Old City of Zamość

The osiedle Old City (Polish: Osiedle Stare Miasto) is the oldest historic district of the city of Zamość. It is one of World Heritage Sites in Poland (added in 1992). According to UNESCO, this monument value lies in it being "an outstanding example of a Renaissance planned town of the late 16th century, which retains its original layout and fortifications and many buildings of particular interest, blending Italian and Central European architectural traditions". The Medieval Town has an area of 75 ha and a buffer zone of 200 ha. The district was named one of Poland's official national Historic Monuments (Pomnik historii), as designated September 16, 1994. Its listing is maintained by the National Heritage Board of Poland.

Zamość was built in the late 16th century in accordance with the Italian theories of the "ideal town." The construction of this new town was sponsored by Jan Zamoyski, and carried out by architect Bernardo Morando. The town shows examples of Renaissance style, mingling "Mannerist taste [...] with certain Central European urban traditions, such as the arcaded galleries that surround the squares and create a sheltered passage in front of the shops".