Attractions in Poznan
Of course, there are not as many attractions and sights in Poznan as there are in New York or Rome, without any comparison. But our experience is that many people are pleasantly surprised by the cities they visit in Poland. Exciting history, a charming old town and a rich cultural life characterize several. So also with Poznan.
Not least, Poznan has many historic buildings, most of which are found naturally in – or near – the Old Town. The most famous festival in Poznan is the Malta Theater Festival, which takes place at the end of June and July each year. Then there are performances and shows in all major places and squares, with everything from concerts, cinema and dance shows to art exhibitions.
Poznan City Hall and the Fighting Goats
There is a large and stately town hall you can find in the old town square (Stary Rynek) in the old town. This is the very heart of Poznan and this is a place you will visit many times. The town hall dates back to the 13th century, but today’s design is attributed to the period 1550-1560. Of course, you will also notice the installation opposite the town hall clock which depicts some struggling goats (or maybe Capricorns?). The battle takes place at 1200 every day and is a major tourist attraction! The address is Rózany Targ.
gps: 52.408611,16.934167
Gorka Palace and the Archaeological Museum
Gorka Palace is a group of distinctive buildings on the southeastern edge of the old market square in the Old Town of Poznan. The buildings were erected in the middle of the 16th century and today houses an archaeological museum. The address is Wodna Str. 27.
Musical Instruments Museum A slightly different museum is the Musical Instruments Museum. It was established in 1945 and the first public exhibition took place in 1949. The museum has more than 2000 objects and you can see instruments from all over the world, but primarily from Europe. The address is Stary Rynek 45.
Zamek Cesarski or “Emperor’s Castle”
This castle, which in Polish is called Zamek Cesarski w Poznaniu, was completed in 1910. The castle was built for the German Emperor William II in the years 1905 to 1910 by the German architect Franz Schwechten (Berlin). The castle has the appearance of a palace and is a beautiful sight. The same is the beautiful park that surrounds the castle. The castle tower is a full 75 meters high and has a total floor area of 25127 square meters.
Today, Zamek Cesarski houses a cultural center and museum for the “uprising in Poznan in 1956. The exhibition shows the uprising of workers in Poznan against the communist Soviet Union. Here are photographs and personal belongings of participants. The museum is open every day except Mondays where there are closed Free entry Saturdays
GPS: 52.407778,16.919167
The Raczynski Library
Built in the period 1822 to 1828, this magnificent library is architecturally structured like the old classical buildings, not unlike the eastern facade of the Louvre in Paris. You can find the Raczynski Library at Plac Wolnosci 19 in the city center.
GPS: 52.408333,16.928611
Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul
This magnificent church or basilica is one of the oldest churches in all of Poland and the oldest cathedral [see image first in article]. The story dates back to the 9th century. The Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul can be found on the island at Ostrow Tumski northeast of the center of Poznan. The basilica was renovated in 1956 and is beautiful both exterior and interior. The address is Ostrów Tumski 3.
GPS: 52.411389,16.947778
The King’s castle and its museum
The castle, which was built in 1290, now has only ruins left, but part of the building was rebuilt in the 18th century and frequented by tourists. There is also an art museum and if you go to the castle walls you get great views of Poznan’s old town. The address is Góra Przemysla 1.
City churches of St. Stanislaus and Our Lady
One of the most beautiful Baroque churches in Poland. In addition to being a very beautiful church, St Stanislaus and Our Lady is very famous for its beautiful organ that was built in the 1870s. Own organ concerts are organized approximately every Saturday from approximately 1200 pm.