The old market, the Central square in Poznan, was founded in 1253 as the main place for buying and selling goods. The old market is the third largest area in Poland after Krakow and Wroclaw, one of the largest in Europe. Before the Second world war was the economic and political life of the city. He is currently one of the most visited attractions in Poznan.

The old market has the shape of a square with side length of 140 meters, are located on the perimeter of the building, built in the 16th century: restaurants, merchants ' houses and coaching Inns. Perhaps the main Old market building is the town Hall, founded in 1253. In the years 1550-1560 after the fire the building was rebuilt by the Italian architect Giovanni di Quadro in the Renaissance style. Before the Second world war, located in the town Hall, the city administration, and currently there is a historical Museum.

Buildings in the Old market built in different architectural styles, reflecting the tastes and trends in different historical epochs. During the Second world war the Old town along with the area was severely damaged. During reconstruction, many of the buildings have lost their original appearance. Most of the houses were rebuilt in a classical style and Baroque style, however, houses numbered 50 and 51 received facades, executed in the Gothic style.

In the North-Eastern corner of the Old market near the fountain of the dragons is the pillory, built in 1535. The original column in the late Gothic style with a height of 5.5 m is in the Museum of the history of the city, and on the square you can see the exact copy that was installed in 1925. Here received their punishment, those who were too lush clothing, velvet, satin, and jewelry. The pillory was used for higher penalties for such violations: arranged public flogging one cut ears and fingers.

In the Old market there are four fountains: the fountain of Neptune, fountain of Mars, the fountain of the dragons and the fountain of Apollo.