Herring Houses in Legnica

The Herring Houses (Kamienice Śledziowe) are a group of eight three-storey tenement houses in the central market block of Legnica, right next to the Old Town Hall. The name refers to the former herring stalls that once stood on this spot.

History of the buildings

The houses were probably built in the 16th century on the site of herring stalls, first mentioned in 1574. The group consists of four Renaissance-style houses and four Classicist-style houses - the difference in style is the result of numerous rebuildings over the following centuries. The building closest to the town hall has retained Gothic cellars.

Sgraffiti on houses 54 and 55

Houses number 54 and 55 are decorated with sgraffiti created around 1570, depicting the coat of arms of the Duchy of Legnica-Brzeg and male and female heads in round cartouches. The decoration was later covered with plaster and uncovered again in 1934.

Renovations

In 1961-1962 the previously bricked-up cellars were uncovered, and in 1962-1964 the whole group of houses was renovated.

Practical information

• Legnica, central market block by the Market Square, right next to the Old Town Hall
• The building is viewed from the outside, as part of the market square's architecture - worth combining with a visit to the nearby Copper Museum or the Cathedral of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul
• Check opening hours and access to the interiors on site (the buildings currently combine residential and commercial use), as the sources do not give them