Olkusz - Rynek

Olkusz already had city rights in 1299. The city was on the important trade route from Kraków to Wrocław (Via Regia). Ore mining led to prosperity. Olkusz was one of the few towns that had the legal system of the "Royal Free Mining Town" with its associated privilege, i.e. free exploration of ores ie search for ores without levy to the landowner. Miners, smelters, mine surveyors, silver, ore and metal dealers from many regions met here.

At the end of the 13th century, some Jewish merchants were already living in the village. A synagogue was built in the mid-16th century. At the end of the 17th century, the city had lost its former splendor. Famines, excessive ore mining, fires, and the war against the Swedes (Deluge) caused this.