Grunwaldzki Square in Szczecin

Grunwaldzki Square is the largest star-shaped square in Szczecin, located in the Śródmieście district. Its architecture, primarily reflecting the eclectic style, embodies the urban plans developed in the 19th century by James Hobrecht, who envisioned the city’s expansion in a north-westerly direction. Construction of the square was completed in the late 1880s, and it was originally named Westend Church Square. Significant damage caused by World War II led to the destruction of many tenement buildings around the square, and its reconstruction did not take place until the 1960s. After the war, on July 15, 1945, the square was renamed Grunwaldzki in commemoration of the 1410 Battle of Grunwald. Grunwaldzki Square often hosts demonstrations, and its geometric layout inspired the logo for the "Szczecin European Capital of Culture 2016" project. Culturally, the square has played an important role in local life, serving as a venue for gatherings and public events. Historically significant films have also been shot at this location, such as "How We Forced Electricity to Work," which featured a horse-drawn tram on the square. Modern infrastructure includes tram tracks and city bike stations. An interesting fact is that urban legends long attributed the square’s design to the French urban planner Georges Haussmann, though this has never been confirmed by historical evidence. Today, Grunwaldzki Square is an important transport hub, with numerous tram and bus lines, and its carefully planned buildings and green spaces make it accessible and attractive to both residents and tourists.