Poznan miasto warte EN 2009 poprawki_v2.indd

Poznań
Poznań 2010
www.poznan.pl
a city worth
getting to know
Welcome to Poznań
Tenement houses, Old Market Square
At the turn of the 8th century, a fortified settlement was established in the
Cathedral Island. By the 10th century, the settlement grew to become one of the
main centres of the Piast Dynasty State. It is at this very place that Poland accepted
Christianity, the country’s first bishopric was set up in 968 and a Cathedral was built
in which Piast rulers are buried.
Poznanians have always had great respect for science and knowledge, as
evidenced by the establishment of the Lubrański Academy in 1518. Today, Poznań
is home to twenty plus institutions of higher education with a combined student
population of nearly 130,000. The Polish Academy of Sciences, the Polish Association
of the Friends of Science, and numerous other local societies and associations contribute
significantly to the development of science.
Always enterprising and good at planning, Poznanians have greatly
developed their crafts and trade. The Poznań International Fair, whose grounds
are located in the city centre, is the site of exhibitions and conferences. The PIF
brings together thousands of manufacturing and trading companies and research
institutes from around the world. Poznań’s Wielkopolska Agro-Horticultural Wholesale
Market, the first facility of its type that meets European standards. The national and
international investors gladly start their business activity in Poznań.
The local cultural and musical scene is made up of the „MALTA” International
Theatre Festival, two international festivals: the H. Wieniawski Violin Competition
and the H. Wieniawski Violin Making Competition, the Biennial of Contemporary
Dance, the Contemporary Dance Workshop, the world-renowned men’s and boys’
„Poznań’s Nightingales” choir conducted by Stefan Stuligrosz and Agnieszka Duczmal’s
Chamber Orchestra.
The city offers many sports and recreation attractions. Active recreation can
be pursued at an array of sports facilities at Lake Malta and at Poznań’s tennis courts,
swimming pools and its golf course. Poland’s largest Palm House, the Old and New
Zoos and the Botanical Gardens are always filled with visitors.
Poznań is easy to reach by various modes of transportation. It is a railway hub where
numerous regional, national and international lines converge. It offers coach services to
Europe’s and Poland’s main cities and has its own international airport Poznań-Ławica,
located just 7 km west from the city centre.
A multitude of charming spots makes Poznań a very special place. While
its cosy atmosphere may surprise you, the city can also be very dynamic and open.
Both the city itself and its residents have their distinctive character.
Mercado antiguo
Sculptures of M. Abakanowicz, Citadel
A. Mickiewicz University
Parish church
Exploring history
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Sightseeing in Poznań is best begun with the
Cathedral Island 1 . Its most prominent building is the
Cathedral 2 featuring a three-nave Gothic basilica surrounded
by radiating chapels. The structure is one of Poznań’s most
magnificent churches and certainly one of its most precious
historical buildings. It bears testimony to numerous stages of
construction from pre-Romanesque to Romanesque, Gothic,
Baroque, and Classicist. The building’s oldest parts can be
found in the cellars where visitors can view old wall sections,
a baptism bowl and the tombs of Poland’s first rulers. A ring of
chapels surrounds the aisle and ambulatory, the most famous
of which is the Golden Chapel modelled after Byzantine
architecture. In 1834, a mausoleum was established here
for Mieszko I and Boleslavus the Brave.
The city’s showcase spot is its Old Market Square
3 dominated by the Renaissance Town Hall designed by
Giovanni Baptista Quadro. The building’s tower features
a clock whose mechanism includes two metal goats that butt
heads daily at the strike of noon.
The tenement houses 4 surrounding the Old Market
Square were restored after the destruction of World War II in
a style reminiscent of Baroque and Renaissance architecture.
The Działyński Palace is remarkable for its attic reliefs
representing triumphant and sacrificial parades and the
sculpture of a pelican spreading its wings. Next to the Town
Hall are vendor tenement houses with their distinctive
arcades. The Market’s other notable structures are a Rococo
fountain representing the kidnapping of Proserpine, three
other fountains: Apollo, Poseidon and Mars, a torture pole, a
well with a Bamber woman figure 5 , and a Baroque figure of
St. John of Pomuk. With its café patios, street musicians,
keepsake and souvenir stands and pigeons, the Old
Market Square projects a unique atmosphere. A variety of
performances, concerts and other events held here add to
the place’s charm.
St. Stanislav’s Parish Church is a gem of Polish
Baroque architecture. This three-nave basilica with a transept
was built between 1651 and 1732. Its monumental beautifully
decorated facade features polychrome art by K. Dankwart,
golden ceiling ornaments, paintings by S. Czechowicz, stucco
decorations by A. Bianco and a historic mid-19th century
organ by the distinguished organ-maker Fryderyk Ladegast.
Towering over one end of St. Martin Street is the
impressive Emperor’s Castle designed by Franz Schwechten
for Kaiser Wilhelm II and erected between 1905 and 1910.
Its interiors were altered and most of its decorations were
stripped during the World War II. Today, the building houses
the „Castle” Cultural Centre and many other institutions:
galleries, cinema, and theatre.
The Royal-imperial Route in Poznań offers an
excellent opportunity to learn about the history, tradition
and culture of Poland where it has its roots. Winding its way
through Poznań, it reflects superbly 1000 years of the city’s
turbulent history.
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The cultural scene
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Many tourists come to Poznań drawn by its thriving
cultural scene. The „Castle” Cultural Centre 1 seated in the
former Castle of Wilhelm II, German Kaiser, is the cultural
centre of the city. The Emperor’s former residence is the site
of numerous permanent galleries and a venue for concerts,
drama performances, meetings and debates. In the summer
time, many concerts are held in the building’s courtyards.
The „Castle” Cultural Centre organizes also the big events
like St. John’s Fair, Ethnoport Festival and St. Martin’s Day.
Each June for many years, the „MALTA” International
Theatre Festival, now called maltafestival poznań 2 has
turned Poznań into one big experimental theatre stage.
Without a doubt, the Festival is one of the most prominent
events of its type in Central and Eastern Europe. Theatre
groups from all over the globe arrive here to participate in the
city’s open-air theatrical events. For the last few editions the
important role played also music, dance, performance and
visual arts. Past editions of the „MALTA” Festival have among
others been graced by the presence of Goran Bregovic, Buena
Vista Social Club, Leningrad Cowboys, Sinéad O’Connor and
Charlotte Gainsbourg.
Music lovers highly value Poznań’s violin competitions
held every five years. The Henryk Wieniawski International
Violin Competition 3 is among the oldest events of this type.
Its first edition was held in 1935 in Warsaw to mark the 100th
anniversary of the composer’s birth. The Competition has since
gone international and is one of the fifteen founding members
of the Geneva-based World Federation of International Music
Competitions, an organisation bringing together over 100
members from all continents.
Every May sees the series of events entitled „Poznańworth getting to know”. This is an excellent opportunity to
present the most interesting events and activities in the field
of art and the achievements of Poznań’s artists. These events
are accompanied by the Night of Museums, during which
museums in Poznań are open till late night hours and prepare
special lectures and exhibitions.
Every August, dance lovers have visited Poznań’s
Contemporary Dance Workshops, a project of the Polish
Dance Theatre – the Poznań Ballet School 4 headed by
Ewa Wycichowska, which is particularly popular with young
people. The participants of dance courses and contemporary
dance knowledge workshops are taught by teachers
and dancers of international acclaim. The Workshops are
accompanied by International Festival of Dance Theatres.
It is only in Poznań that one can take part in
a celebration of Saint Martin’s Day in Poland, also referred to
as the street’s nameday. During this holiday, a colourful parade
moves down St. Martin Street and Poznań’s Mayor hands
over the city gates’ key to St. Martin 5 . One tradition that
is unique to Poznań is the baking of sweet croissants which,
as legend says it, take their shape from the horseshoes worn
by a horse on which St. Martin rode into the city.
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Poznań is home to museums of various sorts.
The National Museum Painting and Sculpture Gallery 6
building dates back to the early 20th century and houses
an extensive collection of Roman and Gothic art, including
paintings by such outstanding Polish painters as Jacek
Malczewski, Stanisław Wyspiański, Jan Matejko and by
a number of foreign masters. The collections include an
overview of 15th to 18th century Italian, 17th century Dutch
and 16th and 17th century Flemish paintings. The Museum
also houses Poland’s most precious collection of Spanish
paintings, featuring the works of Francisco Zurbaran, Jose
Ribera and Juan Carreno.
The Museum of Musical Instruments 7 is Poland’s
only museum of this type and also Europe’s third largest.
The Museum holds a collection of some two thousand items
and, notably, a permanently displayed collection of stringed
instruments featuring remarkable violins by Polish and Italian
makers. Also on display are brass and mechanical instruments
and a vast collection of pianos and Polish and foreign folk
instruments. The museum premises often serve as a place
for meetings and chamber concerts.
Ever since 1967, the Górka Palace (built in 1548) has
been the seat of the Archaeological Museum, which features
archaeological finds from Western Poland from the Stone
Age to late antiquity, as well as ancient Egypt and Sudan.
Part of exhibits comes from the Egyptian Museum in Berlin
and Museum of Egyptian Art in Munich.
The St. John’s Fair attracts master artisans and
antique collectors. Other attractions include St. Patrick’s
Week, French Culture Days, the International Celtic Festival,
Danish Culture Days and Brittany Days, which feature concerts,
exhibitions, film showings, lectures, and drama performances
devoted to the cultures of the country or those of individual
regions.
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Recreation
Poznań is a perfect place for the pursuit of active
recreation. Just five kilometres from its centre are lakes
with designated swimming areas, forests with bicycle and
hiking trails and an artificial ski slope and sled track open
year round.
In 1990 on the Lake Malta 1 was built Europe’s
most advanced 2-kilometre long and 175-meter wide
regatta course 2 . The track is a frequent site of competitions,
some of them international, including Europe World
Kayaking and Canoeing Championship.
It is also the base of the “Malta Ski” Sports and
Recreation Centre. The Malta Ski area’s biggest attraction
is its 150-meter year-round ski slope 3 completed in 1993.
The slope features a tow and a chair ski lift. A 560-meter
year-round sled track 4 was opened here in 1998. There
is also the specially designed course for a mini golf 5 .
In addition, the Centre offers rental of skiing equipment,
roller skates, Nordic Walking Sticks as well as family-size and
regular bicycles. Malta also offers a number of playgrounds.
In 2009 a construction of so called “Malta Therms” – a sport
& recreation complex using thermal waters was started.
Along the northern shore of the lake runs the
Maltanka Miniature Railway 6 whose course ends at the
New Zoo. 60% of the Zoo’s area are pine and mixed forests.
To see the Zoo’s 2,000 animals representing some 140
species, visitors may follow any of the three designated
routes or take the “Zwierzynka” Road Train. Animals here
are kept in a nearly natural environment. In 2009 a modern
elephant house 7 was opened. It consists of the internal
pavilion (1300 m2) and the outside pen (2,5 ha) with the
reservoir.
The city centre is the site of the Old Zoo, which
is one of the oldest such facilities in Poland. In 1972, the
Old Zoo was included on the list of Poznań’s historical
sights and placed under maintenance supervision. In 2009
it was transformed into a park, but still one can visit an
aquarium, a reptile house and a birdhouse.
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Poznań prides itself on having Poland’s largest
Palm House established in 1910. The facility features
some 17,000 species and varieties of plants from the
Mediterranean and subtropical, tropical, savannah, and
desert climates and a collection of exotic fish.
The Botanical Gardens are home to some 8,000
plant species from all of the world’s climatic zones displayed
in sections illustrating specific botanical environments
such as steppes, peat-land, wet-land, forest, dunes and
high elevations.
Located to the north of the Old Town is Winiary
Hill, which was turned into a stronghold known as the
Citadel in the 19th century. Following World War II, the site
was converted into a large park featuring an amphitheatre
and a rose garden. Numerous paths and charming spots
offer a perfect setting for walkers, roller skaters and bikers.
A huge meadow in the park’s centre is a frequent venue
for events and musical concerts.
The Morasko Meteorite Reserve is a unique attraction
within the city limits and comprises of seven craters left
by a meteorite strike. The Morasko craters constitute one
of the largest concentrations of such craters on Earth, in
terms of size and number. The biggest diameter measures
approximately 60 m, while the depth reaches 11.5 m.
Poznań offers a multitude of tennis courts, swimming
pools, bowling centres, weight rooms, gyms, recreational
centres, horse-riding clubs, two golf courses and an archery
range.
Each year in Poznań the Wola Hippodrome plays
host to the International Equestrian Competition and
a horse-drawn wagon driving competition. The area offers
excellent riding trails.
The Poznań Marathon, organised in Poznań every
autumn for several years, is the biggest event of that kind
in Poland.
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Science and business
With a student population of over 130,000,
Poznań is among the research and leading academic
centres. Poznań is home to over twenty institutions of
higher education specialising in a wide range of fields and
disciplines. The biggest of them are the Adam Mickiewicz
University, the Poznań University of Economics, the
Poznań University of Technology, the Poznań University
of Medical Sciences, the Poznań University of Life
Sciences, the Eugeniusz Piasecki University School of
Physical Education. The city prides itself on its research
institutes, which conduct work in the fields of molecular
physics, applied chemistry, biochemistry, automation and
telecommunications. Many of these institutions maintain
close links with foreign organisations and have had their
achievements internationally recognised. Poznań has
its own Supercomputing and Networking Centre with a
170-km long fiberoptic network constructed for research
purposes.
Poznań prides itself on its trade fair traditions,
which date back to the 13th century and specifically
to 1254, the year on which Przemysl I bestowed the
Town Privileges on the city in what is the oldest existing
original document pertaining to the history of Poznań.
The idea of setting up a specialised trade fair institution
was proposed in 1917 by Poznań’s active merchant
community. Four years later, the 1st Poznań Fair was held.
Immediately before the breakout of World War II, the
Poznań Fair had grown to become one of Europe’s most
prominent fair events. 1947 was the year of the first postwar Poznań International Fair 1 making the dynamically
growing city of Poznań a national trade capital. Poznań’s
trade calendar includes nearly 40 specialised annual
events 2 that bring together thousands of manufacturers,
trading companies, exhibitors, business people and
research institutes from all over the world. Today, the
PIF schedule features BUDMA: the International
Construction Fair, Poznań Fashion Week, TOUR SALON:
Fair of Regions and Tourist Products, POLAGRA-FOOD: the
International Trade Fair of Food Industry and many more.
The numerous trade fair visitors, business
people and scientists arriving in Poznań find it an ideal
setting for meetings, conferences and symposia 3 . Poznań
has the potential to become a major hub for convention
tourism. The city offers all the facilities necessary for
holding such events, including numerous conference
rooms of various sizes and standards, restaurant, sports
and recreational facilities, a thriving cultural and
entertainment scene and, equally important, easy access
by various modes of transportation.
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Culinary attractions
On wanders around Poznań one certainly shouldn’t
run the risk of its stomach rumbling for long. Numerous
restaurants, coffee houses, little pubs located not only
around Old Market Square and in the little streets of Old
Town offer delicious dishes, beautiful surroundings, friendly
people and an unforgettable atmosphere.
When in Poznań one simply has to try local and
regional cuisine, which is dominated by potatoes.
Pyry z gzikiem – potatoes with cottage cheese
1 served with cream and onions or chives, and plyndze –
potato cakes are first to be tried. Poznań inhabitants gorge
on szagówki (dumplings made of potatoes and cut on the
bias), kulanki (round dumplings made of raw potatoes), or the
most popular – pyzy drożdżowe - yeast dumplings, also known
as kluchy na łachu, steamed and served with meat or sauce
instead of potatoes. When it comes to pyzy and red cabbage,
they are most frequently served with a roast duck. Meat
jelly, also known as galart or zimne nóżki (cold legs), is often
picked for the hors d’oeuvre.
As for dessert one simply has to try a St. Martin’s
croissant, croissants stuffed with almond-nut dough.
The tradition of baking this croissant 2 goes back to the
19th century. The parish priest of St. Martins’s called on the
faithful to share with the poor. Legend has it that in a dream
of one of the confectioners St. Martin’s horse lost one of its
horseshoes, which is why the pastry is crescent in shape.
Poznań inhabitants eat them at least once a year – on
Nomember 11th. Today the St. Martin’s croissant is a regional
product protected by European Union law.
The culinary landscape of the city is unusually rich
and varied. If well knowed dishes from all over the world are
to somebody’s liking, finding them in Poznań is not a problem.
Everyone will find what he is looking for, something to suit
every taste and every wallet.
Poznań food markets –Jeżycki, Łazarski, Bernardyński
and Wielkopolski Square everyday offer fresh fruit, vegetables,
forest fruits, mushrooms, honey and pickles – so you can bring
home the soft memories of the Poznań palate’s delights. 2
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Practical information
Public transport
Buses and trams operate regularly from 5 am to 11 pm. At night all
the districts of the city are connected to the centre with a network of
night buses. Tickets are available in ticket machines, small shops and
kiosks. Those staying longer in Poznań are advised to buy a 24h ticket
or a 7 days ticket.
Poznań City Card holders can use public transport for free while their
card is valid.
Shops and shopping centres
Poznan prides itself on its extencive and diverse shopping facilities,
ranging from small butiques and antique shops to large shoping
malls. Stores in the city centre are open from Monday through Friday
10am. to 6pm., on Saturday from 10am. to 2pm.
Shopping centres are normally open Monday through Sunday
between 9 am and 9 pm.
All the shops are closed on public holidays listed below:
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1 January - New Year’s Day
1 May - May Day
3 May - Constitution Day
15 August - Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
1 November - All Saints Day
11 November - Independence Day
25 & 26 December - Christmas Days
Easter Sunday & Easter Monday
Ascencion
Corpus Christi
Tourist information
Tourist information is provided by the City Information
Centre and its branches. They are located in the city centre, on Old
Market Square, on airport and on fairgroungs. On main railway station
there is a private information point.
The centres provide information on accommodation,
cultural events, sights, sightseeing tours, shopping, leisure facilities,
sport events and general information about the region. Its also
possible to arrange a guided tour or buy a Poznań City Card there.
City Information Centre (CIM)
www.cim.poznan.pl
– ul. Ratajczaka 44
Tel. (+48) 194 31, (+48) 61 851 96 45
– Poznań International Fair grounds (East Hall)
Tel. (+48) 61 865 67 17
– Ławica Airport, ul. Bukowska 285
Tel./fax (+48) 61 849 21 40
– Tourist Information Center
Stary Rynek 59, Tel. (+48) 61 852 61 56
– Glob- Tour FB
Central Railway Station, terminal lobby, 24 h
Tel. (+48) 61 866 06 67
Poznań City Card is the best way to explore the city with small
expenses. It gives you free public transport, discounts in museums,
hotels, restaurants. The Poznań City Card comes in three versions:
one-, two- and three-day and can be bought in Tourist Information
Centers.
TELEPHONE INFORMATION
Train information - Tel. (+48) 194 36,
(+48) 61 866 12 12
Train reservations - Tel. (+48) 61 865 99 11
International coach service - Tel. (+48) 61 833 15 11
Telephone information, area codes - Tel. (+48) 118 913
OTHER INFORMATION
Rent-a-car
Rent-a-car companies can be found mostly on Ławica Airport.
AVIS, Poznań – Ławica Airport, ul. Bukowska 285,
Tel. (+48) 61 849 23 35
BUDGET, Poznań – Ławica Airport, ul. Bukowska 285,
Tel. (+48) 61 849 23 61
EUROPCAR, Poznań – Ławica Airport, ul. Bukowska 285,
Tel. (+48) 61 849 23 57
HERTZ, Poznań – Ławica Airport, ul. Bukowska 285,
Tel. (+48) 61 868 41 77
NATIONAL, Poznań – Ławica Airport, ul. Bukowska 285,
Tel. (+48) 61 849 23 84
SIXT, Poznań – Ławica Airport, ul. Bukowska 285,
Tel. (+48) 61 847 14 68
Taxis
Taxi stands are located at major intersections and near Poznan
International Fair, in front of larger hotels, airport and railway station.
Taxis can be also ordered by phone or hailed on the street. Below are
the numbers of Radio taxis
Tel. (+48) 191 91, (+48) 196 22, (+48) 196 24,
(+48) 196 60, (+48) 196 61, (+48) 196 62, (+48) 196 66,
(+48) 196 67, (+48) 196 68, (+48) 61 8 216 216,
(+48) 61 8 219 219, (+48) 61 8 222 222,
(+48) 61 8 222 333, (+48) 61 8 515 515, (+48) 61 629 629
EMERGENCY NUMBERS
Poznań City Walks
From May till September all tourists and citizens have the possibility
to attend in Poznań City Walks in English prepared by the City of
Poznań. The walks are organized every Saturday.
Reservations can be made at the Tourist Information Centre, Stary
Rynek.
Bus & Tram Tours
The City Transportation Company invites for a ride through the city
POZNAŃ
by a vintage car and tram. The tram line 0 is connected with the
history of public transport in the city, and the bus 100 runs on the
historical Royal -Imperial Route. Buses and trams run every Sunday
from April till September.
Details at www.poznan.pl
Ambulance (accidents) - Tel. 999
Ambulance (sudden illness) - Tel. (+48) 61 866 00 66
Police - Tel. 997
Fire Department - Tel. 998
Emergency number (for mobile phone) - Tel. 112
EDITED BY:
City of Poznań with co-operation of Poznań Local Tourist Organisation
pl. Kolegiacki 17, 61-841 Poznań
Tel. (+48) 61 878 55 06, fax (+48) 61 852 76 86
e-mail: [email protected], www.poznan.pl
PHOTOS: A. Ciereszko, M. Forecki, J. Gunseus, A. Jabłońska, D. Krakowiak, P. Skórnicki,
Ł.Zandecki, Archive of : Gospoda pod Koziołkami, MALTA International Theatre Festival
Foundation, Malta Ski, H.Wieniawski Society, Zoological Garden
WARSZAWA
Location:
Poznań is a modern city in the western part of Poland,
the capital of the Wielkopolska Province. Situated halfway
between Berlin and Warsaw on the international road No. 5
(E30) Świecko-Poznań- Warsaw.
Apollo’s fountain
City Scales
Old Marych monument
© Pietruska i Mierkiewicz Sp. z o.o., www.topmapa.pl
*no service on lines 18 and 26 in July and August
(0 tourist line service from April till October)
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