The Royal Castle in Poznań is one of the city’s symbols of regal heritage as well as its turbulent history. Today, it once again commands the city skyline. It is now not only a major tourist attraction but also an excellent viewpoint, offering panoramic views of Poznań. The castle is just a few minutes’ walk from the Old Market Square, atop Przemysł Hill.
The city’s first rulers had their residence on Cathedral Island – Ostrów Tumski – until Duke Przemysł I moved the city to the left bank of the Warta. Expansion was begun by his son, King Przemysł II, and completed by King Casimir the Great. It was at this castle that Casimir married Adelaide, the daughter of the Landgrave of Hesse. This prosperous period was interrupted by the Swedish Deluge and the Great Northern War, during which the castle was destroyed.
For many years, there was heated debate about rebuilding the castle. At one point, proposals even emerged to construct a neo-modernist building of glass and steel on Przemysł Hill. In the end, the historical vision prevailed, and the castle was fully reconstructed in 2016.
Legends
Every proper castle has its legends, and Poznań’s is no exception. One tale explains the creation of the prominent hill on which the castle stands. When Christianity arrived in medieval Poland, Satan was angered. He ordered his demons to carry a mountain from Silesia under the cover of night and throw it into the River Warta to drown the city. Celebrating their presumed success, the demons accidentally awoke the sleeping roosters. Their crowing frightened the servants of darkness, who believed dawn had already arrived, causing them to drop the mountain on the left bank of the river.
Another, darker legend concerns the mysterious death of Ludgarda, the wife of Przemysł II. The tale tells that, frustrated by the lack of a male heir, Przemysł allegedly ordered the castle’s servants to strangle Ludgarda in the castle bath. Since that time, it is said the hill has been haunted by the ghost of the White Lady and a mysterious black knight, who was said to grieve deeply at the princess’s funeral.
Museum
The Royal Castle houses the Museum of Applied Arts. Its collections include glassware, metalwork, ceramics, historic furniture, textiles, and jewellery. Visitors can view tableware used centuries ago, as well as clothing from earlier periods.
An integral part of the museum is the castle tower, which is easily accessible by lift and provides a stunning panorama of central Poznań.
