The town hall in Sulmierzyce, located in the Greater Poland Province, is an exceptional example of small-town wooden architecture. It is the only completely preserved wooden town hall in Poland and the oldest one in Europe, a testimony to the rich history and tradition of this place. Situated in the middle of the market square, it is not only a symbol of Sulmierzyce, but also an important point on the map of Polish architectural monuments. It is counted among the monuments of the zero class, i.e. objects of great historical and artistic value, entered on the world list and protected in a special way.
History of the unique town hall
Sulmierzyce was first mentioned in 1420, and the town was granted town rights in 1457 thanks to a privilege granted by Casimir Jagiellon. Despite its turbulent history, including the loss of its town rights in 1972, which were restored just one year later thanks to the protests of its inhabitants, Sulmierzyce has mostly retained its historical character.
Sulmierzyce town hall on an engraving from 1917. Source: National Library
The earliest information about the existence of a town hall in the town dates back to 1647. The original building, also made of wood, was destroyed in the fires of 1658 and 1710. The present town hall was built in 1743. It has undergone numerous transformations over the years, including the lowering of the tower in 1879, the removal of the clock and the demolition of the arcaded galleries. A comprehensive renovation took place between 1956 and 1957.
The building in 1934 and 2020. Source: szukajwarchiwach.gov.pl and s_mile/fotopolska.eu
The last major renovation of the building, carried out between 1991 and 1994, allowed architectural details such as the carpentry framing of the openings and the profiled ceiling beams to be exposed. Thanks to the efforts of local residents and authorities, the Town Hall has retained its unique value and is now one of the region’s most important tourist attractions.
Town Hall in Sulmierzyce – architecture
The Town Hall is a free-standing building, built on a rectangular plan and with a timber-frame construction. The plastered two-storey monument is covered with a hipped roof, covered with shingles, which was restored during renovation in the 1950s. Characteristic arcades, supported on wooden pillars, surround the building on three sides. On the roof is a turret topped with a tin cupola and a flag with the date “1743”, commemorating the year of construction.
In the front elevation, the attention is drawn to the two-legged external staircase leading to the entrance. The beam above the door bears the inscription “ANNO DOM. 1743…”. The interior of the town hall has retained its original layout, with the mayor’s room and the town council meeting room on the first floor. The ground floor formerly housed the archive and treasury, suitable for storing documents and seals, as well as the municipal jail.
The present day and the Sulmierzyce Regional Museum
The Regional Museum of the Sulmierzyce Region, established through the efforts of Leon Piątek, has been operating in the town hall since 1957. Its collections include exhibits related to the history of the region, such as collections of paraffin lamps, clocks, irons and a baptismal font from the 16th century. Of exceptional importance are the original guild chests, which remind visitors of the town’s craft traditions.
The Town Hall in the 1960s and today. Source: album “Wielkopolska” and Google Maps
The town hall in Sulmierzyce is not only an architectural monument, but also a witness to the history of the town and its inhabitants. The wooden building, unique in Europe, attracts tourists and history enthusiasts. Thanks to the care for cultural heritage, the town hall remains an important point on the map of Wielkopolska, reminding us of the old times and traditions that have shaped this place for centuries.
Source: zabytek.pl, regionwielkopolska.pl
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