Poznan, a place worth visiting.

As the capital of the Wielkopolska region (which literally translates to big or great Poland) and one of the oldest cities, Poznan has long been a well known centre for business, trade and education, regularly hosting large international conferences and trade fairs.  A large student population provides a regular stream of skilled workers to meet the ever increasing demands of the many large businesses that have become established here and the whole city in general has a feel of corporate professionalism often associated with much larger cities.  In fact, I’ve often heard Poznan described as a “mini Warsaw”.  

This emphasis on the commercial side of Poznan has however tended to overshadow the wealth of cultural and recreational aspects that this wonderfully diverse city has always possessed. Fortunately, in recent years increasing numbers of people have rediscovered the true essence of this historical and vibrant place.  This increased publicity coupled with a large redevelopment programme has now placed Poznan firmly on Poland’s sightseeing itinerary, rendering it a worthy competitor to the more renowned cities of Warsaw, Krakow or Wroclaw.

Weather your interests lie in Art, Music, architecture, Commerce or just simply going out and having a good time in a pleasant place, then Poznan will have something for you.  We have attempted to note some examples of these delights that we feel will be of interest to you.

Old Market Square (Rynek)

Once without doubt the most important part of the city, this medieval trading point has retained its charm with its tiny houses and Renaissance town hall.   Numerous Museums, cafe bars and tasteful eateries line the streets giving it a distinctly European feel.  At noon each day the famous two “frolicking goats” appear from the top of the town hall which, contrary to some of the more sarcastic critiques of Poznan, is by no means the city’s main attraction.  The narrow adjacent streets contain a nice mixture of bars, clubs, music venues and shops to suit all tastes.

Polwiejska Street

Perfect for the shopping fiend, this street holds a plethora of interesting shops.  At the end, as if it were a cherry on the cake is a very large shopping centre indeed.  In fact, it was crowned the best small to medium sized shopping centre in 1995 by the  ICSC (whoever they are).  More interesting perhaps is the fact that this is situated within Poznan’s old brewery (Stary Browar) which is in itself a truly impressive building.

Zamek (Castle) and St. Martins Street

The Poznan Cultural Centre is now located within a large renovated castle on St Martin’s St which was originally built around 100 years ago for an Austrian Emperor.   Picturesque gardens surround the monumental castle which contains a concert hall, pub, music venue, cinema, exhibition area and various other rooms and hallways to get lost in.

Ostrow Tumski

This is the site of the Cathedral and the origins of Poland’s history which can be traced back to A.D 968.  The Cathedral has evolved through the ages, currently taking the form of a gothic church which reflects pre Roman and Roman Architecture.  Of Special interest is the gold chapel where the tombs of Boleslaw Chobry and Miszko I (the first Polish King and Prince) can be seen.  

Malta

No, not the popular holiday destination for sun seeking tourists, but the name of the large lake first associated with the international theatre festival.  Today it boasts one of the most modern Regatta courses in Europe and it has also in the past staged the world rowing championships.  Around the perimeter of the lake is a smooth, wide path – perfect for jogging or skating.   There is also a small tourist train for the more slovenly which goes to the zoo.

Those not content with smashing themselves up during the winter on Poland’s many ski slopes will be delighted to hear that there is also a large dry slope on the banks of Malta.  Also during the summer there are various open air concerts and giant cinema screen placed on a pontoon out on the lake.

Poznan International Trade Fair Centre (Miedzynarodowe Targi Poznanskie).

Without the existence of this place, Poznan would have never gained it’s reputation as Poland’s Trade capital.  Each year it is host to exhibitors from all over the world.  Concerts and cultural events are also often held here.  For those who find this sort of thing boring, there is also Zoo and Palmiarnia (exotic plants garden).

Cytadela (Army Museum)

Military enthusiasts will find a comprehensively stocked reminder of World War 2 which documents Poland’s efforts in their great struggle.  It is situated within the grounds of a cemetery and park which contains soldier’s graves, remains of bunkers and Magdalena Abakanowicz’s sculptures and rosarium.  This is a very pleasant park and the perfect place to just be alone with the strange thoughts in your head (or is that just me?).