Poznan

As we left our hotel in Wroclaw at 8:45 am to get in some last minute shopping before catching our 10:40 train to Poznan, we noticed that the streets and square were quiet and kinda empty. Hmmm. And then Feniks department store, usually open from 8 to 22, was closed. Hmmm.... It's Corpus Christi, a national holiday. This could be good if there are some special events, but bad if everything is closed. And does a Thursday holiday equal a lively 4-day weekend? We will soon find out.

Traveler's luck on the train from Wroclaw to Poznan, Poland: We found our seats to be in a coach built for 1st class ie 2 x 1 across, but sold at 2nd class prices. Comfortable, cool, and quiet.

As we enjoyed Wroclaw so much, we were ready for a let down in Pozanan. But no! Our booked hotel was in a great location, many stores were open around the main square (even though a holiday), and we happened upon a Corpus Christi procession in one of the neighborhoods east of city center. We even cancelled our day trip to Gniezno in order to spend more time strolling the city. We especially liked the Art Nouveau buldings in the Jezcye District.


On the train from Wroclaw to Pozan.


The Parish Church.


The Town Square.


When the Church of St. Adalbert was renovated in 1910, it received an Art Nouveau interior.


Some shots of the Corpus Christi procession of St Joseph's Church. The young girls throw flower petals on the street.








Waiting to buy ice cream.


This synagogue was converted to a swimming pool by the Germans.


The Main Square.


Main Square looking to Town Hall and Tower.


And at night.








The market.


Adam Mickiewicz University - since 1919.


Art Nouveau in the Jezcye District.










Rare to see a brick Art Nouveau building.


The newly renovated Train Station has an adjoining mall where one can order McDonald's fast food on a giant, er, iPhone?




No McD's for us. We ate at Express Marche. How about those chickpea flour rolls/crepes (yellow)?


Then on to Stary Browar (Old Brewery) shopping center. Quite a nice space recently constructed out of the ruins of the old brewery. When we walked past it on our way into town from the Railway Station, I thought it was stadium. It's huge!






And back to our hotel.


And then over to the Cathedral Basilica of St Peter and Paul.




The new Porta Poznan, museum and gateway to the city.




Trompe l'oeil!


And some final night shots.