🏰 24 hours in Poznan: the ideal route for a tourist

A green city with a beautiful historical center is how Poznan would be described. A day is enough for you to explore and visit interesting and main attractions. But you won’t get bored even if you decide to stay longer. I stayed in Poznan for a month and want to return to wander through the cozy streets and see places I haven’t reached.

5 interesting facts about Poznan

1. There is an interesting legend associated with the name of the city. It says that three brothers of the Slavic peoples – Lech, Rus and Czech – had not seen each other for a long time and met by chance on Tumsky Island. “Get to know!” – they exclaimed when they recognized each other. This is how the name of the city appeared. 
2. Poznan is considered the birthplace of Poland. It was on the banks of the Warta River that the glades lived, who gave their name to the nation and the state. 
3. In the 10th century, local prince Mieszko I converted to Christianity, and his son Bolesław the Brave became the first king of Poland.  
4. During World War II the city suffered greatly. It took a lot of money and effort to restore it. But now, walking around the historical center, you wouldn’t think that its buildings were rebuilt on the site of ruins.
5. Poznan is the fifth largest city. More than 500 thousand people live here. You can take ready-made excursions to Poland.

By the way, the city administration is now located not in the Town Hall, but here, on Collegiate Square, next to the sculpture.

E. Basilica of Our Lady of Perpetual Help and St. Mary Magdalene (Kolegiata Matki Boskiej Nieustającej Pomocy i św. Marii Magdaleny)

This is the most beautiful baroque building in Poznań. It was built by the Jesuits in the 17th century. First, the local bishop gave the Church of St. Stanislaus to the order, and later they erected this pompous temple. Now the basilica is the far (second most important) cathedral of the city. The interior decoration of the temple is no less luxurious: stucco, carvings, frescoes, gilding – everything is expensive and rich.

If you walk around the former Jesuit church from behind, you will see it from the quiet public garden named after Frederic Chopin.

F. Old Market Square (Stary Rynek)

Now we have reached the heart of the city – Old Market Square. This place appeared back in the 13th century. His main attraction in 14 was the Town Hall. The structure was expanded and modified many times. The building now houses the Poznań History Museum. Let me remind you that at 12 o'clock the famous goats appear on the roof of the Town Hall.

In front of the building you will notice a pillory with a figurine of an executioner – today it is a popular meeting place for Poznań residents. Fishmongers used to live in the colorful houses adjacent to the Town Hall. The incongruous pavilion in the center of the square is the Gallery of Modern Art. It was built on the site of cloth rows and an arsenal. There are four beautiful fountains nearby. Along the perimeter of the Old Market there are elegant mansions, the vaulted cellars of which have become restaurants.

G. Royal Castle (Zamek Królewski) 

This is the oldest royal residence in Poland. It was built in the 13th century. Wars and fires damaged the fortress more than once. Only the ruins of the palace have survived to this day. The castle grew from them at the beginning of the 21st century. Near the royal residence you will see the remains of the city defensive wall.

H. Freedom Square (Plac Wolności) 

This parade ground was designed by a German architect in the 19th century. And in 1919, the Greater Poland Uprising broke out, which led to the liberation of these territories from Prussia. Then the square became Freedom Square. A nine-meter structure with a fountain, clearly out of step with the surrounding architecture, appeared here in 2012.  

The majestic building with columns is the library of Count Rachinsky. The nobleman opened it to everyone in order to preserve and support Polish culture during the time of German influence.

I. Imperial Castle (Zamek Cesarski)

This residence of the last German emperor and king of Prussia was built at the beginning of the 20th century. The German Kaiser, building a huge castle in the neo- Roman style, wanted to emphasize the power of his influence.

During the interwar period, the palace served as the residence of the President of the Polish Republic. During the occupation, Hitler decided to remodel the castle for himself. After the liberation of Poznan, a military hospital was set up in the palace. Then the building was given over to the administrative needs of the city.

J. Adama Mickiewicza University 

Adam Mickiewicz has never been to Poznan, but in his honor a monument was erected here, a square, a park and the main university of the city were named. The building from the first half of the 20th century looks very impressive. 

The green area near the university flows into the park near the Bolshoi Theater. By the way, not far from it is the Teatralny Bridge, known among the locals as “Teatralka”.

Park Cytadela

The Citadel is the largest park in Poznań. Pedestrian paths, cafes, playgrounds – there is a place to relax. This park was formed on the basis of the Vinyary fort, so on its territory there are two military museums and several military cemeteries. 

In 2002, the sculptural composition “Unidentified” appeared in the Citadel, which symbolizes the position of a person in the modern world: not understanding where to go, not having a clear goal. 

Lake Malta (Jezioro Maltańskie)

This reservoir was formed thanks to a dam on the Tsybina River. The name of the lake is associated with the Order of Malta, which had great influence in the city from the 12th to the 19th centuries. 

At the end of June, the International Theater Festival “Malta” takes place on the shore of the reservoir. Near the lake there are a lot of cool recreation areas: with bicycle and jogging paths, a rollerblading track, and a slope where you can go sledding or skiing at any time of the year. The largest zoo in Poland is located nearby. You can get there using the children's railway. 

What to try in Poznan?

You simply must buy Sventomartin bagels. Even a museum in Poznan was dedicated to this delicacy. Sweet buns are baked from semi-puff pastry and filled with white poppy seeds.

If you want something more serious, order Poznań-style duck, it is served with pyzy – potato dumplings. The popular soup here is zhur ek – made with rye sourdough with the addition of pork sausage, eggs and vegetables.

If you’ve already been to Poznan, share your favorite places – I’ll go see them on my next visit. And also tell us what to see with children. It will be both useful and interesting.