Murals of Wielkopolska
Explore several cities in the Wielkopolska Region in a truly unconventional way. Forget churches, castles, and museums – this time, we’re seeking street art in the form of murals – both large ones covering entire building façades and much smaller pieces.
Śródka tale: the trumpeter on the roof and the cat in the background
It may sound complicated – and it is – because Poznań’s most famous mural is bustling with activity, impossible to absorb in a single glance. It can be seen in the Śródka district, on the right bank of the Warta. This three-dimensional mural tells the story of this fascinating neighbourhood. Take time to explore the details: spot the cat, the trumpeter, the chocolate shop, and even the date when Śródka was founded. And once you’re in Śródka, be sure to stay a little longer – visit St Margaret’s Church, wander the narrow streets, and sit down in one of the many atmospheric cafés.
Street art in Poznań doesn’t end with the Śródka mural. Poznań’s famous goats appear elsewhere as well. A traditional depiction adorns the wall of the DeSilva Poznań Hotel on Ratajczaka Street, while a playful version can be found on a tenement at Głogowska 161, alongside the Town Hall and St Martin’s croissants.
Poznań’s Jeżyce district is gradually gaining status as a cult area, and murals have appeared there as well. Many were created as part of the Outer Spaces Mural Festival. The most well-known can be found on Poznańska, Wąska, and Strzałkowskiego Streets.
While exploring the city, watch for the recurring motif of the Watcher, a creation of Poznań artist Noriaki. Though often only a few dozen centimetres tall, it has become one of the city’s informal symbols.
Rock street art of Jarocin
Say Jarocin, and you think festival – and rightly so, as Jarocin is the most rock-oriented town in Poland. The legend of rock Jarocin lives on and is visible at literally every turn. The town is home to almost 30 murals, ranging from massive works covering entire tenement walls to small pieces that require careful searching between apartment blocks. Many of them, such as Rebel by Choice, The Anarchists’ Train, and Disappointed in Human, have already achieved cult status.
Exploring Jarocin’s murals can take a full day, as they are spread throughout the town. A perfect complement to the tour is a visit to the Polish Rock Granary. Jarocin is also a lively, welcoming town where finding a good café or pub is easy. An online mural map is available to help with navigation.
Pyzdry: great history in a small town
Today, Pyzdry is a quiet town, but in the past it was one of the largest cities in Wielkopolska. Here, a battle with the Teutonic Knights took place, during which Polish king Casimir the Great is said to have fled through secret tunnels; here, during a siege, a cannon was used in Poland for the first time; and finally, Pyzdry became the westernmost town under the rule of the Russian tsars.
Most notably, nearly the town’s entire history is captured in a massive panoramic mural. You’ll find it on the wall of the sports hall, right next to the bridge over the Warta River. The best part is the abundance of details. Take a moment to spot the old Pyzdry windmills, Casimir the Great’s knights, and even local witches flying on broomsticks.
That’s not all – Pyzdry also has several smaller murals recalling the town’s past. Wander the streets a little and look out for the girl on her way to the bathhouse or the nobleman in Sarmatian attire.
Leszno and its murals
Leszno also boasts a very rich collection of murals. Among the most frequently admired are two neighbouring murals on Wałowa Street: ‘Dąbrówka’ and ‘Wieniawa’. They refer to the legend of the knight Wieniawa, who was said to have defended Princess Dobrawa, riding to meet Duke of Poland Mieszko I, from robbers. Don’t miss the bull on a tenement wall on Narutowicza Street, or the mural of Polish poet and dramatist Stanisław Grochowiak nearby.
Leszno is also associated with gliding – just outside the town there is an airfield and a renowned glider school – which is commemorated by the mural ‘Boy and Gliders’. For many years, the town also took pride in the 17th Wielkopolska Uhlan Regiment, remembered today in the mural on Dąbrowskiego Street.
All of Czarnków in a single painting
Czarnków, perhaps inspired by Śródka’s famous mural, created one of its own-and the similarities are immediately apparent. This is hardly surprising as it was created by the same artist – Dominik Dziedzina. The mural in Czarnków also depicts the town’s most characteristic landmarks: the parish church, the brewery, and the water tower. You can admire it at Jan Karski Square. Of course, the best way to appreciate it is to take a walk through the town and see these places in person.
