Poznan Cathedral, Poznan (must see)

The Poznań Cathedral is dedicated to the apostles Saint Peter and Saint Paul and holds a deep-rooted history that dates back to the very origins of Christianity in Poland during the second half of the 10th century.

The site where the Poznań Cathedral now stands was initially home to a church dedicated to Saint Peter, serving as the residence of the first bishop in Poland. The Gothic structure that we see today was erected at the turn of the 14th and 15th centuries. It replaced a Roman temple that had been rebuilt several times over the centuries. Despite facing damage during World War II, the cathedral's enduring spirit and historical significance led to a comprehensive renovation in 1945, which successfully restored its original Gothic appearance.

A notable feature of the cathedral is its underground crypt, which holds a treasure trove of history. The tour of this subterranean space begins beneath the south tower, where visitors can explore the remains of the Romanesque cathedral, the baptistery, and the tombs of the first Polish kings. An impressive granite fragment of the Romanesque wall can also be seen incorporated into the south tower's wall. A gallery encircles the excavation, leading to the lapidary beneath the western part of the presbytery, where various stonework pieces, including tombstones and epitaph plaques, are displayed.

Another significant aspect of the Poznań Cathedral is its burial crypt, which serves as the final resting place for church dignitaries and notable figures from the region's history. This crypt provides a solemn and reflective space within the cathedral.