Mascarons – not only on Tarnów City Hall
Mascarons, decorative heads with various expressions on their faces, adorn buildings in Tarnów. The most characteristic and well–known are the Renaissance mascarons on Tarnów's City Hall. Now, they have new colleagues here and there in the streets of Tarnów!
The Mascaron Trail leads you through the city's most important landmarks and attractions, with each figure having its unique symbolism and telling its own fascinating story. It’s no coincidence that there are 14 mascaron figures. Fourteen is the number of members formerly in the city council.
Spirit of the Theatre (Duch Teatru), Jester (Trefniś)... on the Mascaron Trail
The Mascaron Trail is an excellent idea for a family trip! A map of the trail and stickers, which tourists may collect, are available at the Tourist Information Centre. At each mascaron, an information board with a QR code awaits. Scan it, and you'll be ready to dive into the world of Tarnów adventures! On the walk, you will meet the Spirit of the Theatre (Duch Teatru), the Guardian of the Elements (Strażnik Żywiołów), the Guardian of Identity (Strażnik Tożsamości), the Mascaron of the Young (Maszkaron Młodych), and the Jester (Trefniś), and you will have the opportunity to discover the charms of the city.
We strongly encourage you to plan such an unusual tour of Malopolska. If you are looking for a place that will surprise you with its originality and charming atmosphere, Tarnów and its Mascaron Trail is an excellent choice!
Here are the places where you can see Tarnów mascarons:
- Mascaron of the Universe / Astronomer (Maszkaron Wszechświata / Astronom) – Pasaż Odkryć, Pasaż Tertila;
- The Guardian of the Elements (Strażnik Żywiołów) – steps at Węgierski Square, Wałowa Street;
- The Guardian of the City's Identity (Strażnik Tożsamości Miasta) – Zakątek Spycimira Leliwity, Wałowa Street;
- Inventor / Visionary (Wynalazca / Wizjoner) – Szczepanika Square;
- Spirit of the Theatre (Duch Teatru) – an entrance to the Ludwik Solski Theatre;
- Dream Seller (Sprzedawca Marzeń) – in front of Amfiteatr Letni, Kopernika Street;
- Mascaron of the Young (Maszkaron Młodych) – a parquetry at Wałowa Street;
- Jester (Trefniś) – Zaułek Króla Władysława Łokietka, Wałowa Street;
- Newcomer – New Resident (Przybysz – Nowy mieszkaniec) – Sobieski Square, next to Cafe Tramwaj;
- Filmmaker (Filmowiec) – an entrance to Marzenie Cinema, Staszica Street;
- Immersed in His Reading (Zaczytany) – a windowsill of Czytelnia Naukowa, Krakowska Street;
- Knower / She Who Knows (Wiedząca / Ta, która wie) – a corner of Krakowska Street and Mościckiego Street;
- Mascaron of Clean Water (Maszkaron Czystej Wody) – a fountain in Bernardyńska Street, Fr P. Gajdy Square;
- Mascarons in Love (Zakochane Maszkarony) – Lovers' Footbridge over the Wątok River, Przesmyk Street.