Poznań, one of the oldest cities in Poland, is located 270 km west of Warsaw, 170 km from the German border and is the fifth largest city in the country, with approximately 550,000 inhabitants.
The history of Poznań dates back to the second half of the 9th century, when Mieszko I, the first known prince of Poland, built one of his castles in Poznań, as well as the Archcathedral of St. Saint Peter and Saint Paul (on Ostrów Tumski, known as Cathedral Island). In 1025, Poznań became the capital when the Kingdom of Poland was founded.
Today’s Poznań was founded in 1253 by German colonists and joined the re-established Polish state on November 11, 1918. Currently, it is the administrative capital of the Greater Poland Voivodeship and a numerous academic center with approximately 37,000 students.
Poznań’s city center (including the Old Town) lies on the western side of the main Warta River, where there are many historic buildings and attractions.
A recommendation is to follow the Royal Imperial Trail, a tourist route leading through the most important parts of the city, showing its history, culture and identity.
The Old Market Square is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful squares in Europe, housing the Courthouse with a history museum and hosting many large events such as the huge annual Christmas Market.
Another popular place is Malta, a park with an artificial lake in the center. On one shore of the lake there are ski and toboggan runs (Malta Ski), and on the opposite shore there is a large swimming pool complex (Termy Maltanskie).
Poznań posiada rozbudowany system transportu publicznego, głównie składający się z tramwajów oraz miejskich i podmiejskich autobusów.