One of the most recognizable symbols of Poznan is the famous Goats, which appear on the tower of Poznan City Hall every day at 12:00. This unique attraction attracts crowds of tourists and is an integral part of a visit to the capital of Greater Poland. The Poznań Goats are located at Old Market Square 1, in the heart of the city's historic center. To see them, it's best to reach the Old Market Square on foot or by public transportation - the nearest bus and streetcar stops are just a few minutes' walk from City Hall.

Legend has it that the tradition of the Goats dates back to the 16th century, when during a feast given to celebrate the installation of a new clock on the city hall, the cook burned a roast deer. To save the situation, he caught two goats, which escaped from a nearby meadow. However, the animals broke free and ran up the tower of the town hall, where they began to trumpet their horns to the delight of the guests. To commemorate the event, city councilors decided to place a mechanism with goats on the city hall tower.

Today, to see the goats, all you have to do is show up at the Old Market just before 12:00 p.m. Admission is free, and the show lasts just a few minutes. However, it's worth coming early to get a good spot to watch - especially during the summer season, when crowds of tourists gather in the market. The show is available every day, all year round, regardless of the weather.

After watching the Goats, take a tour of the Town Hall itself, which is home to the Museum of the History of the City of Poznan. The museum is open Tuesday through Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Fridays from 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., and weekends from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. A regular ticket costs 20 zlotys, a discounted ticket costs 15 zlotys (as of 2023). At the museum you can learn about the fascinating history of the city and see the original interiors of the Renaissance Town Hall.

Near the city hall there are many other attractions, such as colorful townhouses, the Proserpine fountain and the Croissant Museum, where you can learn about the history of the famous St. Martin's croissant. For families with children, we also recommend a visit to the Croissant Museum (Stary Rynek 41), which offers interactive demonstrations and workshops related to the baking of traditional Poznań croissants. This is a great opportunity to combine learning history with a culinary adventure.

Another place that combines the history and legends of Poznan is the Royal Castle. This impressive building, located at 1 Przemysl Mountain Street, is a testament to the power and importance of the city in medieval times. Although the castle has been destroyed and rebuilt many times, it still impresses with its architecture and rich history.

To reach the Royal Castle, it is best to use public transportation - the nearest streetcar and bus stops are located on Fredry Street, from where the castle can be reached in about 10 minutes. For those traveling by car, paid parking is available on Za Bramką Street.

The castle is open to the public from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm (until 6:00 pm in the summer). A regular ticket costs 20 zlotys, a discounted ticket costs 15 zlotys, and admission is free on Saturdays (figures current as of 2023). It is worth remembering that the last entry is possible one hour before closing.

Legend has it that there is Templar treasure hidden in the castle's vaults, and that the ghost of Princess Ludgarda, wife of Prince Przemysl II, who was murdered in mysterious circumstances, still wanders within the walls. Although this is only a legend, it certainly adds to the castle's mysterious charm.

When visiting the Royal Castle, it is worth noting the restored royal chambers, which give an idea of life at the princely court. Of particular interest is the Throne Room and the castle chapel. At the top of the castle tower is an observation deck, which offers a beautiful panorama of Poznan - a must-see for photography lovers.

For families with children, the castle offers special tours and educational workshops that introduce the history of the place in an accessible way. It's worth checking the current program of events on the castle's official website, as historical reconstructions and knightly shows are often organized here.

After visiting the castle, take a stroll through the nearby Old Town. A few minutes away on foot is the Archeological Museum (27 Wodna Street), where you can see exhibits related to the oldest history of Poznan and the region. For those interested in militaria, we recommend a visit to the Armored Weapons Museum (4 3 Aviation Regiment St.), which displays an impressive collection of military vehicles and armored weapons.

The last, but equally fascinating place on our tour of the legends and history of Poznan is the Oak 'Bartek', located in Owińskach, in the Czerwonak municipality, at 6A Cysterki Street. This majestic pedunculate oak, estimated to be about 600 years old, is not only a monument to nature, but also a living witness to the history of the region.

To reach the Oak 'Bartek', it is best to use a car or a bicycle - a great opportunity for a trip outside the city. From the center of Poznan the route by car takes about 20 minutes. For those using public transportation, the nearest bus stop is in Owińskach, from where it takes about 15 minutes to walk to the oak.

The 'Bartek' oak tree is available for viewing all year round, 24 hours a day, free of charge. However, it is worth remembering that it is a living monument of nature, so be sure to maintain proper respect and not to damage the tree's surroundings.

Legend has it that the Oak 'Bartek' was planted on the orders of King Wladyslaw Jagiello, who was passing through here on his way to the Battle of Grunwald. According to another story, Napoleon Bonaparte rested under this oak during his expedition to Moscow. While these stories are difficult to verify, they certainly add to the charm of this unique tree.

The trunk circumference of the 'Bartek' Oak is an impressive 796 cm, making it one of the largest and oldest oak trees in Greater Poland. Near the tree there is an information board, describing its history and natural significance.

A visit to the Oak 'Bartek' is a great opportunity for a family picnic and contact with nature. There are many walking and biking paths in the area, which allow you to discover the beauty of the surrounding forests and meadows. For children, it's an excellent lesson in nature and history all in one.

After visiting the Oak 'Bartek', it is worth visiting nearby attractions. Approximately 2 km away is the historic post-Cistercian complex in Owińskach, which houses the unique in Europe Museum of Teflology, presenting the history of education for the blind. This is an extraordinary place to understand how blind people perceive the world.

For lovers of active recreation, there is also the Spatial Orientation Park - a unique place where you can test your senses and orientation skills in the area.

All in all, Poznań and its surroundings are a real treasure trove of legends, history and unusual places. From the medieval Goats on the Town Hall, through the majestic Royal Castle, to the ancient Oak 'Bartek' - each of these places tells a fascinating story and allows you to move back in time. A tour in the footsteps of Poznan legends is not only a history lesson, but above all an unforgettable adventure for the whole family, which will remain in the memory for a long time.