Our first foray out of the Central Square in Poznan is towards the Collegiate Basilica area. We are attracted by all the pink in that direction and then without almost noticing we are now in the Collegiate Square. This is in front of the Collegiate Basilica and also the new City Hall. Which is also pink, nice! With the sun out we hope we can explore the area more thoroughly without having to hide inside from random bouts of rain.
In the plaza there are two things that attract our eye. First, the exhibit commemorating the 1956 revolts in Poznan that led to an easening of restrictions on Poland, something we weren’t aware before. The second interesting thing is a glass window you can walk on that overlooks some old archaeological remains. And when you walk you walk on water, as the water from the rain accumulates on top of the window, fun.
And then we enter the courtyard and are taken aback at all the pink. Not in a bad way but not something we expected especially as we learn that the building is the City Hall. We take a few photos and then it is time to visit the information center which provides lots of useful information and also a few souvenirs.
As we exit and start looking for the entrance to the Collegiate Basilica the sun comes out which makes for some great photos and a leisurely time of exploration as the door is actually outside of the courtyard where we were looking for it.
But we are happy that we persevered as the interior is breathtaking. It is one of the most beautiful churches we have visited with some interesting details that we have lots of time to explore.
Of course the basilica is also mostly pink inside, it seems they really went all in on pink in this section of the city. No complaints from us :).
The details we like most are the columns that look like snakes have decided to climb on them. They are also black and provide a nice contrast to the dominant pink.
Looking up we are impressed by the detailed ceiling full of saints and Bible details while the pipe organ also seems to be period appropriate not a newfangled new one. Overall we are really happy that we did this detour but when we exit the clouds start to gather again. So we decide to go to the Archaeological Museum, which is nearby, to escape the looming rain.
