Our tour starts from the Rynek Wielki, which is the heart and showpiece of Zamosc. This impressive 100 by 100 meter square is one of the most beautiful in Europe and is an excellent example of Renaissance architecture. The Rynek Wielki in Zamosc (address: Rynek Wielki 8, 22-400 Zamosc) is a place you must see to feel the true spirit of the city.

In the center of the market stands the majestic Town Hall with its characteristic high staircase. It's the perfect place to start your tour and take souvenir photos. The Town Hall tower offers a beautiful view of the entire Old Town - it's worth climbing to the top for a panoramic view of Zamosc (a ticket to the tower costs about 10-15 PLN, as of 2023).

The most characteristic element of the market square are the colorful tenement houses. Pay special attention to the Armenian tenements, which are distinguished by their rich decorations and vivid colors. It is in one of them that the Zamosc Museum is located (address: Ormiańska 30, 22-400 Zamosc), which you absolutely must visit. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm (until 5:00 pm in the summer season). A regular ticket costs about 19 PLN, a discounted ticket costs 12 PLN (prices as of 2023).

At the Zamosc Museum you will learn about the fascinating history of the city and the region. Exhibits include collections related to the Zamoyski family, sacred art, militaria and many other valuable artifacts. This is the perfect place to understand the important role Zamosc played in Polish history.

After visiting the museum, take a break in one of the numerous cafes and restaurants located around the market square. This is a good time to try local specialties and relax before continuing your sightseeing. Remember that the Rynek Wielki is also a place where various cultural events and festivals often take place, especially during the summer season - it's worth checking the calendar of events before you visit.

For families with children, we recommend keeping an eye out for the Bolko and Lolko figurines hidden in the market - it's great fun for the little ones to find them all. In addition, near the market is Nadszaniec (address: Waleriana Łukasińskiego 2, 22-400 Zamość) - part of the former fortifications, where you can see reconstructions of old cannons and feel like a defender of the city.

After discovering the charms of the Great Market, it is time to delve into the military history of Zamość by visiting the Zamość Fortress. This impressive fortification, which is one of the best preserved examples of defensive art in Europe, is just a few minutes' walk from the market.

Zamosc Fortress (address: Bastion VII, 22-400 Zamosc) is a complex of fortifications that for centuries protected the city from invaders. Today we can admire its power and learn about the fascinating history of defense. The tour starts from Bastion VII, where the main part of the exhibition is located.

Entrance to the fortress costs about PLN 14 for a regular ticket and PLN 10 for a concessionary ticket (prices as of 2023). The facility is open daily, but the hours may change depending on the season, so check the official website for up-to-date information: http://twierdza.zamosc.pl/

When visiting the fortress, be sure to take a guide who will bring the history of the place to life with interesting stories and anecdotes. The tour includes underground corridors, casemates and an exit to the observation deck, from where you can enjoy a beautiful panorama of the city. Children may find the multimedia presentations and the opportunity to see old armaments up close particularly attractive.

After visiting the main part of the fortress, take a walk along the preserved defensive walls. This walk will allow you to better understand the scale of the fortifications and appreciate the engineering genius of Zamosc's builders. On the route of the walk you will also find other interesting objects, such as the New Lubelska Gate and the Kojec - elements of the defense system that are worth seeing.

If you have more time, we also recommend a visit to the Arsenal Museum of Fortifications and Weapons (address: Zamkowa 2, 22-400 Zamosc), which is a branch of the Zamosc Museum. Here you will find a rich collection of weapons and militaria from the 16th century to modern times. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, and an entrance ticket costs about 15-20 PLN (2023 prices).

After an intensive tour of the fortifications, it's time for some relaxation. Head to the Water Market (address: 22-400 Zamosc), which is one of Zamosc's three main squares. It's a charming place where you can relax by the fountain, enjoying the atmosphere of the city. During the summer season, the Water Market often becomes a stage for various cultural events and concerts, making your stay in Zamosc even more attractive.

The final stage of our day trip to Zamosc is to discover its multicultural heritage and the modern face of the city. Zamosc has for centuries been a place where different cultures and religions met, which is still evident in the city's architecture and traditions.

Begin with a stroll along Armenian Street, where there are distinctive Armenian townhouses. Armenians, who settled in Zamosc in the 16th century, contributed significantly to the development of trade and crafts in the city. Today you can admire their legacy in the form of the beautifully decorated facades of the townhouses.

Next, go to the Synagogue (address: Ludwika Zamenhofa 9, 22-400 Zamosc), which, although it no longer serves a religious function, is a testimony to the rich history of the Jewish community in Zamosc. The building has been restored and now houses a cultural center. It is worth noting for its characteristic architecture and rich ornamentation.

The next point on the route is the Cathedral of the Resurrection and St. Thomas the Apostle (address: Collegiate Church 1, 22-400 Zamosc). This beautiful temple, which is both a collegiate church and a cathedral, is an example of Renaissance sacred architecture. Inside you can admire the precious works of art and feel the atmosphere of the old centuries.

At the end of the tour, be sure to visit the Zamość Rotunda (address: Droga Męczenników Rotunda 1, 22-400 Zamość). This is a place with a tragic history, which during World War II served as a prison and a place of mass executions. Today, the Rotunda is a place of remembrance and a warning for future generations. Admission is free, and the exhibition inside allows you to better understand the tragic fate of the residents of Zamosc and the surrounding area during the occupation.

If you still have some time left, it is worth walking to the Zamosc City Park (address: Marszałka Józefa Piłsudskiego, 22-400 Zamość). It's a great place to relax after a busy day of sightseeing. Established on the site of former fortifications, the park offers shade and tranquility, as well as beautiful views of the preserved fragments of the fortified walls.

At the end of the day, we recommend dinner at one of the restaurants on the Grand Market Square, where you can enjoy local specialties and take stock of your impressions from the day's tour.

Practical information:

• Most of the attractions in Zamosc are in close proximity to each other, making it easy to explore on foot.
• For families with children, we recommend scheduling breaks in between exploring the various sites so the little ones can rest.
• During the summer season, it's a good idea to bring headgear and water, as the Grand Market Square and the surrounding area can get a lot of sunlight.
• Comfortable footwear is recommended, as the tour includes cobblestone streets and uneven surfaces.
• The best time to visit Zamosc is from May to September, when the weather is favorable for walking and most attractions are fully accessible.

Zamosc is a city that allows you to travel back in time and experience the richness of Polish history and culture in a single day. Whether you are a lover of architecture, history or simply looking for a picturesque place for a weekend getaway, Zamość will certainly not disappoint you.