Lodz webcam. Piotrkowska Street
Piotrkowska Street is the main artery of Lodz, one of the longest commercial thoroughfares in Europe, which is 4.9 km long. Piotrkowska Street is an important tourist attraction, connecting Freedom Square with Independence Square. From the beginning this street was the central axis around which the big city grew. Initially, it was just a shopping route, which gradually turned into a showcase of the city with recreation areas and shopping plazas.
The first roadside settlements appeared along the street in 1821, when industrial development began there by order of the Mazovian provincial president. The settlement was named "New Town" and was located south of the "old" Lodz. In 1815, the street was named Piotrkowska in the part that connected the two market squares. Lodz has never had a classic city center, and it was Piotrkowska Street that took on that role.
Until 1990, Piotrkowska Street did not differ much from other city thoroughfares in appearance, although it was the most important street in the city.
The first step was the gradual reduction of traffic, as well as the transfer of streetcar lines. In 1990, Polish architects decided to turn the street into a fashionable pedestrian thoroughfare. The road was paved with cobblestones, streetlights and street benches appeared along the street. Tenants began to appear in the former tenement houses: bars, cafes, stores, and restaurants were arranged.
Today Piotrkowska Street is the social and commercial center of the city. Nearby are located almost all the most important administrative offices. Most events, city festivals and parties are held here.
