Situated on the route from Poznań to Katowice, yet separated from the busy road by the Środa Marshes, Środa Wielkopolska entices visitors with a charming panorama, dominated by the distinctive tower of its Gothic church and its historic water tower.
Although it may resemble many other towns, Środa Wielkopolska boasts an extraordinary history and an attractive market square. Three small houses standing side by side and dwarfed by the shadow of the enormous collegiate church, immediately catch the eye. They are a remnant of the town’s grand history, when the Środa assemblies – gatherings of the Wielkopolska nobility – were held here for several centuries. These sessions took place in the town’s largest building, the collegiate church. Legend has it that King Władysław Jagiełło founded the church as a votive offering in gratitude for surviving a lightning strike.
Środa District Railway
However, it is not the impressive Collegiate Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary that draws visitors to Środa Wielkopolska. Rail enthusiasts come here to experience the Środa District Railway. Built in 1898 to transport sugar beet from the surrounding fields to the local sugar factory, the railway now offers weekend trips during the summer along a scenic route to Zaniemyśl, where visitors can relax by the lake. Charming miniature carriages are pulled by diesel or steam locomotives, stopping at several small stations along the way. The entire route is just 14 kilometres long, but the leisurely pace guarantees a full hour of enjoyment. Midway, visitors can also stop at the local Gzub Brewery.
Koszuty manor
When travelling from Poznań to Środa Wielkopolska, you will likely spot two windmills standing by the road. They invite you to turn off the road and stop in the village of Koszuty. At its centre stands a turreted manor, which houses the Środa Land Museum. However, it is unlike traditional museums of this kind. The exhibition is arranged as if the manor’s residents had just stepped out for a moment and were about to return to sit down together at the family table. Visitors can see the dining room, kitchen, living room, bedrooms, and a charming children’s room filled with historic toys.
