There exist places that give rise to the story of a city. In Poznan, it is Ostrow Tumski, a curious sight and a beautiful place that hosts many religious structures.

According to archaeologists, the first settlements on the island appeared back in the 10th century. Then the Polish bishopric settled here, building a beautiful cathedral. Later, for defense reasons, the island was fenced off with a high wall. But in a few centuries, the wall was pulled down, and the island became part of the city.

The main pride of Ostrow Tumski is an ancient cathedral of the 11th century, built in the Romanesque style. Unfortunately, you won’t see the original building as it was destroyed twice in major fires. And during World War II, the cathedral collapsed, only part of the interior survived. The temple was restored in the post-war period per the sketches and records of the 15th century. Therefore, the new cathedral has all the features of the Gothic style. Not only its architectural design is beautiful, but its interior decoration too. The main altar was made in the Middle Ages by Silesian artisans and is considered one of the best altarpieces in the world. And the Golden Chapel functioned as a sort of the first mausoleum: the sarcophagi of several Polish rulers are located here.

In the 15th century, the Church of the Virgin Mary was built on the island, which is preserved unaltered to this day. Next to it, in the 18th century, they erected the Archbishop’s palace.

The first higher education institution in Poznan is also located on the island: the Lubranski Academy opened in 1519.

Not far from the Archbishop’s palace, there is a small house that previously belonged to the vicar; today, it is a museum. Its exhibition presents various exhibits on religious subjects.

Ostrow Tumski is, in a way, a compilation of religious, architectural, and historical landmarks, which is worth visiting to understand the centuries-long city development better.