Poznan in nowadays the fifth biggest city in Poland, the capital of Greater-Poland region and the second biggest – only to the capital: Warsaw – economic centre of the country. It is the place – as the former Pope John Paul II said – “where the history of the state, of the nation and of the church began”.

At every step you’ll see, that history alternates with present-day. A modern office building seems to look at wall of the oldest polish temple - Dobrava’s Rotunda on the opposite side of the Warta river; the XIIth-centrury church of St. John of Jerusalem adjoins the most modern european competition canoeing track; the former brewery run by the Hugger family has been turned into the best shopping mall of the world.

Poznan – this name means: the graves of the first ruler from Polish oldest Piast Dynasty, the oldest Polish cathedral, the pearl of Renessaince: the Town Hall, the oldest preserved Royal Castle in Poland, but – on the other side – the latest royal residence in Europe: the Emperor’s Castle. Exactly here – in the old town at Warta river – “the longest war of the modern Europe” took place – more-than-100-years struggle against germanisation.

Poznan is also a place, where for hundereds of years Poles, Jews, Germans and even Italians used to live and work together. It is a place, where 300 years ago the newcomers from the city of Bamberg in Frankonia (nowadays: Bavaria in south Germany) have arrived, contributing to local traditions and culture. The Greater-Poland tradition is still alive : in the street you can easily here the local dialect (or – at least – local accent) dwellers of the region often prepare local dishes; both have become so rooted into everyday habits, that some people in fact don’t realise they speak and cook locally.

Poznan is also a energetic economical centre – Volkswagen, Wrigley’s, bus producers : Solaris and MAN,  Hochland, chocolate companies: Goplana or Terravita, or “Polish e-Bay” : Allegro.pl are only some of the companies from the city and its surroundings. Dynamic labour market, more than 20 higher schools with 140 thousands students oraz tradition Greater-Poland initiative make a wonderful climate not only for sighseeing, but also for making here business.

For the first time in Poznan or in Poland? Read here more practical informations about the city.