Poznan (Poland): attractions, photos and reviews of tourists

When today the name of one of the most notable European states of the past - the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth - is spoken, Poland is first of all meant. The Greater Poland Voivodship (Poznan - its administrative center) is, it can be said, the place where everything began. On the banks of the Warta River, they settled since ancient times: archaeologists have found the remains of a settlement dating back to the 10th century, and in XI the city is already mentioned in the chronicles.

The First Capital

According to legend, Lech, Czech and Rus (the founding fathers of the three Slavic peoples) met here after a long separation. They immediately recognized each other and shouted: "Know!" ("I know", in the sense). From here, according to legend, the name of the city went. Scientists are more prosaic: they prefer to think that the reason was the old Polish name Poznan.

Poznan (Poland) is one of the oldest cities in the country (some historians believe that it was the first capital of the state). Tourists are attracted by a rich historical past, as well as a convenient location: many auto and railway routes run through Poznan, so travelers often find themselves passing through here. After a cursory examination of the city, many of them, judging by the reviews, very much regret that they did not plan to devote more time to this city . There is something to see.

Historical part of the city

Since Poznan (Poland) is a fairly typical settlement for medieval Europe, the center of the city was the area called the Old Market. Now this is the most visited part of Poznan. The area is square and quite extensive: the size of a large football field (approximately 140x140 m). There are many things that are worth looking at, coming to Poznan (Poland). Sights literally "crowd" around. Judging by the reviews, the compact location of many interesting monuments and structures is very encouraging for tourists.

The old market is more than 750 years old - the beginning of construction is attributed to 1253. This is not the largest city square in Poland (similar in Wroclaw and Krakow more), but it is considered one of the most beautiful in Eastern Europe.

City Hall

In the center of the architectural ensemble is the town hall - "fiery greetings" from the Renaissance. The building was designed by the Italian architect Jan Quadro in 1560, and his style is unquestionably Renaissance. Of course, the first town hall, wooden, appeared about the same time as the square itself, but was destroyed by fire. But the new has survived to this day almost in its original form. Suffered, in fact, only a spire: until 1725 he surged into the sky at 90-meter height, but the elements made adjustments, and a hurricane struck the building caused damage. Now the height of the spire is "only" 61 meters.

The town hall is crowned by a two-meter high eagle, which managed to survive all the historical and weather perturbations - it is considered one of the symbols of the city. Another emblem (and it seems, much nicer to the inhabitants of the city) are goats, which, according to legend, saved the city of Poznan. Poland in this sense is no worse than the Roman Empire (if you remember what the Eternal City owes to the geese).

"Bodily" emblem of Poznan

In different reviews of travelers who had the opportunity to see the legends on the spot, you can find two versions of the "goat feat". According to one of them, the animals fled from the master, who was determined to put them into consumption. The search for the fugitives led him to the roof of the town hall (the legend holds back, as the kids have climbed there), from where he saw hordes of enemies approaching the city. Raised by alarm, the citizens were able to repel an enemy attack.

According to the second version, bogatid goats started a fight in the middle of the night, thanks to which the inhabitants did not oversleep the fire that was starting in the city. As it was in fact, it is unknown, but in honor of the horned rescuers every afternoon the door over the clock at the Town Hall opens (this fun, incidentally, appeared in 1661), and from there appear heroes who "boutzed" exactly twelve times for the fun of the diverse public , Which is happy to gawk.

Smiling City

Anyway, but the characters of his city Poznans love. Numerous souvenirs beat their images, and not far from the Old Market there is a metal installation depicting two beating goats. Children with pleasure saddle horned stubborn, and parents in the meantime hurry to capture them in the photo. The city of Poznan (Poland) is a great place for a family holiday.

Numerous travelers note that the city is not fussy even during a large influx of people. The local people are friendly, smiling, the attitude towards tourists here is the most cordial.

Around the Old Market

Each of the houses located along the perimeter of the Old Market has its own special history. "House under the hood" (No. 50) was famous for the fact that in 1716, from his window on the second floor, a certain nobleman from the retinue of King Augustus II fell out, fairly "typed". Evil tongues say that the monster was the brawler himself.

The house number 45 is a museum of musical instruments (there are only three in Europe). In this building once played himself Chopin, there is a death mask of the great composer.

Once in the Dzyalyynsky Palace (No. 78), one of the most beautiful buildings of the Old Market, an exquisite society gathered, balls, evenings, theatrical performances took place. Now here is a rich library.

Entourage of the square

In the corners of the square there are fountains. Ludin of them is authentic, preserved from the time of construction and is dedicated to Proserpine, the mistress of the underworld. Three others - Apollo, Mars and Neptune, appeared only at the beginning of the XXI century, when the city authorities decided to return the square to its historical appearance.

Once the fountains had a purely practical purpose: there were wells in which the inhabitants of the city took drinking water. Later they were decorated with wooden figures, which, of course, did not survive. Only in the XIII century there were statues of stone, but numerous wars that swept through the city, took away many monuments of the past.

In the old square there is another medieval wonder - a shameful pillar. This is an octagonal column, on top of which is erected a statue of the executioner. In ancient times, the structure was used for its intended purpose: the pillar was tied to guards in small "dirty tricks" of fellow citizens - thieves, prostitutes, swindlers. Those who wished could throw up their mud, spit or entertain in a similar "civilized" way. It is noteworthy that stones were thrown away.

Student leprosy

Now the original pillar, built in 1535, is in the Poznan Historical Museum (located in the Town Hall building). On the square there is a copy of the date on which the post was repaired. The last time the building had to suffer four years ago: a fairly drunken student managed to scramble onto the column and drop the executioner's figure. The broken statue had to be restored - one of the witnesses of the "exploit of the climber" stole.

Student leprosy in the city is not uncommon: many young people from the near abroad come to study in Poznan. Poland, whose universities enjoy a good reputation in Europe, is very popular in this respect. In the city are located about a dozen universities, among which such "grandees" as the University. Adam Mickiewicz, Poznan Polytechnic, Medical and Economic Universities, etc.

Poznan is working and having fun

In addition, Poznan is also an industrial city. It is one of the five largest Polish cities. After Poland has decided on the vector of its development and has taken a course towards European integration, many investors find it attractive. Several of the most powerful industries were opened in the last two decades in different cities, including the one in question. The place where the Samsung plant is located in Poland - Poznan. The city is remarkable not only this. In 1994, there was opened a large production of the automobile giant Volkswagen, and in 2014 the German concern started construction of another plant near the city.

In addition to transnational companies, domestic companies are based in Poznan. The local brewery is quite well known for inviting visitors to night excursions. Tourists who visited the factory are satisfied: excellent impressions, delicious beer, very interesting technology.

Poznan (Poland) is a place where traditions are sacredly observed. What only regular activities have not found shelter here. In the autumn athletes come to town (a traditional marathon). In mid-June, the famous Sventoian Fair opens here, whose roots go back to the Middle Ages.

By the holidays on the square a stage is being erected, on which they sing and dance, conduct concerts and theatrical performances. In addition, the city is full of street artists, some of which, according to the testimonies of the visiting audience, play quite well on guitars and other musical instruments.

Moving away from the square

In addition to the Old Market, the surrounding beauty is also of considerable interest. The island of Tumski is deservedly popular. There is a beautiful example of Gothic architecture - the oldest cathedral, which Poland boasts (Poznan, it can be said, was born simultaneously with this church). Since the time of Pope John Paul II, the architectural ensemble has been solemnly named the archcathedral basilica in Poznan St. Peter and Paul. In the chapel on the territory the first cathedrals of Poland, the Church of the Virgin Mary, surrounded by an ensemble of other buildings, some of which are representatives of the ancient Romanesque style, were built.

In the city there are more than a dozen museums, two zoos (New and Old), many restaurants, shops and shops. Do not be alien to this city and football: Poznan (Poland) during the Euro 2012 hosted the matches of the championship. The local stadium is modern, comfortable and meets all safety requirements. Two teams are based in the city, one of which (Lech) is a regular in European cups (although the Poles have not yet made any significant progress on this field).

Variety is the key to success

The reviews have to read that Poznan has a soul, and many travelers admit that they were conquered and disarmed by the charm of local architecture, traditions, hospitality of local people.

The city has a tourist office on Liberty Square, where you can get the most detailed information about the events that are planned in the near future. Experienced travelers are very advised to visit it, so as not to miss anything interesting, and also recommend to stay for two or three days at a minimum: they say it's worth it.

It is gratifying that more and more tourists want to visit Poznan (Poland). Photos of numerous attractions and rave reviews gradually do their job, popularizing the city, which undeservedly underestimate many tour operators.