Pyzdry is a charming small town spread along the high banks of the Warta River. But don’t be fooled by its intimate size – there is plenty to see and do here. It is a town with a rich history packed into a small space. Once, it was one of the most important towns in the Wielkopolska Region. It also left its mark on history during the partitions, when it became the westernmost town under the rule of the Russian tsars.
A tumultuous history
The best place to start exploring Pyzdry is the Market Square. Unfortunately, the Town Hall did not survive the fires, but the square is still surrounded by charming small townhouses. The most interesting and oldest of these is the arcaded house on the corner of the square, which houses a branch of the local museum and a cosy café.
Much happened in the town during that era, but the most significant event occurred during the 14th-century civil war, when a cannon was used in Poland for the first time. This episode is brought to life each year during the Wystrzałowe Pyzdry fireworks festival and is commemorated by a sculpture in the square depicting medieval artillerymen.
The largest mural in Wielkopolska
How can the entire history of a town be shown in a single image? It’s not easy, but this feat has been achieved in Pyzdry. When driving across the bridge over the Warta, you will see one of the largest murals in the Wielkopolska Region.
The mural depicts a series of the town’s historic buildings, including those that still stand today as well as those that have not survived. Among them are the royal castle, the parish church, and the former wooden Town Hall.
Church or castle?
The panorama of Pyzdry seen from the bridge over the Warta River is one of the most charming in Wielkopolska. One of the features that draws the eye is the tall tower crowned with battlements. Contrary to what it might seem, this is not a castle, but the tower of the Gothic parish church.
There was indeed a castle in Pyzdry, although today only a few traces remain. On its site now stands the former Franciscan monastery and church. Perched on the steep bank of the Warta River, the church is the most distinctive of the surviving buildings. The former monastery buildings now house the Pyzdry Land Museum.
A more recent attraction in Pyzdry is the restored Dutch-style windmill. This is a rare sight in this part of Poland, where wooden post mills were far more common. The brick windmill perched on the hill above the town is fully operational and is occasionally set in motion. A riverside promenade links all of these sites, making them easily accessible on foot.
Marina on the Warta River
The town is an excellent base for boating enthusiasts and kayakers. A marina is located in the centre, offering a fully equipped harbour with a port basin, mooring places, and a slipway for launching boats. Nearby, there is a picnic meadow and, most importantly, a tavern where visitors can enjoy a good meal and rest before continuing their journey along the Great Waterway Loop of Wielkopolska.