Castle Quarter and surroundings

28. Collegium Maius - Former Royal Colonization Commission building. This was a Prussian government commission that operated between 1886 and 1924 (active only until 1918), set up by Otto von Bismarck. This institution had the task of purchasing Polish land and settling German farmers on it. Collegium Maius is a large, neo-Baroque edifice.


29. Wielki Theatre - The Poznań Opera. Kaiser Wilhelm II had his own box in the theatre. The entrance is flanked by two statues, one of a woman sitting on a lioness and one of a man standing next to a lion, symbolising contemplative life and active life. On the top of the pediment is a winged sculpture of Pegasus.


30. The Imperial Castle - the last imperial edifice built in Europe. A monumental castle was designed by Franz Schechten for Wilhelm II, with significant input from Wilhelm II himself. Modelled on medieval castles and meant to be the symbol of German domination of Wielkopolska. The castle was the focal point of the castle quarter. The high tower of the castle dominates over the whole structure. After WWI, the castle was given to Poznań University and was used by the presidents of the Second Republic during their visits to Poznań. The castle now houses the "Zamek" Cultural Centre, the Animation Theatre and the Museum of the Poznań June 1956 Uprising.


31. Collegium Minus - Former Royal Academy building. Standing opposite the Imperial Castle, the edifice was built in Northern Renaissance style. The edifice houses the University and the concert hall of the Poznań Philharmonic Society. The concert hall is frequently visited by great artists and orchestras from all over the world. Numerous concerts are held here including the International Henryk Wieniawski Violin Competition.


32. The Imperial Railway Station - also called the Summer Railway Station, was built for Kaiser Wilhelm arriving for the ceremonial opening of the castle.


33. Dąbrowskiego Street - This route probably follows the path taken by German Emperor Otton III during the Conference of Gniezno which took place in 1000.

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