Imperial District
The Poznań the Prussians built: the National Museum, the Kaiser's castle, and the memory of Enigma and June 1956.
Route map
Route stops
- 1National Museum in Poznań
The National Museum in Poznań ranks among Poland's oldest and most significant museums. Its extensive Polish art collection spans from the 16th century onwards, and it houses the largest collection of works by Malczewski. What to see here includes an impressive array of Spanish Baroque art alongside masterpieces from Poland's artistic heritage, making it essential for anyone interested in Central European art history.
- 2Poznań Photoplastics
Fotoplastición Poznanés represents an early forerunner of cinema: a restored Kaiser-Panorama machine displaying stereoscopic 3D photographs of Poznań. This unique historical curiosity offers visitors an authentic glimpse into 19th-century optical entertainment technology, making it a distinctly rare attraction within the city.
- 3Enigma Code Centre
An interactive museum honouring the mathematicians of Poznań who cracked the Nazi Enigma code, playing a decisive role in shortening the Second World War. Housed in the heart of the city, it chronicles the remarkable work of Polish cryptographers and their contribution to the Allied victory. The Centre offers visitors an engaging insight into the mathematics and ingenuity behind one of the war's most significant breakthroughs.
- 4Imperial Castle of Poznań
This Neo-Romanesque palace was built between 1905 and 1913 by architect Franz Schwechten for Kaiser Wilhelm II. It stands as Europe's final royal residence of the 20th century. Today, the Castillo Imperial de Poznań operates as Zamek Cultural Centre, housing art galleries, a theatre, cinema and rotating exhibitions. A striking testament to Prussian ambition and early 20th-century imperial architecture.
- 5Poznań Crosses
Two colossal chained crosses, each standing 20 metres tall, commemorate the workers' uprising against communist rule in June 1956. These imposing monuments serve as a powerful symbol of Polish resistance, marking a pivotal moment in the nation's struggle for freedom. Visitors to Poznań can see what to see in this historic display of defiance, which stands as a testament to the courage of those who challenged totalitarian authority during this turbulent period of Polish history.
