Poznan - Basic information
Population: 600 000

Currency: 1 Polish zloty (PLN) = 100 groszy
Business hours:
Shops Monday - Friday 10-18, Saturday 10-13
Shopping centre 6-22
Offices: Monday - Friday 8-15
Telephone area number: 00 48 (61)

Important numbers & addresses:
Police, Fire, Paramedics: 112
British Consulate:
ul Kramarska 2661-765 Poznan
Telephone: (61) 53 72 90
Facsimile: (61) 53 29 19
Office Hours: 0900-1500

Useful Links
http://www.poznan.pl/mim/public/turystyka/index.html?lang=en
www.inyourpocket.com/poland/city/poznan.html
http://www.poznan24.co.uk/
www.epoznan.pl
www.poznan.naszemiasto.pl
www.info.poznan.pl

Tourist Information
The central tourist offices are situated on the south side of the Stary Rynek and at the 'Empik' building near Plac Wolności (Freedom Place).

Worth Seeing

The Old Market Square (Stary Rynek)

The central square of the old town is one of the most picturesque in Central Europe. It is rimmed with exquisite antique buildings and is one of the main tourist attractions of Poznan. The square pulsates with life and has a unique and magical feel. It's a popular pastime to wind down in one of many cafes, restaurants and pubs where you can try excellent Polish cuisine or enjoy the excellent Polish beer or famous vodka. It's an excellent palace to sit and people watch.
The antique town hall is by far the most dominant feature of the old square. It was built in the 16th century by the Italian architect John Baptist Quadro and has been described as the most beautiful Renaissance building found North of the Alps. Though it's not the official Town Hall today, the building is still active, serving as the Historical Museum of Poznan, illustrating the town's chequered history. If you are fortunate enough to be around at midday then be sure to direct your attention to the clock tower where two little goats will appear and lock horns to every child's and most adults delight.
To the left of the town hall you will find a line of delightful colourful houses, which once belonged to the old town's traders. It is said that the size of each archway was symbolic of the resident traders wealth. Today, beneath each archway you will find stalls selling souvenirs and local art.

At the back of the Town Hall is the neoclassical 'Odwach', first erected in the 18th century to serve as a garrison guardhouse building. Its front displays three coats of arms important to the city. The one in the centre belongs to the Rzeczpospolita (Polish Republic) from the times of the last king of Poland, Stanisław August Poniatowski. To the left you can see the arms of the Raczynski family, one of Poznan's most powerful noble families, and to the right you can see the coat of arms of Poznan.
Imposing itself upon the west side stands one of most impressive and beautiful houses within the Stary Rynek, the Palace of the once magnate Dzialynski family. It's architecture dates back to the 1770's, just before the first of the 3 partitions, which saw Poland systematically erased from the map by it's German, Austrian & Russian neighbours. Surely if the walls could talk then they'd recount many storys of noble get togethers of Polish gentry, German governors and aristocracy. Be sure to bring your camera.
The Old Market Square is also regularly used throughout the year as a place for festivals, concerts and other social events.
For those packing wireless Internet technology there is the added treat of free world web access via Wi Fi hot spots located in the Stary Rynek.

The Old Town
When you leave the Stary Rynek via the southeast corner and head down Świętosławska Street you will find the imposing and exquisite facade of the renowned 'Fara' Church. Built at the turn of the 17th & 18th century, it is one of Poland's largest baroque churches. Inside, one can see the breathtaking & impressive red marble décor and the priceless 19th Century organs. One can enjoy concerts of classical organ music daily at 12.15pm (except Sunday).
After leaving Fara head back down Świętosławska Street and then turn right down Wodna Street. Along here you will find Gorkow Palace which was built in 1548. Today it is the home of the Archeological Museum, where you will find permanent exhibitions marking the 'Old times in Wielkopolska' & 'Death and life in ancient Egypt'. Poznan is steeped in history, a fact reflected by the many interesting museums to be found in and around the Stary Rynek which serve to suit all tastes. You can find the Musical Instruments Museum, the Literary Museum of Henryk Sienkiewicz, the Army Museum, the Motoring Museum, the Pharmaceutical Museum, the Museum of Applied Arts and the National Museum.
If you head along Franciszkanska Street, which leads from the west side of the Stary Rynek, you will find the Franciscans' baroque church. Inside you will find a collection of old Polish portraits and among them, the coffin portraits, which are specific to polish culture.
Opposite the church is a small hill known as 'Przemysła mount' where you will find the remains of a 13th century Royal Castle, which for years housed the seat of Wielkopolska's rulers. Unfortunately it didn't survive the numerous wars and was completely destroyed during a fire in 1945.
When you leave the Stary Rynek via the southwest corner and head west along the slight incline of Paderewskiego Street you will pass several exclusive shops before arriving at the Bazar building. It was here where Ignacy Paderewski, a famous politician and pianist, rallied Poznanians from the balcony to resist German occupation. His speech is said to have provided the spark for the explosive Wielkopolska uprising in 1918. If stood on that very balcony today one can take in impressive views of the Plac Wolności (Freedom Square), the Narodowe Muzeum (National Museum) and the exquisite Bibliotekę Raczyńskich (Raczynski Family Library).
Neatly hidden beneath Plac Wolności is a 3-story car park.

Ostrów Tumski (Cathedral Island)

To the east of the old town is the Warta River where you will find the Ostrów Tumski (Cathedral Island). This island is where the city and possibly Poland began. A castle was first erected on the site in the 9th century and it is thought that Mieszko I, the first King of Poland, was baptized here, thus baptising Poland as a Christian nation. In the 12th century a cathedral was built here in the Romanesque style. Over the centuries the cathedral suffered the ravages of war and was finally burnt down in 1945, only to be rebuilt in the 10 years after the end of World War II in the Gothic style. The twin towers of the cathedral now stand proud and are a dominant landmark of the city. The cathedral is the resting place of some of Polands first rulers from the 10th century

Zamek (The Castle)

The Zamek was built in 1910 in the last decade of Prussian occupation and was meant as a residence for Emperor Wilhelm II. Between the wars it became the seat of the Poznan University. During World War II Hitler had the interior completely refurbished, however he never actually got to visit the castle himself.
After the war the Zamek became residence to many cultural institutions.

Zamkowa (Castle District)
There are several impressive buildings that make up the castle district. They include the University building, the Poczta Polska (The Post Office) building, the Najświętszego Zbawiciela Church, The Music Academy and the Opera House. There is also the iconic Adam Mickeiwicz Square which is dominated by the symbolic two cross statue, which stands as a memorial to the fight against the oppression of communist power.

Cytadela (Citadel Park)
The Cytadela is a large area north of the Old Square. It was built in the nineteenth century and is the largest of a ring of Prussian defensive fortifications still visible around the city today. It fulfilled it's intended duty only once during World War II when it became the centre of the German defense against the Soviet army.
Today the Cytadela is the largest park in Poznan and serves as the green lungs of the city, ideal for long walks. There are two military museums here and the south side of the park occupies a cemetery for Soviet, German, British and Polish soldiers.

Lake Malta
Southeast from the Old Square and across the River Warta lies Lake Malta. It is one of the many lakes to be found around the city and is a popular sport and recreation spot used by many Poznanians. The lake is a centre for water sports, namely rowing and canoeing. There is also a dry ski slope, a dry sledge run and an impressive 18 hole crazy golf course. It's possible to hire a bicycle or rollerblades here if you fancy skirting the 5km route around the lake. It's also a popular spot for joggers and every October the Poznan Marathon starts and finishes here. For those wishing to sit back and take it all in, there are some delightful bars and eateries dotted around the lake's shores. There are numerous concerts held on the banks of lake throughout the year.

The New Zoo
Situated at the eastern border of Lake Malta is the New Zoo. The zoo is spread over 1.2 million square meters of fields and forest. The pride of the Zoo is the Siberian tigers that live in an extensive forest playground. The zoo is scheduled to build a multi million zloty elephant enclosure in the next few years.

Wilson Park & The Botanical Gardens
If you are looking for a gentle stroll in the park, where you can feed the ducks, see how Poznanians unwind or even experience the exotic, then head southwest from the city centre and visit Wilson Park and it's Palmiarnią (Botanical Gardens). The whole complex was built in 1910 and successfully maintains the mood and feel of the time. Today the Palmiarnia is certainty the most exotic place in Poznan. In twelve glazed pavilions there are over 1100 plant species from around the world. In the aquarium there are about 200 species of tropical fish. Every Sunday during the summer months, concerts are held at the park's open-air stage. Don't forget your picnic basket!

The Sołacz District, Lake Rusałka & Lake Kierskie
Sołacz is an exquisite residential district built at the turn of the 19th & 20th century. It's well worth visiting this beautiful and quiet quarter of Poznan to enjoy a walk through the gorgeous park and admire the individual architecture of the nearby residential villas.
From here it's not far to Lake Rusalka, which can be reached by bicycle or car. A little bit further in the same direction is a second lake - Strzeszynek with an extensive beach and holiday camp. Even further, on edges of the city, is the largest lake in Poznan - lake Kierskie. It's possible to have a swim in the lake or if you're feeling adventurous you can hire a sailing boat.

Important Poznan Events:

Malta festival
Every year during the second half of June Poznan experiences an invasion of theatrical groups from around the world. Performances are held in many parts of the city. The Festival traditionally ends with a big concert.

St. Johns fair
Every year, for two weeks in June, the city's president symbolically hands over the keys of the city to the traders and craftsmen. This marks the beginning of St. John's fair. The Old Market and nearby streets become awash with markets stalls selling everything from plastic souvenirs to antiques and sophisticated jewelry.

St. Marcin's day.
Every year on the eleventh day of November the city celebrates the day of St. Marcin. There is a parade along St. Marcin Street and Poznanians celebrate by eating specially prepared white poppy seed crescent rolls.

City Name day
On the 29th of June the City's patrons, Piotr & Pawel (Peter & Paul) celebrate their name day. Every year numerous concerts and cultural events are organized around the city.

The Dance Theatre Festival
This event is organized at the end of every August by the most famous dance theatre in Poland under the management of Ewa Wycichowska. It is 'Strictly Come Dancing' open to the public! At the open dance workshops one can learn to dance under the direction of professionals from around the world. Every year over 1500 people take part in the workshops, which are accompanied by performances where their dancing skills are presented to the professionals.

Henryk Wieniawski International Violin Contest

Every 5 years violin lovers flock to Poznan for this auspicious contest, which attracts hundreds of entrants. In the final, the contest participants have to play two concerts with the accompaniment of an orchestra from Poznans music hall. This event is the oldest violin competition in Europe. The next competition will take place in 2011.