Old Town

Szczecin's Old Town, formerly known as Altstadt, is a historic district situated along the Oder River, with a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages. Until 1945, before the wartime destruction, the Old Town was characterized by typical 19th-century architecture and numerous landmarks, including the Ducal Castle, St. James' Cathedral, and the Old Town Hall. As a result of bombing raids, approximately 80% of the area was destroyed, making it impossible to restore it to its original form. After the war, in the 1950s, a new urban concept was adopted, leading to the construction of low-rise residential blocks and transforming the district from a commercial and service area into a typical housing estate with courtyards. The reconstruction of the Old Town followed various architectural concepts; however, parts of its historic fabric, including some streets and tenement houses, were lost forever. Interestingly, as late as the 1980s, a competition was held to develop the lower part of the Old Town, but the modern architecture in the Podzamcze area remained contemporary in style, with no attempts to reconstruct its historical appearance. Today, the Old Town is not only home to 3,804 residents but also a cultural hub hosting annual events such as the Sea Days Festival. The presence of consulates from Norway, Estonia, and Kazakhstan highlights the international character of this part of Szczecin. It is also worth mentioning the Old Town Neighborhood Council, active since 1990, which engages residents in local life despite low voter turnout. Thus, Szczecin's Old Town is not only a place with a rich history but also a space where different architectural styles intertwine, preserving invaluable traces of the past.