Explore the city of Poznań!
The Old Town with the Town Hall
You can start your sightseeing tour from the Old Town. This is one of the showpieces of Poznan. Its Old Market Square is one of the largest in Poland after the Market Square in Krakow and Wroclaw. Not only is it vibrant, it's also a perfect meeting place thanks to the numerous cafes, pubs and restaurants that are located within its borders.
On the Market Square you will find the city's famous Town Hall. It was built in the Renaissance style and houses the Museum of the History of Poznan. On the tower of the town hall there is a clock with probably the most popular goats in Poland (well, maybe just after Koziołek Matołek). There is a legend connected with them.
During the official presentation of the clock a feast was to take place. The cook, who was preparing the dishes, burned a leg of roe deer, which was to be the main course. Stressed, he looked for a solution to this situation so as not to disappoint the hungry guests. He thought of replacing the roe deer with two goats. He went in search of the animals and they ran away from him and ended up at the very top of the tower where they started to gobble with their horns. The mayor liked the story so much that he decided to associate the image of the two billy-goats with the clock. As a result, every day at noon, two goats appear on the tower and bang their horns 12 times.
photo: Erik Witsoe, unsplash.com
The Freedom Fountain
In the vicinity of the Market Square there is Freedom Square, where you will find the Freedom Fountain. It makes an impression on tourists, because it is 9 metre high. It looks very modern and is an amazing architectural work. In the summer, water flows down its glass walls.
The National Museum in Poznań
In Poznan it is worth to visit the National Museum, which in its collection has many famous and impressive works. We will focus on one of them, and it is "The Beach in Pourville" by Claude Monet. It is the only painting by this famous painter in Poland. There is an interesting story connected with the painting. At the beginning of the 21st century the painting was stolen. It was found after 10 years. The painting was damaged, but thanks to the reconstruction it was saved and now you can admire it in the museum.
photo: Michał Kubalczyk, unsplash.com
The Imperial Castle
In Poznan there is also the Imperial Castle. Its history begins in 1905, when it was built for the German Emperor William II. After World War I, the castle housed the University of Poznan. Interestingly, in the 1930s graduates of this school did an amazing thing. They broke the code of the German cipher machine Enigma. Today the building hosts Centrum Kultury Zamek, where concerts, plays, exhibitions, film screenings etc. are held. All these attractions are free of charge.
Malta
Where is Malta? In Poznan! Malta is a recreational area, which is used for active recreation. You can come here to walk, jog, ride a bike and go kayaking or wakeboarding. And that's not all! For fans of winter activities this place offers a ski slope, toboggan run, pontoon ride. And lovers of thrills attracted by an adventure park and a rollercoaster.
photo: Tobias Jurga, unsplash.com
The Palm House
If, while in Poznań, you want some tropical vibes, be sure to visit the Poznan Palm House. Its mission is to popularize knowledge of flora and fauna from different climatic zones. It is the largest palm house in Poland. Its collection is almost 17 000 plants.
St. Martin's croissant
What to eat while in Poznan? Of course the Saint Martin's croissant, filled with a special mass made of white poppy seeds and nuts. This delicacy is considered a regional product and is protected by law in the European Union. Only a few confectioneries are certified to bake them.
In the Old Town, in the tenement house opposite the Town Hall, there is the Poznań Croissant Museum where you can learn about the history of this delicacy and take part in culinary workshops. During the workshops, the leaders choose a few lucky people who help them in the preparation of croissants. This attraction involves both children and adults.
The Old Brewery
If you get really hungry, we encourage you to visit Stary Browar Shopping Center, which in 2005 was awarded the title of the best shopping center in the world. Apart from stores there are many restaurants where you can relax, eat and drink.
photo: Teodor Skrebnev, unsplash.com