The Lublin Underground Route is one of the most mysterious places in the city, which allows you to literally immerse yourself in the history of Lublin. Located underneath the Old Town Square, it is a fascinating network of corridors and cellars that for centuries served residents as warehouses for goods, shelters during wars and places of trade.

The history of the underground dates back to the 14th century, when, after the great fire of Lublin in 1575, while rebuilding the city, merchants began to dig extensive cellars under their tenements. Over time, they were connected into a vast system, which today we can enjoy as a tourist route of about 280 meters in length. The route leads through 14 secret chambers located under the tenements of the Old Town and Market Square.

There are many fascinating legends associated with the Lublin Underground Route. One of them tells of mysterious creatures inhabiting the deepest recesses of the underground. According to the story, strange creatures could be found in the dark corridors, appearing unexpectedly before stray wanderers. Another legend tells of hidden treasures that merchants were said to have buried in the underground during Tartar invasions and wars.

During a tour of the underground route, one can also hear the tale of the ghost of the merchant Wincenty Pol, who is said to guard his riches hidden somewhere in the labyrinth of corridors to this day. Some visitors claim that in the silence of the underground, they have sometimes heard strange whispers and sounds of the former marketplace.

The tour is open to the public all year round, although it is worth remembering that the temperature in the underground remains constant at around 8-10 degrees Celsius, regardless of the season. It is an average-priced place in terms of entrance tickets, making it accessible to most tourists.

It is worth noting that the tour is conducted exclusively with a guide, who colorfully tells the history and legends associated with the place. The guides often dress up in historical costumes, which adds authenticity to the whole experience. Special thematic tours are organized for families with children, during which the little ones can participate in the search for legendary treasures.

The Lublin Underground Route is not only a tourist attraction, but is also a living testimony to the city's rich commercial history. It was here, in underground warehouses, that goods from all over Europe were stored, which were later sold at Lublin's famous fairs. This made Lublin one of the most important trade centers of the former Republic.

Near to the Old Town Square, on President Teodor Gruell Street, is one of the most mysterious and shrouded in legend objects in Lublin - the Stone of Misfortune. This inconspicuous black boulder embedded in the street's cobblestones hides a dark history that has been a source of terror among locals and visitors for centuries.

Legend has it that convicts were executed here in the old days. The stone was said to have witnessed many executions, and the blood shed on it over the centuries gave it a black color. According to another version of the story, the stone marked the place where the pillory stood - a post to which convicts were tied for public flogging or exposure.

There is a superstition associated with the Stone of Misfortune that has survived to the present day. It says that anyone who inadvertently steps on the stone after dark will bring upon himself a misfortune that will haunt him for seven long years. To undo the charm, one must go around the stone three times without touching it with one's foot. Some residents of Lublin to this day avoid the place by a wide arc after darkness falls.

Historians suggest that the stone may also have been linked to the city's ancient legal system. It was a custom in medieval Lublin that debtors who were unable to pay their obligations had to sit on a similar stone in their underwear alone, exposed to public humiliation. This practice, known as 'sitting on a stone,' was a form of social pressure to force the debtor to find a way to settle debts.

Today, the Stone of Misfortune is one of Lublin's lesser-known but extremely intriguing attractions. Unlike many other monuments, it is not marked with any information board, which adds to its mysteriousness. Tourists often pass by it without realizing its significance and the history it carries.

Visiting the Stone of Misfortune is completely free, making it accessible to anyone interested in local folklore and legends. It's best to visit the site during the day, when you can take a close look at the stone and take a souvenir photo without worrying about pulling a legendary curse on yourself.

It is worth noting that the Stone of Misfortune provides an interesting contrast to other, more monumental sights of Lublin. While Lublin Castle or the Krakow Gate attract attention with their architecture and grandeur, this inconspicuous stone appeals to the imagination through its dark history and legend.

For those interested in urban legends and unconventional attractions, the Stone of Misfortune is a must-see on the map of Lublin. It is a perfect example of how small, easily overlooked elements of the urban landscape can be carriers of fascinating stories and local traditions passed down from generation to generation.

The Krakow Gate, erected in 1341 as part of the city's defense system, is one of the most recognizable symbols of Lublin. This monumental building, towering over Bramowa Street, for centuries served as the main entrance to the city from Krakow, hence its name. Today it is not only an impressive architectural monument, but also a treasure trove of legends and stories that have grown up around it over the centuries.

The history of the Krakow Gate is closely linked to the history of the entire city. Initially it was a simple defensive structure, which was expanded and beautified over time. The current shape of the gate dates back to the 16th century, when its upper part was superstruck in the Renaissance style. On top of the gate is a distinctive helmet with a lantern, from which guards once watched the area, looking out for potential danger.

The Cracow Gate is linked to the legend of the goat, which became a symbol of the city and found its way into the coat of arms of Lublin. According to the story, during a Tartar invasion of the city, children took refuge in the forest, where they survived thanks to the milk of the goat that fed them. In gratitude for saving the youngest residents, the goat was placed in the city's coat of arms. Another version of the legend says that during the great fire of Lublin, the goat with its bleating woke up the residents, saving them from dying in the flames.

The Krakowska Gate has witnessed many historical events. It was through it that kings, deputies and dignitaries entered the city, heading for the sessions of the Sejm or the famous Lublin fairs. In the 16th century, when the Union of Lublin was signed, the gate witnessed solemn processions and ceremonies associated with this landmark event.

Today, the Krakow Gate houses the Museum of the History of the City of Lublin, which presents the history of the castle from the Middle Ages to the present day. Visitors can learn not only about the history of the gate itself, but also about the entire city, its development, culture and traditions. The museum offers permanent and temporary exhibitions, which introduce various aspects of life in ancient Lublin.

The observation deck at the top of the gate offers a picturesque panorama of the Old Town and the surrounding area. It is an excellent point to admire the architecture of Lublin's Old Town, which has been preserved in exceptionally good condition - about 70% of the buildings are original structures, making it one of the best preserved medieval urban complexes in Poland.

The Krakowska Gate is open to the public all year round, and ticket prices are at an average level, making it an accessible attraction for most tourists. It is worth remembering, however, that climbing to the observation deck requires climbing a narrow, winding staircase, which may pose some challenges for those with limited mobility.

In the evening, the Krakow Gate is strikingly illuminated, giving it a magical, almost fairy-tale-like character. This is the perfect time to walk around the gate and contemplate its beauty and the history it carries with it. Many residents of Lublin believe that at midnight, mysterious sounds can be heard at the gate - the sounds of ancient city guards or the whispering of ghosts of the past.

The Krakowska Gate is not only a landmark for tourists visiting Lublin, but is also a meeting place for the city's residents. It was here, under the gate, that people used to meet 'for a goat' - a custom that has survived to this day, although nowadays it is more common to meet at the nearby monument to the Lublin Union.

For lovers of history and architecture, the Krakow Gate offers a fascinating trip back in time. Its walls remember both moments of glory and tragic moments in the city's history - from the Tartar invasion, to the fires, to the occupation during World War II. Every stone of this monumental building has a story waiting to be discovered by inquisitive tourists.