Castle Hill is undoubtedly the most important point on the map of Cieszyn, bearing witness to the city's history of more than a thousand years. It was here, according to legend, that in 810 three brothers - Bolko, Leszek and Cieszek - met after a long separation at a spring and, out of joy, decided to found the city, which they called Cieszyn. Although historians date the beginnings of settlement in the area to a slightly later period, it was Castle Hill that witnessed the birth of the city and its development over the centuries.

The most valuable monument on Castle Hill is undoubtedly the Rotunda of St. Nicholas in Cieszyn - a Romanesque sacred building from the 11th century, which is one of the oldest of its kind in Poland. This small, round temple with a semicircular apse is so important to Polish national identity that its image was featured on the 20-zloty banknote. The rotunda has survived numerous wars and disasters, preserving its original Romanesque character. Its interior, though modest, exudes tranquility and spirituality, transporting visitors to the distant times of the beginnings of Polish statehood. Note the preserved fragments of medieval frescoes, which add to the mysteriousness of the place.

The dominant feature of the Castle Hill is the Piast Tower - a 14th century Gothic defensive tower, a remnant of the now defunct castle of the Dukes of Cieszyn. This 29-meter-high structure offers unforgettable views of the entire city, the Olza River valley and the mountain ranges of the Silesian Beskid and Moravian-Silesian Beskid. Climbing 120 stairs to the top of the tower is quite a challenge, but the reward of the panorama is well worth it. The Piast Tower, like the rotunda, is a symbol of Cieszyn and a testament to its rich history as the capital of the Duchy of Cieszyn.

Nowadays, the Castle Hill also houses the Cieszyn Castle, a cultural institution that combines the functions of a museum, a design center and a center for promoting the region. Castle Cieszyn is not only historic walls, but above all a place teeming with cultural and artistic life. It hosts exhibitions, workshops, conferences and festivals, including a free exhibition of IKEA items that attracts design enthusiasts. The castle has become a design center for the entire Silesian region, combining tradition with modernity.

Castle Hill is also a place for strolling and relaxation. Well-kept alleys, benches and green areas make it a favorite place for both residents and tourists. It looks especially beautiful in spring, when the trees and shrubs are in bloom, and in autumn, when the leaves shimmer in all shades of gold and red. The Castle Hill also offers a view of the Friendship Bridge, which connects the Polish and Czech parts of the city, symbolizing the unity of the divided city of Cieszyn.

The Friendship Bridge in Cieszyn is not only an engineering structure connecting the two banks of the Olza River, but above all a symbol of the union of two nations and cultures. Built in a place where a river crossing had existed for centuries, the bridge has special historical significance. After the partition of the city in 1920, when most of the historic buildings remained on the Polish side, the bridge became a state border and at the same time a gateway connecting the two parts of the once unified urban organism.

Walking across the Friendship Bridge, you can literally move from Poland to the Czech Republic in a matter of minutes, experiencing subtle but noticeable cultural differences. It's a fascinating experience - to be in two countries during one walk. The bridge is especially frequented on weekends, when residents from both parts of the city visit each other, taking advantage of the cultural, gastronomic and commercial offerings of the neighboring country. For tourists, it's a unique opportunity to experience two different, though historically related, cultures in a short period of time.

The Friendship Bridge offers a picturesque view of the Olza River and the buildings of both parts of the city. Particularly charming is the so-called 'Venice of Cieszyn' - a charming street with a small artificial canal, lined with intimate pubs and restaurants. This is a must-visit place to feel the unique atmosphere of Cieszyn.

Moving on to the Polish side of town, you should head towards Cieszyn's Market Square, which is the heart of the Polish part of the city. Surrounded by historic townhouses in the Austro-Hungarian style, the marketplace impresses with its architecture and atmosphere. The townhouses with pastel-colored facades, with characteristic arcades and rich ornamentation, form a cohesive, harmonious whole. In the central part of the market is the Well of the Three Brothers - referring to the legend of the founding of the city by Bolek, Leszek and Cieszek.

Market Square in Cieszyn is not only a monument, but above all a vibrant center of the city. It is here that the most important cultural events, festivals and fairs take place. On warm days the café gardens are filled with residents and tourists, and the smell of freshly brewed coffee is in the air. This is because Cieszyn is famous for its unique café culture, with local cafes offering drinks and baked goods at the highest level, often at prices much lower than in larger Polish cities.

Worth noting is the Town Hall, a neo-Renaissance building from the 19th century that dominates the northern frontage of the market square. Its distinctive clock tower is one of the symbols of the city. Also near the market is the Church of Jesus, a Protestant church that is home to the Museum of Protestantism. It is the largest Protestant church in Poland and an important center of Protestant culture, where classical music concerts are regularly held.

Cieszyn's market square is also a great place to experience local cuisine. The surrounding restaurants serve both traditional Silesian dishes and dishes from the Polish-Czech borderland. Prices are very affordable - for a two-course dinner at the 'Dinners Like Mama's' restaurant you will pay about 10 zloty, making Cieszyn a paradise for lovers of good cuisine on a tight budget.

On the Czech side of Cieszyn, in the district of Český Těšín, there is the charming Adam Sikora Park - a green enclave that perfectly complements the urban landscape of the divided city. Named after the Polish national and social activist, this sprawling park is a testament to the shared history of both parts of Cieszyn and a place where residents from both the Polish and Czech sides of the city meet.

The Adam Sikora Park is distinguished by its rich tree stand, among which old, majestic trees dominate, providing pleasant shade on hot days. Wide, well-maintained alleys encourage walking and jogging, and numerous benches allow you to relax surrounded by nature. The park is especially beautiful in spring, when the shrubs and flower beds bloom, and in autumn, when the leaves turn golden and red, creating a picturesque landscape.

One of the main attractions of the park is the pond, around which the life of the place is centered. On warm days here you can see families with children feeding the ducks, couples in love strolling along the shore, and photographers capturing the picturesque reflections of the trees in the water surface. The pond also harbors a variety of water birds, making the park an interesting place for nature lovers and amateur ornithologists.

Adam Sikora Park is not only a place for relaxation, but also a recreational space. There are playgrounds for children, sports fields and an outdoor gym. As a result, the park attracts people of all ages and interests, creating a truly inclusive public space. Especially on weekends, the park is bustling with activity - family picnics, social gatherings and informal sporting events are held here.

It's worth noting that Adam Sikora Park is an excellent example of how public space can bring people together across national borders. Although it is formally located on the Czech side, it is equally frequented by Poles, who can reach this green oasis in a few minutes after crossing the Friendship Bridge. This freedom of movement between the two parts of the city is one of the most fascinating aspects of Cieszyn as a border city.

The park is also an excellent starting point for further exploration of the Czech part of the city. There are interesting cafes and restaurants nearby, where you can enjoy Czech specialties at prices lower than on the Polish side. Local craft beers, which are very popular with visitors, are worth noting.

Comparing Adam Sikora Park with Polish attractions in Cieszyn, such as Castle Hill or the Market Square, one can see that it offers a different kind of experience - less focused on history and monuments, and more on contact with nature and recreation. While Castle Hill impresses with its monuments and panoramic views, and the Market Square bustles with urban and cultural life, Adam Sikora Park provides respite from the hustle and bustle of the city and an opportunity to relax in nature. This diversity means that Cieszyn and Český Těšín together offer a comprehensive tourist experience, combining historical, cultural and natural elements.