Halfway between Poznań and Leszno lies Kościan – a town well worth a visit! Its iconic water tower, visible from afar, now serves as both a climbing wall and an astronomical observatory. The town centre is also worth exploring, with its impressive monuments and centuries-old traces of Kościan’s history.
A few words about history
The town’s origins remain unclear, though its history certainly dates back to the time of Duke Przemysł I or Przemysł II. Kościan was always an important market town. In 1400, King Władysław Jagiełło confirmed Kościan’s town rights under Magdeburg law. This marked the beginning of a golden period in the town’s history, which lasted until the war with Sweden. The Prussian era brought another economic boom, with the construction of the Poznań-Wrocław railway line.
What to see
Kościan once had at least four Gothic churches. Two of them have survived to the present day: the parish Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, with its stunning main altar, and the Church of the Holy Spirit in the Poznań Suburb. Don’t miss the buildings of the former Bernardine monastery, now converted into a hospital, and the Town Hall, remodelled in an eclectic style with Classical elements.
Kościan residents’ favourite recreational spot is the 15-hectare park, home to a rich variety of trees. It naturally links the Kościan Obra Canal with the town centre. The park features numerous walking paths, and several kayak marinas line the canal. Kayaking is hugely popular in the town and surrounding area. The Obra canals offer access all the way to the Oder, and the river valley itself is renowned as an excellent place for nature observation.
The Water Tower in Kościan
From afar, you might think a medieval castle tower is rising up on the outskirts of Kościan. However, this isn’t a castle at all, but a beautifully stylized water tower! Following a thorough renovation, it now houses an indoor climbing wall and a truly exceptional astronomical observatory.
The Kościan water tower is genuinely one of a kind. Designed by engineer Ksawery Geisler, its architecture was inspired by London’s famous Tower Bridge. By blending in elements from various other architectural styles, Geisler created a stunning structure that beautifully combines features of both Victorian and German Neo-Gothic design.
