Although Tarnow underwent some tough times throughout the centuries, it at times appears that not much has changed since its early days. The most important part of this mediaeval-looking city is the Main Marketplace, lined with lavishly ornamented tenement houses, some of which still have Renaissance arcades. Wandering the streets of Tarnow gives one an intangible feeling, particularly when coming across the artistic treasures of the “Clerical Route”. Its chief masterpiece is the Cathedral Basilica where you can see splendid tombstones of the Tarnowscy and Ostrogscy dynasties. Nearby, the Diocesan Museum attracts visitors with its invaluable collection of sacral artefacts.

Make sure to visit the several museums located in the Renaissance Town Hall and the Arcade House close to the market square, as they all offer truly unusual collections. The exhibition of the Ethnographic Museum is devoted to the history and culture of Gypsies and is particularly worth seeing, being the only one of its kind in Europe.

Tarnow promotes itself as the birthplace of many prominent historical figures, mostly ardent patriots. Among them is the defender of Polish independence, General Jozef Bem, the charismatic peasant politician Wincenty Witos, and the most heroic leader of the September Campaign of 1939, Major Henryk Sucharski.