Like many ancient European cities, Poznan is known for its beautiful Old Market Square. But it is not the only historical landmark worth seeing when traveling through this Polish city. The Imperial Castle is a real architectural gem, which you won’t have a chance to pass by.

This castle is very young when compared with other attractions. Moreover, it is the most recently built castle in Europe. Its construction began in 1905; it was intended for the German emperor Wilhelm II. It was the way for the Prussian authorities to demonstrate their control over the Greater Poland Province and strengthen their possessions. Just five years later, in the summer of 1910, the architect Franz Schwechten, who supervised the castle’s construction, handed over the residence keys to the emperor.

The architecture of the complex was designed in the neo-Romanesque style. The chapel intended for the imperial family dominates the structure. One part of the castle was marked off for the throne room and work chambers, the other hosted living rooms. The entire second floor belonged to the heir to the throne. A small beautiful park was laid out around the castle, with stables built in the backyard.

A remarkable feature of the courtyard is a sandstone fountain modeled from the famous Fountain of Lions in Granada.

After World War I, the castle became the property of Poland and housed the residence of the president. Then it became the main building of Poznan University. But that peaceful life didn’t last long. During World War II, Albert Speer, the chief architect of Nazi Germany, planned to rebuild the castle and make it Hitler’s residence. Before long, the builders changed the interiors, and the chapel was converted into the fuhrer’s office.

After the end of the war, the castle hosted a prison. In the mid-50s of the last century, the question to demolish the dilapidated building was faced. But since the money to carry out the work wasn’t found, they removed only the Nazi symbols, and the castle itself was left as it was.

The imperial residence was restored only in 1962 when a cultural center was there. Today it houses a museum where you can get acquainted with the history of the castle and the military history of the city.