The Old Market Square was established in 1253 on the left bank of the Warta River. It is the third biggest Old Square in Poland, losing only to the squares in Krakow and Wroclaw. Of the twelve streets starting at the square, four (Wroclawska, Wroniecka, Wielka and Wodna) used to lead to the city gates. The first buildings on the square were wooden, however, as soon as in the end of the 13th century brick buildings began to appear: the Municipal Scales, the Gothic Town Hall, and in the 14th century the Cloth Hall. In the first half of the 16th century a complex of small houses, called the merchants' houses, was built by the merchants who owned the individual plots.

Every June the square is home to a lively street fair (St. John's Fair), and throughout the summer it features many cultural events including some performances of Malta Theatre Festival. In the summer months many bars set up beer gardens in the square, where you can seat down for a beer or coffee and make yourself familiar with Polish cuisine!