Poznan is known around the world as an important international trade-fair venue. Every year about 30 international and national events are held here. Specialist trade fairs, such as the "Polagra Fair", featuring food products, and the "Budma Fair", featuring building materials, are among the largest specialised events in Europe. The historical landmarks in this city are also well worth a mention.

Relics from the Past

The observation platform of the Economics Academy building, 80m above ground, offers excellent views of the city's old quarter, Ostrow Tumski, where the cathedral stands today and where once stood the castle of Prince Mieszko I and his son Boleslaw Chrobry (the Brave), who was crowned the first king of Poland in 1025. Their sarcophaguses can today be visited in the Golden Chapel of the cathedral. Besides golden chalices and monstrances from the churches of the Wielkopolska region, the Archdiocese Museum houses Poland's only painting by Anthony van Dyck.

Poznan's most beautiful church is the huge Baroque Parish Church of St. Stanislaw and it is also one of Poznan's most mysterious buildings since parts of the crypts have still not been discovered. Rumours abound that there area crates of sketches by great Polish painters Jan Matejko and Wojciech Gerson, which were purchased for the Poznan City Museum just before World War II, and were reportedly hidden here. In the summer, organ recitals are held in the church every day with the proceeds going towards the renovation of the historic organ.

Billy Goats on the Town Hall

The city authorities were housed in the Renaissance Town Hall until 1939, and today the building is home to the Poznan History Museum. At noon two mechanical billy goats "clash horns" on the tower of the Town Hall which is situated in the middle of the Old Market Square. The facades of the houses surrounding the square, once the homes of the wealthiest residents, feature Renaissance and Baroque motifs. Nearby is the Museum of Musical Instruments, with exhibits from all over the world and from many musical eras. Przemysl II was the last Polish king to rule from Poznan. Remnants of his rule can be seen in the foundations of his castle built in the second half of the 13th century on the hill next to the Market Square. Przemysl's castle remained one of the royal seats for many years. It was here, in 1493, that King Jan Olbracht accepted the homage of the grand master of the Teutonic Knights, Johann von Tiefen. The building fell into ruin in the 18th century and the Prussians later erected a new building on the old foundation, which was subsequently destroyed in 1945. Reconstructed after the war, it now houses the Museum of Applied Art.

Pegasus on the Theatre

The Poznan National Museum boasts Poland's largest collection of works by the artist Jacek Malczewski. The permanent exhibition of Gothic art is also worth seeing. The entrance to the museum is from Wolnosci Square. In the same square the Raczynski Library can be found. This is the first public library founded in Poznan in the early 19th century by Edward Raczynski. Its facade is an architectural reference to the eastern facade of the Louvre Museum in Paris.

On the west side, the square is completed by a former German theatre where the Osmego Dnia Theatre Company is located today. Next-door is the Okraglak, Poland's only circular department store. Its windows offer an excellent view of the Wielki Theatre, the first permanent opera house in Poland, built in 1910. Today it stages a diversity of excellent productions and has a prominent decorative element – the winged horse Pegasus.

The King’s Last Castle

The opera house was one of a number of important elements of the new city centre designed in the early 20th century. The main building is the imperial castle built, in a Neo-Romanesque style, by King Wilhelm II. This was the last royal residence of such size built in Europe. In the courtyard is the Lion Fountain – a replica of the famous sculpture from the Alhambra. The King, who came to this castle only twice, received his guests in the throne room, which today houses a movie theatre. The monarch sat on a throne modelled on one belonging to the Maharaja of Delhi.

Nature and Art

For those who enjoy longer excursions the Wielkopolski National Park, which is just a few dozen kilometres from Poznan, is an excellent option. Napoleon Bonaparte once stayed there in the early 19th century. A stroll around Poland's oldest and largest palm house or a visit to one of two zoos is ideal for those who do not have much time for long outings. Poland's oldest zoological gardens were established in 1874 with a donation of a few animals. With time, the modest collection grew into a large animal reserve. Poznan has no shortage of artistic attractions. In January, numerous choirs give Christmas carol concerts. In late June the Malta International Theatre Festival is held here or there are concerts by the excellent boys' choir, the Poznan Nightingales. Organ recitals are held in St. Stanislaw's Parish Church between July and Sept. at 12:15 p.m. There are many palaces and castles to visit within easy reach of Poznan. South of the city is the palace in Rogalin that is surrounded by a beautiful park. It also has a museum and a portrait gallery. Much of the old furniture and fittings have been preserved in the castle in Kornik which includes a collection of national mementos and is also surrounded by a beautiful arboretum.

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