Poznań Royal Castle

Castle and Museum in Poznań

CC BY-SA 4.0 / SchiDD

The Poznań Royal Castle, perched atop Przemysł Hill, is one of the city’s oldest and most emblematic landmarks. Originally built in the late 13th century by King Przemysł II, it was intended to be a royal residence symbolizing the growing power of the Polish monarchy. Over the centuries, it underwent multiple reconstructions, especially after major damage during wars and fires, most notably the devastation in World War II. Today, what visitors see is a meticulous post-war reconstruction, completed in 2013, giving the castle a commanding presence over the Old Town and providing a tangible link to Poznań’s medieval past.

Housed within the reconstructed castle is the Museum of Applied Arts, a branch of the National Museum in Poznań. This institution focuses on the decorative and everyday arts, showcasing an impressive collection of objects spanning from the Middle Ages to modern design. The exhibits include intricately crafted furniture, textiles, ceramics, glassware, clocks, and metalworks—each item selected for its artistic merit and craftsmanship. The museum’s goal is to highlight how design and function have evolved in daily life across centuries, with a strong focus on Polish contributions to European decorative arts.

One of the highlights of a visit to the museum is its rooftop terrace, which offers one of the best panoramic views of the Old Town and the wider Poznań skyline. From this vantage point, visitors can appreciate the city’s architectural layers—Gothic towers, Baroque domes, and modern additions—sprawling outward from the historic center. Inside, the building blends modern exhibition spaces with traditional architectural elements, allowing the objects on display to shine in an elegant yet accessible setting.

The Poznań Royal Castle appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Poznań!

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