Poznań Town Hall
Wielkopolskie
Poznań Town Hall, located in the heart of Poznań's Old Market Square, is a Renaissance masterpiece originally constructed in the late 13th century. It served as the city's administrative center until 1939 and now functions as a museum showcasing Poznań's history from the 10th century through the mid-20th century. The building was extensively rebuilt between 1550 and 1560 by Giovanni Battista di Quadro, who gave it its distinctive mannerist style with an ornate three-story loggia and an elaborate clock featuring mechanical goats. These goats perform a charming butting display daily at noon, attracting numerous visitors. The town hall's facade is adorned with allegorical female figures representing virtues, medallions of ancient greats, and portraits of Jagiellonian kings, reflecting its cultural significance. Despite suffering damage from fires, lightning strikes, and war, the building has been carefully restored multiple times, preserving its Renaissance character. Inside, the Great Entrance Hall and recently opened gothic cellars house exhibitions including valuable medieval artifacts such as a gilded crosier from Limoges and original figures of the billy goats. The town hall remains one of Poznań's most iconic landmarks and a vibrant symbol of the city's rich heritage.
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Astuce: Visit Poznań Town Hall around noon to witness the famous mechanical goats butting performance atop the clock tower. Purchase tickets in advance during peak tourist seasons to avoid queues. The Poznań City Card offers free entrance to the museum. Early spring or late summer are ideal visiting times to enjoy pleasant weather in the Old Market Square. Check the official website for updated opening hours and special exhibitions.
Faits intéressants
- •The mechanical goats on the clock tower perform a butting display daily at noon, making it one of Poznań's main tourist attractions.
- •The town hall's clock was installed in 1551 and originally included the goats as a 'comic element'.
- •The white eagle atop the tower has a wingspan of two meters and is a symbol of Poland.
- •The town hall was the site of Heinrich Himmler's Posen speeches in October 1943.
- •The building houses a gilded and enamelled crosier from Limoges dating back to the 13th century.
Histoire
Originally completed around 1300 during the reign of Wenceslaus II of Bohemia, Poznań Town Hall started as a one-story Gothic building.
It was expanded in the 15th century with a tower added at the north-west corner.
After a major fire in 1536, Giovanni Battista di Quadro rebuilt and extended the town hall in Renaissance style between 1550 and 1560, adding the iconic clock with mechanical goats.
The tower was destroyed by lightning in 1675 and rebuilt in 1690, with further damage from a hurricane in 1725.
Renovations in the late 18th century gave the building much of its current form, including a classical tower roof topped by a white eagle.
The 20th century saw stylistic changes during German rule and extensive damage during World War II, followed by restorations that reinstated its Renaissance character and preserved the famous mechanical goats.
Guide du lieu
Great Entrance Hall16th century
The magnificent hall rebuilt in the mid-16th century serves as the main exhibition space of the Poznań Museum, displaying the city's history and valuable artifacts.
Clock Tower with Mechanical Goats1551 (clock installation), goats mechanism restored 1913 and late 20th century
The tower features a historic clock with mechanical goats that butt heads daily at noon, a beloved tradition and major tourist draw.
Gothic Cellars and Ground Floor Exhibition13th century (cellars), renovated 2024
Recently renovated areas open to visitors showcasing Poznań's history from the 10th to mid-16th century with new exhibitions.