History

The history of the Rzeszów Cellars dates back to the Middle Ages and holds many fascinating stories about the city’s development, trade, and the everyday lives of its inhabitants. It's a unique journey through time — from the 14th century to the present day.

Rzeszów, granted town rights under Magdeburg Law in 1354 during the reign of King Casimir the Great, quickly developed into an important center of trade and craftsmanship. Its strategic location at the intersection of trade routes, along with numerous royal privileges, contributed to the city’s rapid growth.

Beneath the tenement houses, under the Market Square and surrounding streets, a network of cellars was built, serving as storage spaces and so-called “earth shops.” These cellars protected goods from fire and theft, maintained proper storage temperatures, and in times of danger — such as invasions or natural disasters — provided shelter for the city’s residents.

The cellars were dug into soft loess rock and then reinforced with oak wood, stone, or brick. To this day, remnants of medieval structures have been preserved, including brick ribbed vaults, a stone portal, a stone window, and parts of the original flooring — the oldest surviving elements of the city.

Rzeszów thrived until the 18th century. As the political and economic situation declined, trade diminished, and many cellars were filled in or walled off. However, some continued to be used well into the 20th century — during World War II, they served as hiding places for Jews escaping the Rzeszów ghetto, and the “earth shops” remained in operation until the 1970s.

In the 1960s, due to ground subsidence and the resulting threat to the foundations of buildings, a decision was made to save the historic Market Square.

Conservation and archaeological work was carried out in several stages, including during the 1980s and 1990s, and concluded in 2000. A year later, on April 19, 2001, the “Rzeszów Cellars” Underground Tourist Route was officially opened to visitors. It spanned 213 meters and included 34 chambers and corridors. The deepest point of the route reached nearly 10 meters underground, while the narrowest corridor measured just 70 centimeters.

In 2007, the route was extended to 396 meters. During the expansion, relics of 16th–18th-century buildings and evidence of the great city fire of 1842 were uncovered.

Another modernization began in 2017 under the project “Rzeszów Cellars – an interactive cultural institution,” co-financed by EU funds. A modern educational and exhibition space was created, combining history with cutting-edge technology and interactive storytelling.

The renovated Rzeszów Cellars were reopened to visitors on January 3, 2022. Today, the cellars function as an interactive cultural institution that bridges the past with the present, and history with innovation. They educate, promote knowledge about Rzeszów, offer a rich cultural program, and collaborate with both local and international artists. 

Culture is emotions - experience it in Rzeszów Cellars!