Poznań

With 42,432 artifacts, this is a large and fascinating museum. It specializes in the archeology of Wielkopolska and Egypt. Located in the Gorka Palace built by influential magnate family in mid-15h century, rebuilt in 16th century in Renaissance style (a marvelous portal from the eastern side).

The church's erection is connected with a legend about desecration of the host done by a group of Jews. During services the priest stands backward to the people, and the church is used both by Roman Catholics and Greek Catholics (service each Sunday at noon in Ukrainian).

Erected 1905-1910 by Franz Schwechten, the Berlin court architect of German emperor Wilhelm II. The huge neo-Romanesque building, which alludes to medieval constructions, was officially opened by the Emperor. It was the seat of Polish President in the inter-war period and Hitler's residence during World War II, when it was remodeled under the Albrecht Speer. The dominating element of the building is the Tower, originally 74-m high, after World War II was lowered (due to the damage in the lat period of the war) by about 20 m. In the Rose Courtyard (opposite site to the main entrance) one can find a fountain modeled on the 13th century lions fountain in Allhambra (Spain). The castle houses the Castle Culture Centre, the Animation Theatre and many other institutions. It's also a place of many exhibitions, meetings, concerts and festivals.

Placed in the interiors of Emperor's Castle shows exhibits connected with the Poznań workers' protest against the communist system in June 1956. On the exhibition there are photos of attendants and their personal belongings, and historical sources about the anticommunist opposition between 1945-1989. An interesting thing is a reconstructed tram, used by Protestants as a barricade. admission 4 zł, reduced 2 zł (free Saturdays).

A very unusual monument os. Stary Marych, at the very beginning of Półwiejska Str. (a shopping pedestrian zone), which is probably the only monument in the world of a man walking with a bike (all other cyclers ride). The Monumemo is dedicated to Stary Marych (Old Marych), a fictitious person, who features in local newspapers or in local radio stations (from 1983), and all his speeches about the actual problems are written (and read) in local Poznań dialect. It’s also the only monument of local dialect in Poland.

St. Peter's and Paul's Cathedral was the first Polish cathedral and is a burial place of 8 Polish dukes and kings from the Piast dynasty including the famous Mieszko I and his son Bolesław the Brave. It was a probable baptism place of Duke Mieszko I and the suspected baptismal font is located here. In the cathedral, pay attention to the chain of chapels around the main aisle, not touched by bombings of 1945. The most precious ones are: the Golden Chapel (with a memorial plaque of Mieszko I and Bolesław the Brave, in the sarcophagus on the right-hand side) and the Holy Cross Chapel.

Our Lady Church was built in late Gothic style (approx. 1430), not very significant for its present shape and values, but important for its role in the 10th century, when in the place the duke's palace and a small chapel were built. The chapel was probably erected one year before the official baptism of Poland. The interior (due to archaeological excavations) is closed for visitors.

The palace was built at the same time as the cathedral, but its present shape comes from the 2nd half of 18th century. It is closed to visitors.

Placed in the former Lubrański Academy - the second oldest (after Kraków) higher school in Poland founded by bishop John Lubrański in 1518. The exhibition shows church art, mostly from the Greater Poland region, from early Middle Ages to present times, coffin portraits and a Treasury. Some interesting exhibits: baptism clothes of the Polish King Jan III Sobieski and a sword (given to the first Poznań bishop Jordan by the Pope Urban IX), used - according to the tradition - by St. Peter to cut off the ear of a Roman soldier shortly after Christ's death.

It was erected in the beginnings of 16th century​ (by Bishop Lubrański) as a rehearsal-place for psalter singers. They were due to sing the David's Psalms in the Cathedral the whole day round. It is now used by Christian associations.

These are mostly from 18th and 19th centuries​, built for noble priest working for the Poznań Cathedral and Archbishop.

History of Cathedral Island, and the establishment of Poznań. Audioguide and interactive exhibits throughout the tour, and a nice rooftop view.

A late-Romanesque church (with some Gothic features) in the middle of Środka Market Square, nowadays a side-church for the cathedral parish. It is hard to get inside, unless you come approx. a quarter before or after services.

The first building on Polish territories built with bricks (before only wooden or stone building were erected) around the year 1188. The church was erected for the Johnnites order, who were running a hospital for the poor people nearby. The entrance is free, but as well limited to moments before or after services. This is also the only place in the city, where holy masses for dead people take place.

A fortress was built here by the Prussians in 1828; it was destroyed during fighting in 1945. It contains a cemetery for the Russian, Polish and British soldiers who lost their lives here.

One of several forts located around Poznań, this one is quite infamous as it became concentration camp during Second World War with the purpose to purge undesirables (Jews and local elite). Later it became only transient concentration camp with inmates being sent to larger locations. Museum here focuses mostly on this disturbing part of the history.

The nature reservation "The Morasko Meteorite” – one of only two places like that in Europe (the second one is in Estonia) – a system of 7 craters left after a meteorite fall several thousands years ago. The name ‘Morasko’ comes from the suburban district placed approx. 1 km away.

Sienkiewicz, who won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1905, is best known for his work Quo Vadis?, an epic on early Christians in the Roman empire. He is Poland's most celebrated novelist, and this is the most extensive collection of items about his life and works.

Run by the Wielkopolska Motoring Club, features a range of vintage and notable vehicles.

This museum has a prominent collection of Italian, Spanish and Polish art. Many paintings have accompanying explanations in English.

In beautiful and original (not damaged during World War II) interiors of Poznań Town Hall, shows objects and documents from the whole city history since the 10th century.

With 2000 items from all over the world, this is the only exhibition of its kind in Poland. It also has an extensive collection of Chopin memorabilia.

One of the largest aquaparks in Poland with large sports swimming pool and saunas (all three are separate zones paid and visited separately). Many water slides, wave pool and other attractions. Outdoor swimming pools are available in summer and an artificial beach with umbrellas and sand. Expect huge crowds in the evening and during summer.

Huge zoo for a casual stroll located in a forest, large variety of animals (including elephants, tigers, seals and bisons) on spacious enclosures. Long distances may be a bit boring or tough on children. Zoo became popular for its focus on animal welfare and protection. You can access it also with park train (see below). Avoid restaurants inside zoo though, they are quite bad.

Park train which goes from city to the zoo close to Malta Lake. Source of amusement for many children who ride it. Some rides are completed using steam train.

"The railwaymen" play soccer in Ekstraklasa, the top tier. KKS stands for Kolejowy Klub Sportowy, railway sports club, and a splendid Ty 51 steam locomotive stands in front of the stadium. Stadion Miejski is now sponsored as Enea Stadium, capacity 42,800.

Long artificial lake with rowing track used in professional competitions. There is about 5km long path going around entire lake often used for marathon runs. Small swimming spot and leisure centre with huge children playground are located on southern side.

Small year-round dry ski slope. Training available. There is also a tobbogan run, carousel, mini-golf and children driving town.

Small artificial lake with a beach and a little culinary infrastructure and a pedalo rental. Nice green scenery and many paths around lake. Disturbing fact worth noting is that lake was built during Second World War using forced labour and paved with tombstones seized from Jewish cemeteries.

Located further from centre, beach around this lake is a bit more spacious than near Rusałka. There are some restaurants, large children playground, a field to set up barbecue and a pedalo rental.

Large, open lake located quite far off centre but still within city limits. Not much infrastructure for casual swimmers as this place is catering more for those wishing to swim on a boat, fish or do water sports like windsurfing.

On 11th November parade happens on Święty Marcin street. Various colorful acts including legionnary Martin on a horse, Bamberg girl and personified goose march from St. Martin church to Imperial Castle where various concerts happen. Event concludes with passing keys to the city to Martin and a fireworks display. Expect huge crowds.