Our Town

WHY STUDY IN RZESZOW?

• One of the safest cities in Poland,
• Living expenses much lower than in other European cities,
• The economic, scientific and cultural centre of South-East Poland,
• Recognized and dynamically expanding city and academic centre in Poland,
• Cultural sites – cinemas, theatres, art and photo galleries, community centres and museums,
• Aviation Valley,
• Student’s city,
• Capital of Innovation,
• An alluring and dynamically expanding city full of young, resourceful people,
• One of the largest academic centres in Poland.

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HOW MUCH IS IT GOING TO COST YOU PER MONTH?

• Accommodation in the dormitory €100
• Renting a room in a private apartment €150
• Bus ticket in town €0.40
• Food (if you cook at home) €200
• Insurance €12

Rzeszow, the capital and the largest city of Podkarpackie Province, is an economic, scientific and cultural centre of south-eastern Poland. The oldest written record of Rzeszow dates back to 1354 when the town joined the group of other Polish cities and gained a set of town privileges of Magdeburg rights. Back then it had a parish church – the religious centre within a territorial unit – a market and a cemetery, covering the total area of 1.5 km2. Today, with the area of 116.32 km² and the population exceeding 187,000 people, it is one of the biggest municipalities in the region.

Rzeszow has been ranked as one of the top cities in the country in the following categories:

• European City
• Top Local Government
• The most attractive city for business
• The most attractive city for foreign investors
• The safest city in Poland
• Fair Play city

LOCATION

Rzeszow is a significant place on the map of Europe. The most attractive characteristic of Rzeszow is that it combines the small-town charm with the role of the economic and cultural centre of south-eastern Poland. It is situated on both banks of the Wislok river in the heart of the Sandomierz Basin, about 90 km away from the borders with Slovakia and Ukraine.

For many centuries this region has been at the crossroads of different cultures. Its location on the borderland contributes to the rich cultural heritage, combining the folk traditions and cultural elements of other nations.

ECONOMY AND INDUSTRY

Rzeszow is the city of dynamic expansion, technological development and economic growth. It is the centre of the Aviation Valley – the largest industrial-technological cluster in Poland that comprises over 130 companies connected to the aviation industry. The main potential of the city is focused on creating favourable conditions for the development of aerospace industry in the region, further development of research, attracting new investors, as well as the transforming south-eastern Poland to one of Europe’s leading aviation regions.

Today, one of the most important advantages of the city is Rzeszow-Jasionka International Airport, with the second-longest runway in Poland (3.2 km) where even the largest planes can land. The Schuman Foundation report listed Rzeszow the second city in Europe after Lisbon in terms of the demand for specialists.

HOW TO GET HERE?

By air, rail or road:

There are Cinema Halls (Helios, Multikino, Zorza), Art & Photo Galleries, Community Centres, Museums (Regional Museum, Museum of Ethnography, Museum of Bedtime Cartoons) in Rzeszow.

One of the most popular events in Rzeszow is the European Stadium of Culture. It has been carried out as a part of the Rise of Eastern Culture project, which is meant to enhance the cross-border promotion of culture, artistic and cultural exchange, and the mobility of artists and their works.

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS:

Market Square (Rynek)

The central square is the Old Town Square with the City Hall and a well built in the 17th century. The current market differs slightly from its original layout – only three frontages are filled with one or two-floor tenement houses re-built during the centuries. Hotels, restaurants, clubs, pubs, and museums are located inside.

A stage next to the City Hall hosts concerts of well-known artists and bands.

City hall

The most significant building in the Market Square is the City Hall which is situated on the corner of the west and north frontage. The origins of its creation date back to the end of the 16th century. It was built by Nicholas Spytko Ligeza probably before 1591. After being re-built for a few times, the present edifice dates back to the turn of 19th and 20th century. The Gallery under the City Hall, where you can find remains of walls and lintels, is located in one of the cellars.

Underground Tourist Route “Rzeszow Cellars”

One of the most popular places in centre of the city is the underground tourist route situated under the heart of the city – the city market square. It took 17 years to fully complete the building of that underground labyrinth whose total length is 369 meters and which consists of 40 cellars. The cellars date from the 15th to 20th century and are divided into three levels; the deepest one is nearly 10 meters below the city square – Rynek. If some visitors are keen on learning more about its history, they are offered a guided tour conducted in three languages.

Old Convent of Piarist Friars

The central place in the post-piarist complex is St. Cross Church built between 1644-1649 according to the project of Tylman Gameren. It is a single-nave temple with two towers in the facade and the chapel on the north side. Late Baroque decor, with stucco decorations by the design of John Ch. Falconi date back to 17th century.

Presently, the convent building houses the Regional Museum with a rich collection of pieces of art, artefacts, and craft exhibits.

Lubomirski Castle

The construction of the castle was commenced in the late sixteenth century by the owner of the city – Mikołaj Spytko-Ligeza. In the second half of 17th century the Lubomirski’s family extended the castle and surrounded it by a stone wall with bastions. The current castle is based on the reconstruction work at the turn of 19th and 20th century. The castle houses the District Court.

Round Footbridge

The only round footbridge in Europe is situated at the crossroad of Piłsudski and Grunwaldzka Street. Due to the shape and used building materials, it is believed to be the most interesting construction in this category. It looks particularly impressive at nighttime.

Rzeszow Multimedia Fountain

After an active day, you are invited to get relaxed and to enjoy the multimedia fountain, within a five-minute walk from the city centre. The main attraction of this complex of fountains is the water and light dance created by the streams of water, which perform their own show, with the water screen created by mist, lasers and three-dimensional presentations. The most popular and spectacular ones are shown on Saturday evenings.

HOLIDAYS

Polish culture is rich in traditions that have been an inherent part of everyday life of Polish people for centuries. Some holidays, customs, superstitions, rituals, and celebrations are popular among young people even today.

• Jan 1, New Year Day
• Jan 6, Epiphany (Swięto Trzech Króli)
• Easter Sunday
• May 1, International Labor Day
• May 3, Constitution Day of Poland (Swieto Konstytucji)
• August 15, Assumption Day
• November 1, All Saints Day
• November 11, Independence Day
• December 25, Christmas Day

CITY FESTIVALS

There are several festivals that take place in Rzeszow – KultURalia, Carpathia, the Rise of Eastern Culture, Urban Space Festival and many more.

One of the best time in Rzeszow is spring time, at least for one reason, Juwenalia – Student Festival, which takes place in May or early June. These are the days when students celebrate the time taking part in colourful parades, concerts, contests, games, and parties. Juwenalia is an annually anticipated event which has its roots in medieval times.