The city of billy goats
The famous billy goats on the town hall tower are Poznań’s most recognisable symbol. No wonder watching the butting goats is a must-see attraction for every visitor in the city. According to legend, the goats once escaped from a careless young cook and climbed onto the town hall tower.
The architect responsible for the building’s present appearance was Giovanni Battista di Quadro from the Lugano region. He certainly did his job well. His masterpiece is often described as the most beautiful Renaissance town hall of the 16th century north of the Alps.
Architecture enthusiasts will discover many other remarkable landmarks in Poznań. The magnificent Baroque parish church inspires admiration, especially when the organ built by Friedrich Ladegast begins to play. A reminder of Poznań’s former place within the German Empire is the impressive Imperial Castle. Built at the beginning of the 20th century, it was the last castle in Europe constructed for a crowned monarch. Today, the building has found a new role and hosts cultural events throughout the year. Right next door is the Enigma Cipher Center, telling the story of cryptography and the fascinating achievements of the Poznań mathematicians who first broke the code of the famous German Enigma cipher machine.
Where Poland began
Poznań is the place where Poland began – the seat of the country’s first rulers. The city’s fascinating history, closely intertwined with the history of the Polish state itself, is best discovered at Porta Posnania, an interactive museum and heritage centre. Afterwards, it is worth taking a walk through Ostrów Tumski – a peaceful island in the very heart of the city, home to remnants of thousand-year-old fortifications and Poland’s first cathedral.
Michelin stars and Saint Martin croissants
One of Poznań’s great strengths is its diverse culinary scene – from street food to restaurants featured in the Michelin Guide. The city is sometimes even called the gastronomic capital of Poland. Food lovers particularly recommend a visit to the trendy Jeżyce district, known not only for its excellent cuisine but also for its beautiful Art Nouveau architecture.
The local culinary speciality is the Saint Martin’s croissant (“Rogal Świętomarciński”), whose shape, according to local legend, resembles the horseshoe of Saint Martin’s horse. The croissant is especially popular on 11 November during the celebrations of Saint Martin Street Day, the feast day of one of the city’s main avenues. On that occasion, residents and tourists eat several hundred tonnes of the sweet delicacy. Throughout the year, visitors can also explore the Croissant Museum of Poznan, where they can try making croissants themselves and discover their exceptional taste.
An island? No, a lake
Malta in Poznań? Absolutely, although here it is not an island, but a lake, with a fountain like the Jet d'Eau in Geneva. Malta Lake is a favourite leisure destination, perfect for walks, cycling trips and summer concerts. From time to time, the lake also hosts international rowing and canoeing competitions. Located by the lake are the Malta Thermal Baths, a popular aqua park loved especially by children. Along the lakeside runs the scenic route of the Maltanka Park Railway, taking visitors to the New Zoo. The zoo is home to thousands of animals, including Poland’s heaviest resident – Ninio the elephant.
A green city
The centre of Poznań is crossed by the green corridor of the Warta River valley – one of the city’s most popular recreational areas. Poznań even has its own “Central Park”, although the local Citadel Park was created on the site of a 19th-century fortress. Today, it is a green enclave filled with remnants of fortifications, museums and outdoor sculptures hidden among the trees. Within the city limits lies the Morasko Meteorite Nature Reserve, the site of a cosmic catastrophe thousands of years ago, where visitors can walk among trees and see craters formed by meteorite impacts.
Just half an hour outside the city begins the Wielkopolska National Park, often described as a living museum of post-glacial landscapes. On the edges of this land of forests and lakes, several towns still preserve historic buildings constructed in the so-called Swiss chalet style – reminders of the region’s former holiday resort traditions.
Magnificent residences near the city
Two architectural gems await visitors just outside Poznań. Rogalin is a magnificent aristocratic residence on the banks of the Warta River, featuring stunning palace interiors – including a library reminiscent of Hogwarts – an outstanding art collection and a park filled with ancient oak trees, among the oldest in Poland.
Kórnik is also well worth a visit. The greatest attractions of this picturesque lakeside town include its castle, a beautiful arboretum particularly enchanting during the blooming season of magnolias and rhododendrons, and… the White Lady, Poland’s most famous ghost.
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