Wielkopolska Region
Wielkopolska Region – a cradle of Polish State – is located in the western part of Poland. Poznań, the region's capital, is one of the biggest cities in Poland. The city attracts with its architecture and history. In Wielkopolska particularly worth visiting are numerous castles, palaces and mansions which today hold charming hotels and unique museums. Wielkopolska enchants you with its landscape of slightly undulating plains and lusciously green open space with numerous rivers, lakes and forests, and moraine hills adding variety to its landscape. Here, you can take a break from your hectic life, and just relax or you can choose active tourism.
Kornik Castle & Arboretum
Kornik Castle is one of the most frequently visited historical buildings in Wielkopolska. The gothic building dating back to 15th century comprises two defensive wings, is surrounded by a moat, and is accessible from the south via a drawbridge. In 18th century it was converted into a baroque residence with a garden and in 19th century a new owner rebuild the castle in the neo-Gothic style. The garden was reorganised after the romantic fashion and the plant nursery was expanded. Luckily, despite two wars, the interiors and furniture from that period have all survived. The Moorish Hall, the largest in the residence, was reserved for the book, militaria and art collections. The current look of the castle amazes with neogothic design with a hint of oriental art. The western side of the castle features an expanded terrace overlooking Lake Kornik. The southern side is dominated by a chaitya arch, which was probably modelled on the Royal Pavilion in Brighton and the Islamic architecture of India. The castle is surrounded by Kornik Arboretum, a botanical collection composed exclusively of trees, founded in the first half of the 19th century. This is the oldest and largest one in Poland as well as the fourth largest arboretum in Europe covering around 40 hectares and containing more than 3300 taxa of trees and bushes.
Rogalin Palace & Park
Palace of Rogalin surrounded by picturesque gardens and park land, is one of the most significant examples of Baroque architecture in Poland. Situated 30km south of Poznan, the 18th century palace is the former residence of the Raczynski family, now home to a permanent collection of paintings by a selection of internationally renowned artists. The striking design of the palace was inspired by the Roman temple Maison Carrée in Nîmes, France and is one of Poland’s most unique tourist attractions. After exploring the glorious gallery, halls and greenhouse walk through the Palace’s landscaped park and ancient oak trees, some of which are centuries old.
