Explore Poland’s 5th-largest city, a historic destination is known for its colorful, Renaissance-style builds and old-world charm.
Start the city tour at the Main Square, one of the most picturesque market squares in Poland. The colorful townhouses create a fairytale atmosphere around the Town Hall which is located right in the middle of the square. It is a 16th century renaissance masterpiece. Today it houses Museum of History of the City of Poznan. At noon you can watch the traditional duel of the Town Hall goats.
Move on to one of the local shops or bakeries and buy a delicious St. Martin’s croissant, a symbol of Poznan.
Have a stroll over to the Imperial Castle. Its Neo-Romanesque style will surely take your breath away. It is a historical palace just in the middle of the city, which served as the provincial residence of Kaiser Wilhelm II. Built in the first decade of the 20th century, it is the last imperial residency built in Europe. It was designed to resemble medieval strongholds to symbolize the rule of the German Emperor in Wielkopolska region during annexation of Poland by Prussia.
Walk a few steps further to the Adam Mickiewicz Square and see how different phases of the history interweave in just in one place. Allow a moment of reflection next to the Monument of the June 56’ Protest Victims, known as the Poznan Crosses (Krzyże Poznańskie). It is a monument commemorating the events of Poznań June 56, the first of several massive protests against the communist government of the Polish People’s Republic.
Next, go on to see the impeccable Archcathedral Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul. Located on an island called Ostrow Tumski, it is surrounded by 2 rivers, the Warta and the Cybina. The Cathedral is of the oldest Polish churches. It dates back to the beginnings of Christianity in Poland in the second half of the 10th century. In the cathedral vault, you will see the tombs the first 2 Polish sovereigns.