POZNAN. THE PLACE TO BE
Poznan is a flourishing town located in Western Poland, the capital of the Wielkopolska Province. It is located half way between Berlin and Warsaw on the international route 5 running from Berlin to Warsaw. The city is home to a population of some 700.000.
Poznan is one of major business centers in Poland and so far has managed to attraced substantial investments. The town is proud of the Poznan International Fair which offers 40 international events in a variety of fields each year. On its grounds DEMOCAMP takes place too. It is also a true cultural centre with many international events like Malta International Theatre Festival or Contemporary Dance Workshops, exhibitions and concerts and more.
Unlikely to other big towns in Poland, Poznan has earned its name as the organizer of many international sport events, that take place on an artificial Malta Lake located in the centre.
Sightseeing in Poznan is best begun with Ostrów Tumski with its most prominent building- the Cathedral featuring a Gothic basilica surrounded by radiating chapels. It is the oldest part of Poznan and the place where, as legend says, Poznan was founded. Archeological research has proved that the foundation took place in the 10th century. In 966 or 967 the first bishopric in Poland was established here. You can get there by tram - lines No. 4, 8, 17. "Katedra" stop.
From Ostrow Tumski it will take you only ten minutes on foot to get to Malta Lake. It is an artificial lake and its surroundings are a perfect place for the pursuit of active recreation.The most advanced 2 kilometer long regatta course was built on Malta Lake, which is a frequent site of competitions. In the recreation centre you can rent siing equipment, roller skates, bikes. The northern shore of the lake leads you to the New Zoo with 140 species represented. The New Zoo was famous one day as one of prominent Polish politicians suspected that one of the elephants is gay and should not be kept there :-) Anyway, elephants live there in a nice house buit for some 10 million EUR.
Last but not least - every year the Poznan Marathon starts from Malta Lake. It has been already the 11th edition this year! This is so far the biggest event of its kind in Poland.
Taking back the tram no. 8 you will get to the Old Market Squere. Old Market Squere - our showcase spot is dominated by the Town Hall. Every day at the top of the tower two billy-goats butt heads when the clock strikes noon. The tenement houses surrounding the Town Hall were restored after World War II in a architectonic mix resembling Baroque and Renaissance. Other notable structures are four Rococo fountains and a well with a Bamber woman figure (Bambers were German peasants who came to Poznan to settle down in 18th century). The Old Market is very lively in the evenings a projects a unique atmosphere and whatever place you choose to have a drink you will not regret it. Free Wi-Fi available on the Old market Squere.
If you wish to swim, there is a swimming pool just around the corner. Do not feel strange if it resembles something - it was once a synagogue, rearranged during the Nazi occupation into a pool.
On the other side of the Old Market Square you will find the Parish Church of St. Stanislaus, one of the most monumental Baroque churches in Poland, built in 17th and 18th century. Its interior is richly decorated with sculptures and paintings.
Towering over one end of Sw. Marcin Street (leading to the DEMOCAMP venue) is the impressive Emperor’s Castle erected 1910 for the German Emperor, Wilhelm II, who never visited it. After the incorporation of Wielkopolska into Nazi Germany in 1939, the authorities decided to transform the castle into Adolf Hitler's residence. Albert Speer prepared the project of the reconstruction, which completely changed the rooms of the castle into the style of the Third Reich. The chapel was changed into the private cabinet of Hitler, with a characteristic balcony with an electric-heated floor. The rebuilding was stopped in 1943. Today it is home to a cultural centre, cinema, and serves as a venue for concerts, meetings and performances.
An impressive shopping mall in the heart of Poznan called Stary Browar is one of its kind. Built up by one of the richest women in Poland combines shopping with art & culture. Thanks to the owner the visitors have opportunity to see exhibitions of famous international artists for free. This is also the place where the Polak 2.0 Foundation organized earlier every month Barcamp Poznań meetings. It is located at the end of the main shopping streets (Polwiejska), 10 minutes on foot from the Old Squere Market.
For more information visit:
- City Information Center located in the Poznan International Fair Grounds (where we are going to hold our meeting) or www.cim.poznan.pl.
- Tourist Information Centre on the Old Squere Market (No. 59, on the left had when having the Town Hall in front of you).
Poznan’s official website: www.poznan.pl (also available in English)
More about Poznan (in Polish):
The text is based on the touristic brochures handed out by Information Center.
