First built at the beginning of the 14th century, the seat of Poznań’s municipal authorities was rebuilt following the great fire of 1536. Italian architect, Giovanni Quadro of Lugano, was commissioned to oversee the reconstruction, and a renaissance loggia and attic were added, offset by a classical tower. Once revered as the most beautiful building north of the Alps, the town hall has been beset by a catalogue of disasters. A fire in 1675, a hurricane in 1725 and then bomb damage during WWII mean that little of the original structure remains. The oldest surviving parts are the cellars with their early-Gothic cross-vaulted ceilings. Today it houses the Historical Museum of Poznań, whose collection encompasses exhibits from the 10th century till the present day. The biggest draw is the Great Entrance Hall with its elaborately decorated vault, supported by two huge pillars. The tableaux are inspired by the bible, astrology and figures from mythology. The crowds you’ll see gathering outside the building at noon are waiting for the two mechanical billy goats to emerge. On Sundays and holidays, a bugle call also comes from the tower; legend has it that a town-hall bugler took care of the King of Ravens, and in return the birds helped to save the city during a siege. Directly outside the town hall is a whipping post, dating from 1535. It was here that miscreants were whipped, executed or led to the city boundaries before being banished from Poznań. The figure standing on top depicts the executioner of Poznań, and funds for the statue were raised from fines levied on maids who would dress above their station. Admission 5.50/3.50zł, Sat free.
Stary Rynek 1
tel.
(+48) 61 856 81 91
Open 09:00-15:00,
Mon Closed,
Fri 12:00-21:00,
Sat 11:00-18:00,
Sun 11:00-18:00.Last entrance 30 minutes before closing.
