Lucerne's old town occupies the north bank of the Reuss between the two covered bridges. Its streets are narrow and often arcaded; the painted facades of the guild houses and patrician mansions have been preserved well enough that the overall character remains distinctly medieval despite the high density of tourist commerce. The Kornmarkt and the Weinmarkt are the two main squares, both flanked by buildings with painted facades that were restored in the 19th century.
The Rathaus — town hall — at the eastern end of the Kornmarkt dates from 1606 and is a good example of the Flemish Renaissance style that several Swiss cities adopted in that period. The covered stairway leading up from the river and the arcaded market loggia below the building are worth a look. The weekly market on Tuesdays and Saturdays fills the Kornmarkt with vegetable stalls, cheese vendors, and flower sellers.