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I travelled from Warsaw to Poznań by train. My first thought was to go straight to Gdansk but decided to go to somewhere that I had never heard of before coming to Poland. The index image features a statue of traditionally dressed Bamber peasant girl carrying jugs used in wine making. Created by Joseph Wackerle it was unveiled in 1915. It originally stood over a well which provided drinking water for horses. Bambers were poor catholic farmers from Bavaria who, by invitation, came to Poznań over 300 years ago to help rebuild villages destroyed by plague and war. |
Like many of the smaller cities in Europe the best place to commence exploration is the town square, in Poznań known as the old market Square. A square with sides of 140 metres, it is bounded by tall narrow buildings which used to be tenament houses. Today they are used as resturants, cafes and pubs.
In the north-east corner is an eight-sided Gothic column, on which stands an executioner, with raised sword, the Pranger of Poznań. His task was to execute punishments such as flagellation or removal of ears and fingers.
Near the Pranger of Poznań is the Prozerpina Fountain featuring a sculpture of Pluto grabbing Proserpina. It is one of four fountains.
Originally laid out in 1253, major changes were made from 1550 onwards when many of the buildings were reconstructed in Renaissance style. The buildings here today have been restored after being inflicted with heavy damage during the 1945 Battle of Poznań.
Commenced in 1253 and completed around 1300 the Town Hall was an administrative building. Originally a one-story Gothic building it was extended in the 15th century.
Intially used for important sittings of the city court the Great Hall was designed in Renaissance style by G.B. di Quadro (died. 1590-91)
Featuring a Renaissance style fireplace, the Royal Hall was once as richly decorated as the Great hall. Used for meetings of the city council its name came from the portraits of Kings which once decorated it.
The Poznań Fara, or Our Lady of Perpetual Succour and St Mary Magdalene, is connected to the town square via the Swietostawska. Built by the Jesuits, it was started in 1649 and consecrated in 1705. It is considered to be one of the best examples of Baroque architecture in Poland.
Both sides of the nave feature 16 columns of imitation marble.
The high altar features a 1756 painting, flanked by two sculptures, of Bishop Stanislaus bring Piotrowin back to life.
To reach Poznań Cathedral from the Old Market Square you can take the street car and get off at Katedra. You will be on the island Ostrów Tumski. The island is formed when the Cybina breaks away from the Warta only to rejoin it again 2-3 kilometres upstream. From Katedra it is a short walk past a statue of John Paul II to the cathedral.
Building Poznań Cathedral commenced in 968. It is the oldest structure in Poznań. Over the centuries it has been burnt down and reconstructed many times. Each time building with a different architectural style including Gothic and Baroque. Sixty-five percent of the cathedral was burnt down in 1945 exposing its underlying Gothic structure leading to the decision to rebuild it in that style. It has five spires, the two front ones are 62 meters high, and the three rear ones 44 metres high.
Though built in Gothic style much of the interior decoration is Baroque.
Dominating the altar is the 14th//15th century polyptych displaying Our Lady surrounded by 14 female saints.
The cathedral has twelve chapels surrounding the interior.
A particularly beautiful chapel is the Golden Chapel. Buried there in the 11th century are Mieszko I (the prince who took as first Christianity into Poland) and Boleslaw Chrobry (the first king of Poland). However the Golden Chapel was built in the early 19th century, during a period when Poland did not exist on the map. The chapel was built to remind Poles of golden times.
It can be illuminated by placing a coin into some contraption.
Yes, my diversion to Poznan was worth a couple of days exploring a city of whose existence I was unaware. Getting around was easy, walking around the Old Town Square and using public transport. Another way is to use and tourist electric cart.
I did not know it is famous for croissants. That is what can happen when research is done after visiting.
