Łazarz is one of three historic districts of Poznań-alongside Wilda and Jeżyce-nestled just outside the very heart of the city. Its signature charm comes from impressive townhouses built mainly in Art Nouveau and eclectic styles, rivaling the elegance of cities like Prague or Vienna. Yet it’s the Poznań International Fair and the iconic Palm House in the historic Wilson Park, both located within Łazarz, that attract the most visitors.
Interestingly, until 1900, today’s Łazarz lay outside Poznań’s borders as a separate settlement. Its origins date back to medieval times, when the land belonged to the Hospital of St. Lazarus-hence the district’s name.
The best place to start exploring is Rynek Łazarski, the bustling commercial heart of the district, connecting its two halves on either side of Głogowska Street. From here it’s just a short walk to Wilson Park, named after the American president admired in Poland. Originally founded as a botanical garden, the park still invites nature lovers-but to admire exotic plants today, head to the Poznań Palm House, the largest in Poland. It’s the perfect spot for a winter stroll: it may be freezing outside, but inside you’ll enjoy temperatures above 20°C.
Behind the park, Matejki and Wyspiańskiego streets unfold, where you’ll find the most beautiful, richly decorated townhouses. The most remarkable cluster, known as Johow-Gelände, brings to mind the elegant Berlin district of Wilmersdorf.
In the skyline of Łazarz, two historic churches stand out. The neo-Gothic Church of St. Anne, originally Protestant, looks as if it were transported straight from Hanseatic cities-complete with a striking entrance portal and a large rose window. Not far away stands the neo-Romanesque Church of Our Lady of Sorrows-its red brick may be deceptive. It is famous for the copy of Michelangelo’s Pietà housed in its altar; the replica is so precise that it was used to help restore the original after it was damaged by a vandal.
A more contemporary symbol of the district is the Arena sports hall, whose modernist form was inspired by Rome’s Palazzo dello Sport.
