Description
Poznan is a town known as a cradle of the Polish state since in 966, the Ostrow Tumski island witnessed the baptism of the first Polish ruler,
Mieszko I. The Old Town of Poznan is rich in historical monuments and museums. Worth noticing are the Renaissance town hall [with its famous two
metal goats which butt their horns together 12 times every day at noon] and the Museum of Musical Instruments. One of the Poland's most impressive
Baroque buildings is a parish church with rich interior decorations and its historic organs. Thanks to the location on the Paris-Moscow route, Poznan
was always a trading centre. Poland's largest trade fairs were held here before World War II. Every year, the Poznan International Fair organizes about
30 specialist trade fairs. The city is also known for many cultural and music events, men's and boys’ choirs, annual international violin competition
and the Malta International Theatre Festival. The most famous recreation centre is upon Lake Malta - there is a ski slope, a roller skate and bike-hire
establishments. The area around Lake Malta is a favourite destination for many walkers and cyclists. In June, during the International Theatre Festival,
the place becomes a gigantic open-air stage.
This region of Poland called Wielkopolska is regarded as the most interesting area for castles and palaces:
- Kornik - a Neo-Gothic magnificent castle is a perfect example of the magnate residence. It houses the library, a huge collection of the 19th century furniture, sculptures, paintings, armour, china and tapestries. The arboretum in the castle park consists of 3000 species of trees and shrubs.
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- Rogalin - a fantastic palace and a park complex houses the museum of interior decorations and a large gallery of paintings. Worth noticing are also old coaches and oak trees - some of them are even 600 years old.
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- Krzeslice - a beautiful Neo-Gothic palace located in the wood. Near the palace the following attractions are available: mountains bikes, recreational arching, buggy rides, horse-riding, fishing, paintball, ballooning, "the cave of the hazard"- gambling, or visit to the local artist.
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- Antonin - a romantic Hunting Palace made of larch-wood can boast of the beautiful hall with wooden galleries. Known as the place where Frederic Chopin stayed twice. Now it houses a hotel and a museum salon devoted to Chopin.
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- Czerniejewo - a Neo-Classical palace and park complex is known as a meeting place and a museum of palatial interiors. The attractions of the place are horseback rides, horse-drawn carriages as well as hunts.
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- Goluchow - an interesting residence in French Renaissance style houses a collection of Polish and European crafts, paintings and Greek vases. The residence is also the seat of the Museum of Forest Techniques and Technology.
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- Rydzyna - one of the largest Baroque castle surrounded by a huge park, a perfect place for the outdoor activities. Now the castle houses a hotel with 48 rooms, some of which restored to the original splendour. Worth noticing is the Ballroom with beautiful Rococo and Baroque decorations.
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