Żarki: Mill history, markets and historic routes

Explore Żarki through its mill history, market traditions and historic routes. The town offers different ways to plan your trip: learn about traditional crafts, visit the Żareckie Jarmarki or discover its historic sites and routes.

Crafts at the Old Mill

The Stary Młyn Museum of Old Crafts in Żarki is housed in an almost 100-year-old electric mill. During an exhibition visit and in workshops, visitors can try their hand at small craft projects. Practical activities are therefore part of the museum experience alongside the exhibition.

Advance reservations are required to visit Stary Młyn; guided tours start on the hour. Check the latest information before your visit, as arrangements may change. Since 1 January 2017, the Old Mill has been one of the sites on the Silesian Route of Industrial Monuments.

Market traditions and regional produce

The Żareckie Jarmarki take place every Wednesday and Saturday in the center of Żarki. More than 500 vendors set up their stalls across the 1.5-hectare market area. They sell local products and food, as well as fruit and vegetables. The tradition of these markets dates back to 1556.

Outside the winter season, Tatarczuch is available from Jadwiga Plesińska’s stall at the markets. If you are specifically looking for it, check before travelling whether it is available seasonally. This lets you combine a visit to the markets with a particular interest in regional food.

Another occasion to visit is the regularly held Kupiecki Sąsiek at the Żarecka Stodola. Visitors can listen to folk music, sample Tatarczuch and other regional specialties, and buy regional products and souvenirs. Check the specific event dates before travelling.

Historic routes through Żarki

The Jewish Cultural Trail begins at a car park on Koziegłowska Street and ends at the Old Market Square. It takes about an hour and a half to walk. The route links the Old Market Square and former town center with a memorial site, a Jewish cemetery and the former synagogue, which is now used as a cultural center. Visitors can explore the trail independently using multimedia materials.

The Żarecki Trail offers a different experience: it is a 35-kilometer, yellow-marked hiking route through Żarki. The two routes therefore differ in both length and use: the Jewish Cultural Trail is designed to take about an hour and a half on foot, while the Żarecki Trail is a longer hiking route through the town.

Townscape, church and barns

The historic townscape includes a trapezoidal Old Market Square, bordered by Kościelna, Leśniowska, Berka Joselewicza and Piłsudskiego streets. The Church of Saints Simon and Jude Thaddeus was built between 1518 and 1522. Its founder was Marcin Myszkowski, Castellan of Wieluń.

The historic barn complex is also among Żarki’s notable buildings. It was built of white Jurassic limestone and brick. Together with the Old Mill, the market and the historic routes, these sites offer different ways to discover the town’s history and cultural life.

Discover more destinations: Ogorzelnik, Niegowa, Myszków, Żarki-Letnisko, Koziegłowy, Przybynow, Lgota Górna, Gorzków Stary.

Back to the main travel overview: Myszków.