Welcome to Poznań Poznań Old Town skyline, including Poz Cathedral (p.26), Royal Castle (p.20) and Old Town Hall (p.17)
A city of half a million with a history dating back to the 8th century, Poznań is considered a likely site of the baptism of Polish ruler Mieszko I and thus the birthplace of the Polish state. Today, this vibrant city is the capital of the Wielkopolska region and a popular business and tourism destination. Poznań’s historical eras - as the residence of early Polish kings, a medieval trade hub, the fortified Prussian city of ‘Posen,’ a stronghold of the Third Reich, and finally its return to Poland after WWII - have created a city with rich architecture and diverse cultural attractions. While part of Poz’s beauty lies in aimlessly roaming the streets and alleys, making chance findings from one turn to the next, there are a number of must-see sites whose discovery should not be left to chance - and this is where we come in. While Poznań is not often the first city on travelling itineraries, it will prove a pleasant surprise to any who end up here. Crowded with churches, cobblestones and colourful burgher houses, Poznań’s Old Town (p.16) is a collage of architectural styles stuffed with soaring historical monuments, esoteric museums, art galleries and theatres, and more than its fair share of restaurants, bars and cafes. A major cultural and economic centre, Poznań has earned an international reputation as a city of trade fairs, its success stemming partly from its convenient location as a mid-way point on the road from Paris to Moscow. In Poznań, it’s not all about business, however. Over 100,000 people, some 20% of the population, purport to study here at some institute or another, lending a defiantly young and vibrant atmosphere to the streets. Whether you’re here for business or leisure, by exploring our paper guide you’ll find everything you need to the enjoy this city, whether it be bars (p.68), clubs (p.72), restaurants (p.58), museums, (p.40) or even kayaking down the Warta River (p.10). 6
