The Well of the Three Brothers

The Well of the Three Brothers is a historical structure located in Cieszyn, believed to date back to the Middle Ages. It served as a water source for local residents and a nearby brewery. The tradition associated with the legend of Cieszyn's founding and the origin of its name is difficult to pinpoint precisely, but by the mid-19th century, thanks to the initiative of Paweł Stalmach, the well underwent renovation. In 1868, a neo-Gothic cast-iron pavilion approximately three meters high was constructed, with its design realized at the ironworks in Třinec. The pavilion takes the form of a hexagonal prism with lattice walls and a sheet metal roof. Inscriptions in three languages—Polish, Latin, and German—were originally placed inside, though today only the Polish and Latin versions remain. The central part of the pavilion is adorned with a bas-relief by the Cieszyn sculptor Jan Raszka. The Well of the Three Brothers has become one of the symbols of Cieszyn and a popular tourist attraction. It is situated on a steep street of the same name, opposite the tallest building in the old town. Tradition holds that tossing a coin into the well brings good luck and ensures a return visit in the future. The legend associated with the founding of Cieszyn is relatively recent, likely originating in the mid-19th century among Polish national activists. These individuals pointed to the Polish word "cieszyć" (to rejoice) as the source of the city's name. Today, historians question both the authenticity of the legend and the proposed etymology. Nevertheless, it is commonly accepted that Cieszyn was founded in 810, although the earliest known written references to the city date back to 1155, and archaeological findings reveal much older traces of settlement. Some suggest that the city may have originated from a stronghold of the Gołęszyce tribe, known as Old Cieszyn, located several kilometers north of the present city center. Thanks to its architectural merits and cultural heritage, the Well of the Three Brothers remains a significant landmark in Cieszyn's history, bridging the past with the present.