Town Hall

Poznań


Poznań’s Renaissance town hall, topped with a 61m-high tower, instantly attracts attention. Its graceful form replaced a 13th-century Gothic structure, which burned down in the early 16th century. Every day at noon two metal goats appear through a pair of small doors above the clock and butt their horns together 12 times, in deference to an old legend. These days, the town hall is home to the city's Historical Museum.

The building was designed by Italian architect Giovanni Battista Quadro and built from 1550 to 1560; only the tower is a later addition, built in the 1780s after its predecessor collapsed. The crowned eagle on top of the spire, with an impressive wingspan of 2m, adds some Polish symbolism.

Concerning the legend of the goats: apparently two goats intended for a celebratory banquet escaped and ended up clashing horns above the about-to-be-unveiled clock, much to the amusement of the assembled dignitaries. The clockmaker was duly ordered to add the errant animals’ images to his piece.

Transportation

  • tram: Wrocławska
  • tram: Plac Wielkopolski

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Poznań attractions

1. Historical Museum of Poznań

0.01 MILES

This museum in Poznań's town hall displays an interesting exhibition on the city's history in splendid interiors. The richly ornamented Renaissance Hall…

2. Fish Sellers’ Houses

0.03 MILES

South of the town hall is this endearing row of small arcaded buildings. They were built in the 16th century on the site of fish stalls and later…

3. Wielkopolska Military Museum

0.03 MILES

Showcases arms from Poland’s many conflicts, dating from the 11th century to the present. Upstairs (exhibit 3) is a rare 16th-century rapier from Milan.

5. Museum of Musical Instruments

0.05 MILES

When we last visited, this museum was undergoing restoration and scheduled to reopen in August 2019. Based on past exhibits, you can expect hundreds of…

6. Croissant Museum

0.05 MILES

Located in a historic townhouse on the main square, this institution is devoted to the sweet St Martin's croissants peculiar to Poznań. In four sessions…

7. Archaeological Museum

0.08 MILES

Located off the southeastern corner of the Rynek, inside the 16th-century Górka Palace. Before going in, stop and have a look at the fine Renaissance…

8. Górka Palace

0.1 MILES

This grand 16th-century structure contains the Archaeological Museum, with a particularly impressive Renaissance doorway on the eastern facade.

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      "country": "Poland",
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