Wielkopolska for tourists

Wielkopolska is a region full of priceless cultural historic sites both secular and sacral - representing various styles and epochs. Here one can find many churches and monasteries as well as beautiful palaces, manors and castles (part of them have been converted into museums and part into hotels), with rich collections of paintings, furniture, artistic handcrafts, porcelain, weapons, medals and old coins.
Remnants of the oldest architectural historical sites in Wielkopolska (from the second half of the X century) may be found in cathedrals in Poznań and Gniezno as well as in Ostrów Lednicki where most likely was the seat of Prince Mieszko I. A rather large number of Romanesque historical sites can still be found in Wielkopolska. Tourists may stumble upon them on the "Piast Trail" [Szlak Piastowski]  between the cities of Poznań and Inowrocław. The most exquisite preserved work of Romanesque art in Wielkopolska are the famous Gniezno portals showing the life of St. Adalbert.

Many traces of the Gothic are preserved in the regions as well, primarily in sacral architecture. The most valuable and noteworthy from this era in Wielkopolska are: the Gniezno cathedral, Corpus Christi Church in Poznań and churches in Środa Wielkopolska, Szamotuły, Kościan and Gostyń. Early gothic cellars under the Old City Hall in Poznań and foundations of the city walls and the royal castle on the Przemysła Mountain have been preserved by time.

The most beautiful example of Renaissance art in Wielkopolska is the Historic City Hall in Poznań by an Italian architect Giovanni Battista di Quadro. Also, the Lubrański Academy building and the magnate castles in Gołuchów, Tuczno and the Gorkowie palace in Poznań all come from the Renaissance.

Wielkopolska is also abundant in Baroque historical sites. One must visit the magnificent churches in Ląd, Gostyń, Przemęt, Obra and Leszno as well as the Poznań parish church, just to name a few. The most priceless residences of the aristocracy are palaces in Rydzyna, Pępowo, Konarzewo and Czempiń. In the churches of Wielkopolska many beautiful sarcophagus paintings are preserved to this day - examples of art characteristic for that period in Poland. The most visible souvenir of the Classical period in Wielkopolska are the rural palaces in Racot, Rogalin, Sierniki, Śmiełowo and Pawłowice.

Interesting examples of the Romanticism art may be found in Wielkopolska - primarily eclectic buildings recalling a historical style. Tourists should visit, among others, palaces in Rokosowo, Zakrzewo, Wąsowo and Rozbitek by Międzychód.
The style of the Secession period became popular at the beginning of the XX century especially in Poznañ. To this day streets of the Jeżyce, Łazarz or Wilda districts charm visitors with enchanting houses from that period.

In addition to magnificent and diversified works of art and architecture a well developed tourism base awaits guests in Wielkopolska. The region is abundant in hotels, camping sites, inns, vacation centers often located in the vicinity of lakes and forests. Wielkopolska is an ideal vacation place for those who wish to relax close to nature. Enthusiasts of taking hikes along many trails will not be disappointed, the
trails here lead through beautiful terrains, wide open fields, meadows nearby rivers and lakes. Fans of horseback riding will enjoy the hospitality of the local stud farms. Everyone will find something of interest here.