Stary Rynek (Old Market Square)
by HORSCHECK
The Stary Rynek is the central square of the city and probably the starting point of every sightseeing tour. It was established in the middle of the 13th century.
I have listed its main buildings under "Things to do". Other interesting sights include:
The corners of the Old Market square are home to four fountains representing Apollo, Poseidon, Mars and the kidnapping of Prosperine.
The City Scale (Waga miejska) can be found behind the Old Town Hall. It was the building where all goods to be sold on the market had to be weighted.
Just in front of the Old Town Hall stands the Pilory, dating from 1535. On its top stands a statue of the executioner of Poznan who holds a sword.
The house no. 78 at the western frontage of the square is the Dzialynski Palace which was constructed in the late 1770's. The classicist facade is topped by a sculpture of a pelican.
Watch as the clock strikes the hour...
by marishabandb
Watch as the clock on the City Hall in the Market Square strikes the hour. Mechanical goats appear and enact a charming little scene to amuse the audience gathered below to watch.
You can explore this splendid Renaissance City Hall, the Przemyslaw, the Fara Palaces and the many art museums, all in this small area of the city.
The market square is a lovely place to just sit and watch the world go by from one of the many open-air cafes and restaurants. Throughout the summer, there are also many fairs, markets and concerts taking place in the square. 1976 - our first visit back to Poland - and my 9-yr-old son's reaction on being introduced to a similarly aged Polish girl (Marcus spoke no Polish and she no English). Her name was Justyna, but as with all Polish names, there is a family diminutive used, so she was introduced to Marcus as Justynka (this is pronounced "You-Stink-A"). Marcus looked at her in amazement and said:
'You what?!!'
'YOU-STINK-A' she shouted.
'I WHAT?!?!?' cried Marcus, beginning to lose control.
'YOU-STINK-A. YOU-STINK-A,' we all loudly and clearly chorused together.
'YOU-STINK-A! YOU-STINK-A? WHO-STINK-A?' he spluttered helplessly, as tears of laughter rolled down his cheeks, and he squirmed between embarrassment, disbelief and amusement. And as my mother tried to translate and explain why he had turned into a gibbering idiot, we all ended up with tears of laughter rolling down our cheeks.
Polish beer
by HORSCHECK
Poland is famous for a vodka-drinking tradition. Nevertheless, there are some really tasty Polish beers.
The most popular beer in Poznan seems to be the locally brewed Lech beer. The history of beer production in the Poznan area dates back to the 15th century, although the brand name "Lech" was only established in 1992.
Another well know beer brand in Poland is Tyskie beer, which is brewed in Tychy, where a brewery was mentioned in the early 17th century for the first time.
Since 1999 both Lech and Tychy beer belong to the Polish Kompania Piwowarska, which is majority-owned by SABMiller.
Free map and brochures
by HORSCHECK
The Tourist Information Offices in Poznan are very well equipped with all sorts of free brochures and maps.
We got a helpful free map straight away at the airport information desk. Besides the main sights it also included information about the public transportation network.
Another excellent brochure is the latest edition of the free guide The Visitor, which among others includes detailed descriptions of most sights.
Poznan's main Tourist Information Office can be found at the Stary Rynek 59 (Old Market Square).
Website:
http://www.poznan.pl/
Villages
by Lord-Vini
If you are brave enough to ventre into the country side, don't be surprised if you can't find a shop or anything in a village. There may not even be one or it may be tucked away never for you to find it. Also don't be surprised if you go to a gas station and there is no gas there!
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Courgette soup at Post Office Cafe, Poznan
Colourful burgher houses in Stary Rynek, Poznan
The shared batchroom
Poznan - In Your Pocket
