Poland > The baroque churches of Poznan

Breakfast is already very welcoming. The owner proudly tells us that he is the third generation running the hotel while serving breakfast. When we leave Mesum, a small village near Rheine, at half past eight, mist still hangs over the meadows.

Poland - The central market square of Poznan

Even before we get back on the highway to Berlin, the sun grows stronger, and the mist quickly disappears. Although there is a lot of truck traffic on the road, the traffic is surprisingly light. We have over seven hundred kilometers ahead of us. We drive towards Hannover and continue on to Berlin. Along the way, we make stops to eat, refuel, and use the restrooms. Shortly after two o’clock, we cross the border into Poland. From there, it is still just under two hundred kilometers to Poznan. Entering Poznan, the streets are busy. The evening rush hour starts early here. The hotel is right next to the Old Town. Unfortunately, the road leading to it is closed due to construction. On a whim, we turn right. The navigation keeps trying to lead us back to the closed road. Only after driving further away is the route adjusted. We drive around the Old Town and still manage to reach the hotel. We park the car in front of the hotel briefly to ask where we can leave it. This turns out to be the nearby public parking garage. From the hotel, it is a short walk to the Rynek square. This central square was established in 1253 on the left bank of the Warta River. Originally, the buildings were wooden houses, but gradually the houses were replaced by permanent structures. The great fire of 1471 accelerated this process. After the destruction during World War II, the square was restored to its original state. It is remarkable that right in the middle of the square, next to the Town Hall, old merchant houses still stand.

Poland - Hotel Rzymski on the edge of the old city at night

The façades of the old houses around the square are beautifully lit, giving the square a fairytale atmosphere. A saxophonist tries to earn some money. The sounds of his music complete the fairytale. We settle at a terrace and order a beer. From the terrace, we watch the people walking by. Just outside the square lies the Parish Church of St. Stanislas. As I enter the church, I am momentarily stunned. The monumental church, built in 1650, is constructed in a magnificent baroque style. The colorful stucco, paintings, and gilded sculptures around the main altar are breathtaking. Everywhere I look there is splendor. Although I have seen many churches, this one may take the crown. The Franciscan Church further along is also built in beautiful baroque style, and its interior is particularly impressive. If this is a preview of our journey, then it will be a very beautiful tour. Content, we order a meal on the central square. A perfect ending to the day.