Wrocław Town Hall
Encyclopedia
Wrocław’s Town Hall (the Ratusz/Rathaus) stands at the centre of the City’s Rynek (Market Square
). It has a long history reflecting the developments that have taken place in the city over the period since its initial construction.
Today, it continues to be in the service of the city
. The Ratusz is used for civic and cultural events (for example, concerts are sometimes held in the Great Hall
), it houses a museum
, and the basement is now a restaurant
.
History does not record exactly when the initial construction began. However, in the period 1299-1301 the consistorium a single floor structure with cellars and a tower was built. The oldest parts of the current building – the Burghers’ Hall and the lower floors of the tower may date from this time. In these early days, the primary purpose of the building was trade, rather than civic administration
.
In 1328-1333, the building was enlarged with the addition of an upper story to house the Council room and the Aldermen’s room. This expansion continued during the 14th century with the addition of extra rooms, most notably the Court
room, again indicating an expansion of the role of the building. It was becoming a key location for the city’s commercial and administrative functions.
The 15th and 16th centuries were a time of prosperity for the city of Wrocław, and this is reflected in the rapid development of the Ratusz. The building programme gathered momentum, particularly during the period from 1470 to 1510, when several rooms were added, the Burghers’ Hall was re-vaulted to take on its current shape, and the upper story began to take shape with the development of the Great Hall and the addition of the Treasury
and Little Treasury.
Further innovations during the 16th century included the addition of the city’s coat of arms (1536), and the rebuilding of the upper part of the tower (1558-59). This was the final step in the main building programme. By 1560, the major features of today’s Ratusz were established.
The rapid development of the city at this time meant that the Ratusz had to accommodate further administrative functions, and during the 17th century, the allocation of space within the building had to be changed to ensure that all the offices could be housed there. For example, the ground floor was allocated for military purposes, and the general public only had access to the basement, where beer was served.
The second half of the 17th century was a period of decline for the city, and again this was reflected in the Ratusz. Perhaps by way of compensation, efforts were made to enrich the interior decorations of the hall. In 1741, Wrocław became a part of Prussia
, and with this change in administration the power of the City diminished, and much of the Ratusz was allocated to the purposes of justice.
During the 19th century there were two major changes. First of all, the administration changed again. The courts moved out to a separate building, and the Ratusz became the focus for the city council and supporting functions. There was also a major programme of renovation as the original building had been neglected and was covered with creepers. The town hall now has a number of neo-Gothic features, including some sculptural decoration from this period.
In the early years of the 20th century improvements continued, with various repair works and the addition of the Little Bear statue in 1902. During the 1930s, the official role of the Ratusz was reduced, and it was converted into a museum
. At the end of World War II, about 10% of the building was destroyed. The roofs were seriously damaged, and some sculptural elements were lost.
Restoration work began in the 1950s, following a period of research, and this conservation continued through the 20th century, with a conservation programme, including refurbishment of the clock on the East façade.
Today, the Ratusz is open to visitors as a museum
, and is also the venue for cultural events.
at an angle. It is considered a fine example of Gothic bourgeois architecture. Originally it was a single storey building, and was expanded over the years. The current form dates from the late 15th century with ornaments on the Eastern and Southern facades. The entrance is from the Western side and it leads into the Burghers’ Hall.
The Burghers’ Hall dates from the turn of the 14th century where it housed public gatherings and ceremonies. Later on it was used for commercial purposes. Today it includes a map of Wrocław (a modern copy of a 16th century map).
The next room is the Aldermans’ Hall, also known as the Court Room. It also dates from 1299. It was used by the members of the municipality
. It also has a special podium for the administration of justice. Beyond that lies the Council Chamber, dating from the first half of the 14th century. Here, important city decisions were made and it includes a Renaissance portal from 1528, probably made by Andreas Walter. Until 1945 this room was richly decorated, but some of the elements – wood paneling, furniture and paintings – have been irretrievably lost. The wall paintings and baroque tiled stove, however, have survived.
Next is the Council Office – a place where the council secretary and receiver used to work. This was a popular office for clerks – it was seen as a high-status role. Architecturally, it still includes its padded doors from 1429 and portraits of eminent town councilors.
Upstairs is the Grand Hall. This dates from the second half of the 15th century. Here, official ceremonies took place.
Market Square
Market Square may refer to:Market square, a description of the generic usagein Australia* Market Square, Geelong, a shopping centre in Victoria, Australiain Canada:* Market Square, Victoria, British Columbiain Finland:...
). It has a long history reflecting the developments that have taken place in the city over the period since its initial construction.
Today, it continues to be in the service of the city
City
A city is a relatively large and permanent settlement. Although there is no agreement on how a city is distinguished from a town within general English language meanings, many cities have a particular administrative, legal, or historical status based on local law.For example, in the U.S...
. The Ratusz is used for civic and cultural events (for example, concerts are sometimes held in the Great Hall
Great Hall
Great Hall may refer to* Great hall, the main room of a royal palace, nobleman's castle or large manor house* Great Hall of the People, Tiananmen Square, Beijing* Great Hall of the University of Sydney, Australia* Cooper_Union#The_Great_Hall, New York...
), it houses a museum
Museum
A museum is an institution that cares for a collection of artifacts and other objects of scientific, artistic, cultural, or historical importance and makes them available for public viewing through exhibits that may be permanent or temporary. Most large museums are located in major cities...
, and the basement is now a restaurant
Restaurant
A restaurant is an establishment which prepares and serves food and drink to customers in return for money. Meals are generally served and eaten on premises, but many restaurants also offer take-out and food delivery services...
.
History
The Ratusz developed over a period of about 250 years from the end of the 13th century though to the middle of the 16th century. The structure and plan changed of course over this extended period in response to the changing needs of the city.History does not record exactly when the initial construction began. However, in the period 1299-1301 the consistorium a single floor structure with cellars and a tower was built. The oldest parts of the current building – the Burghers’ Hall and the lower floors of the tower may date from this time. In these early days, the primary purpose of the building was trade, rather than civic administration
Administration (government)
The term administration, as used in the context of government, differs according to jurisdiction.-United States:In United States usage, the term refers to the executive branch under a specific president , for example: the "Barack Obama administration." It can also mean an executive branch agency...
.
In 1328-1333, the building was enlarged with the addition of an upper story to house the Council room and the Aldermen’s room. This expansion continued during the 14th century with the addition of extra rooms, most notably the Court
Court
A court is a form of tribunal, often a governmental institution, with the authority to adjudicate legal disputes between parties and carry out the administration of justice in civil, criminal, and administrative matters in accordance with the rule of law...
room, again indicating an expansion of the role of the building. It was becoming a key location for the city’s commercial and administrative functions.
The 15th and 16th centuries were a time of prosperity for the city of Wrocław, and this is reflected in the rapid development of the Ratusz. The building programme gathered momentum, particularly during the period from 1470 to 1510, when several rooms were added, the Burghers’ Hall was re-vaulted to take on its current shape, and the upper story began to take shape with the development of the Great Hall and the addition of the Treasury
Treasury
A treasury is either*A government department related to finance and taxation.*A place where currency or precious items is/are kept....
and Little Treasury.
Further innovations during the 16th century included the addition of the city’s coat of arms (1536), and the rebuilding of the upper part of the tower (1558-59). This was the final step in the main building programme. By 1560, the major features of today’s Ratusz were established.
The rapid development of the city at this time meant that the Ratusz had to accommodate further administrative functions, and during the 17th century, the allocation of space within the building had to be changed to ensure that all the offices could be housed there. For example, the ground floor was allocated for military purposes, and the general public only had access to the basement, where beer was served.
The second half of the 17th century was a period of decline for the city, and again this was reflected in the Ratusz. Perhaps by way of compensation, efforts were made to enrich the interior decorations of the hall. In 1741, Wrocław became a part of Prussia
Prussia
Prussia was a German kingdom and historic state originating out of the Duchy of Prussia and the Margraviate of Brandenburg. For centuries, the House of Hohenzollern ruled Prussia, successfully expanding its size by way of an unusually well-organized and effective army. Prussia shaped the history...
, and with this change in administration the power of the City diminished, and much of the Ratusz was allocated to the purposes of justice.
During the 19th century there were two major changes. First of all, the administration changed again. The courts moved out to a separate building, and the Ratusz became the focus for the city council and supporting functions. There was also a major programme of renovation as the original building had been neglected and was covered with creepers. The town hall now has a number of neo-Gothic features, including some sculptural decoration from this period.
In the early years of the 20th century improvements continued, with various repair works and the addition of the Little Bear statue in 1902. During the 1930s, the official role of the Ratusz was reduced, and it was converted into a museum
Museum
A museum is an institution that cares for a collection of artifacts and other objects of scientific, artistic, cultural, or historical importance and makes them available for public viewing through exhibits that may be permanent or temporary. Most large museums are located in major cities...
. At the end of World War II, about 10% of the building was destroyed. The roofs were seriously damaged, and some sculptural elements were lost.
Restoration work began in the 1950s, following a period of research, and this conservation continued through the 20th century, with a conservation programme, including refurbishment of the clock on the East façade.
Today, the Ratusz is open to visitors as a museum
Museum
A museum is an institution that cares for a collection of artifacts and other objects of scientific, artistic, cultural, or historical importance and makes them available for public viewing through exhibits that may be permanent or temporary. Most large museums are located in major cities...
, and is also the venue for cultural events.
Architecture and chambers
The Ratusz sits in the Market squareMarket square
The market square is a feature of many European and colonial towns. It is an open area where market stalls are traditionally set out for trading, commonly on one particular day of the week known as market day....
at an angle. It is considered a fine example of Gothic bourgeois architecture. Originally it was a single storey building, and was expanded over the years. The current form dates from the late 15th century with ornaments on the Eastern and Southern facades. The entrance is from the Western side and it leads into the Burghers’ Hall.
The Burghers’ Hall dates from the turn of the 14th century where it housed public gatherings and ceremonies. Later on it was used for commercial purposes. Today it includes a map of Wrocław (a modern copy of a 16th century map).
The next room is the Aldermans’ Hall, also known as the Court Room. It also dates from 1299. It was used by the members of the municipality
Municipality
A municipality is essentially an urban administrative division having corporate status and usually powers of self-government. It can also be used to mean the governing body of a municipality. A municipality is a general-purpose administrative subdivision, as opposed to a special-purpose district...
. It also has a special podium for the administration of justice. Beyond that lies the Council Chamber, dating from the first half of the 14th century. Here, important city decisions were made and it includes a Renaissance portal from 1528, probably made by Andreas Walter. Until 1945 this room was richly decorated, but some of the elements – wood paneling, furniture and paintings – have been irretrievably lost. The wall paintings and baroque tiled stove, however, have survived.
Next is the Council Office – a place where the council secretary and receiver used to work. This was a popular office for clerks – it was seen as a high-status role. Architecturally, it still includes its padded doors from 1429 and portraits of eminent town councilors.
Upstairs is the Grand Hall. This dates from the second half of the 15th century. Here, official ceremonies took place.