CZELADŹ. THE STUDY OF STRUCTURE AND SHAPE OF A MEDIEVAL TOWN

RAFAŁ MALIK
Czeladź belongs to a group of the oldest Silesian cities - founded during the urbanization process of this district in the 12th century. The structure developed at that time was characterized by a regular and dense composition. The choice of location enabled the use of an orthogonal geometrical construction with a centrally placed market surrounded by eight blocks of settlement development. During the following years, this arrangement gradually changed its character from an open structure into one closed by a circle of fortifications. Its further development consisted of filling the space that was free, undeveloped and enclosed between the orthogonal heart market, set during the city foundation, and the oval defensive outline. In the subsequent period of Czeladź’s spatial development history, the city development went beyond the defensive ring. It is formulated along the main communication routes that connected the city with the region, creating at the same time its first and subsequent suburbs.
KEY WORDS
Silesia, Czeladź, chartered town, town spatial layout, nine-cell city town plan