Poznan Goats (Koziolki Poznanskie), Poznań

Tower in Poznań

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Scotch Mist

The Poznań Goats, or Koziołki Poznańskie, are one of the city's most beloved and whimsical traditions. Every day at noon, two mechanical goats emerge from a small window on the Town Hall tower in the Old Market Square and butt heads twelve times, delighting crowds below. This charming spectacle is accompanied by the playing of the traditional bugle call, or hejnał, which has been a part of Poznań's heritage for centuries.

The origins of the goats are steeped in legend. According to one tale, a cook named Pietrek, tasked with preparing a grand feast for the voivode, accidentally burned the main dish. In a panic, he stole two goats from a nearby meadow to replace the ruined meal. The goats escaped and ran up the Town Hall tower, where they began to butt heads, amusing the guests and the voivode. Pietrek was pardoned, and the goats were immortalized in the clock mechanism as a playful addition to the city’s timekeeping.

Over the years, the goats have become a symbol of Poznań’s spirit and resilience. The current mechanical goats, installed in 1993, replaced earlier versions that had been destroyed during World War II. Today, they continue to captivate visitors and locals alike, embodying the city’s rich history and enduring charm.

For those visiting Poznań, witnessing the noon goat spectacle is a must. It's a delightful moment that brings a smile to all who gather in the Old Market Square, making it a quintessential part of the Poznań experience.

The Poznan Goats (Koziolki Poznanskie) appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Poznań!

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