Introducing Wielkopolska
If you want to distil the essence of Poland’s eventful history, head for Wielkopolska. The region’s name means Greater Poland, and with good reason – this is where the Polish state was founded in the Middle Ages, when warring Slavic tribes united to become the original Poles. Centuries later, the local population has an understandable pride in its history. Every city, town and village has treasured relics that have escaped the upheavals of the past millennia and help to define them.
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Despite this distinct identity, Wielkopolska is often overlooked by visitors focusing on the high-profile attractions of Poland’s coast and its mountainous south. Though Poznań is a city focused on commerce, it has a lively character and plenty of sights; and outside the city, the Wielkopolska countryside offers a selection of charming heritage towns and attractive rural scenery. Among the province’s sights are eccentrically constructed castles, steam trains, palaces, churches, nature reserves and a memorable Iron Age settlement. And at the heart of it all is the great cathedral of Gniezno, the birthplace of Catholic Poland.
It’s an impressive menu – but Wielkopolska is also a great place to depart from the tourist trail, and strike out on your own. When you’ve had your fill of its major cities and towns, choose a destination from the bus or train station departure board and head on out. Wherever you end up, you’ll be sure to find something of historic interest…it’s that kind of place.
Last updated: Mar 24, 2009
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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walking in poland - close drive from berlin - Wielkopolski?
by tonieja 12 September 2007
Wielkopolska is a region where the main city is Poznań. There are several cities and towns with Wielkopolski/a in their names, so…
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Funny stories about EE ethnic food and service?
by Royce 12 August 2007
MMMMM, good stuff....
I just had two warm Corona's, chips with salsa made from canned tomato sauce and onions (literally no spices…
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Wielkopolska
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Our Top Picks For Wielkopolska
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1 Historic buildings and entertainment
Sampling the historic buildings and lively entertainment of Poznań’s Old Town
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2 Biskupin
Going back to the Iron Age at the fortified village of Biskupin
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3 Cathedral
Exploring Gniezno’s monumental historic cathedral
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4 Cycling
Cycling through the Wielkopolska countryside
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5 Kórnik and Gołuchów
Visiting the small, distinctive castles at Kórnik and Gołuchów
Our favourite Wielkopolska Blogs (beta)
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Poland 4: The Big Jesus of Świebodzin
Blog: Aerohaveno: A Travel Blog - 29 June 2011
Nothing makes you feel more cosmopolitan than meeting up with friends in a foreign country.In 2006 I rendezvoused in Kraków with my Australian friends Ben and Claire who live in London; Ben was actually flying in from Paris while Claire arrived from London, so it was about as cosmopolitan as you can get. Last year Narrelle and I were in Budapest when we met up with our friend Celia, who flew in from Germany.
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Poznań City Center, Wielkopolska, Poland
Blog: Sherab's Photography - 28 March 2010
Poznań International Fair spire Adam Mickiewicz, Polish national poet monument, Poznań
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Maltanka Toy Train, Poznań, Wielkopolska, Poland
Blog: Sherab's Photography - 28 March 2010
The Maltanka toy train is major attraction for children, joining beginning of Malta lake with New Zoological Garden in Poznan Maltanka toy train station half-timbered wall building
