaż (shopping arcade).
Millenium Hall, Aleja Kopsisto 1. A massive shopping center in the New Town, is one of the largest malls in southern Poland, and is located 1 km south of the Old Town. There is also a large cinema included, called Multikino.
Galeria Rzeszów, al. Józefa Piłsudskiego 44, +48 17 777 10 00. 9:00-21:00. Shopping center in the vicinity of the railway station, northeast of the historical center. Also some eating options inside as well as a hotel (Hotel Rzeszów).
CH New World, Krakowska 20, +48 17 717 90 01. Normal shopping center a bit outside of the center, but can come in handy if you have to be in the neighborhood.
- Cilento Pizzeria, Pl. Wolności 16/1, +48 17 858 12 09. As the name says this is a place to go to if you have a craving for pizza's. The cheapest pizza you can get costs 10 zł, on average the prices are between 20-25 zł.
- Stary Brower Rzeszowski, Rynek 20/23, +48 17 250 00 15. Sun-Wed: 12-23, Thu-Sat: 12-1. On the main Rynek square this is the perfect place if you want to combine beers with a filling snack in a pub atmosphere.
Cilento Pizzeria, Pl. Wolności 16/1, +48 17 858 12 09. As the name says this is a place to go to if you have a craving for pizza's. The cheapest pizza you can get costs 10 zł, on average the prices are between 20-25 zł.
Stary Brower Rzeszowski, Rynek 20/23, +48 17 250 00 15. Sun-Wed: 12-23, Thu-Sat: 12-1. On the main Rynek square this is the perfect place if you want to combine beers with a filling snack in a pub atmosphere.
- Bellanuna Osteria, Stanisława Moniuszki 4, +48 515 516 500. One of the best appreciated Italian restaurants. Though there may be better places in the city if you want to have pizza since this restaurants seems to be focused on other Italian dishes. Mains for 30-60 zł.
- Kuk Nuk, Jana Matejki 4, +48 533 219 000. On the edge of the Rynek square with the Jana Matejki street this place offers burgers, salads, soups, meat-based main dishes. There are also some vegetarian dishes available as well as a children menu.
Bellanuna Osteria, Stanisława Moniuszki 4, +48 515 516 500. One of the best appreciated Italian restaurants. Though there may be better places in the city if you want to have pizza since this restaurants seems to be focused on other Italian dishes. Mains for 30-60 zł.
Kuk Nuk, Jana Matejki 4, +48 533 219 000. On the edge of the Rynek square with the Jana Matejki street this place offers burgers, salads, soups, meat-based main dishes. There are also some vegetarian dishes available as well as a children menu.
- Oranżeria Restaurant, al. Józefa Piłsudskiego 44, +48 17 777 10 15. M-F 06:30-22:00, Sa Su 07:00-23:00. Restaurant of Hotel Rzeszów, this is one of the most popular fine-dining restaurants in the city with a Polish-European cuisine. They provide gluten-free options.
- Wesele, Rynek 20/23, +48 17 250 00 50. High-standard restaurant with Polish-European cuisine located in the heart of the Rzeszów old town. This is also the restaurant of the Bristol hotel.
Oranżeria Restaurant, al. Józefa Piłsudskiego 44, +48 17 777 10 15. M-F 06:30-22:00, Sa Su 07:00-23:00. Restaurant of Hotel Rzeszów, this is one of the most popular fine-dining restaurants in the city with a Polish-European cuisine. They provide gluten-free options.
Wesele, Rynek 20/23, +48 17 250 00 50. High-standard restaurant with Polish-European cuisine located in the heart of the Rzeszów old town. This is also the restaurant of the Bristol hotel.
- Irish Pub Galway, 3-go Maja 8, +48 17 853 22 77. Pub with Irish beers and whiskeys.
Irish Pub Galway, 3-go Maja 8, +48 17 853 22 77. Pub with Irish beers and whiskeys.
Rzeszów is a rather safe place for travellers. You should be aware of pickpocketing like in any other city. Use your mind and do not start an argument with young, bald men dressed in sweatshirts. Try to not present your liking to football or speedway clubs, since there is an eternal struggle between hooligans sympathising with competing teams. Do not buy 'occasional bargains' from guys wandering around parking places (they sell shoddy stuff, like binoculars). Of course, this is a general remark for whole Poland and nothing makes Rzeszów more dangerous than any other city in the country.
- Łańcut is practically a suburb and well worth a visit. It is located 17 km from Rzeszów and is easy accessible by coaches or trains.
- Further afield are Jarosław and the city of Przemyśl (both are also accessible by train and coaches).
- Rzeszów is in the middle between the two cultural hubs Kraków and Lviv.
- If you feel like hiking, head to the Bieszczady range south of Rzeszów.
[[Łańcut]] is practically a suburb and well worth a visit. It is located 17 km from Rzeszów and is easy accessible by coaches or trains.
Further afield are [[Jarosław]] and the city of [[Przemyśl]] (both are also accessible by train and coaches).
Rzeszów is in the middle between the two cultural hubs [[Kraków]] and [[Lviv]].
If you feel like hiking, head to the [[Bieszczady]] range south of Rzeszów.