Our journey through time begins from the most symbolic place in Gniezno - Lech Hill, where the majestic Primate Basilica of the Sanctuary of St. Adalbert rises. It is here, in the heart of the first capital of Poland, that you will feel the spirit of history and the power of the ages.

The Basilica, also known as Gniezno Cathedral, is a pearl of Gothic architecture and a true treasure trove of Polish history. To get to it, head to Lech Hill, which is located in the center of the city. The easiest way to get here on foot is from the market square, walking down Tumska Street - it's just a few minutes' walk.

Once you're standing in front of the impressive facade of the cathedral, get ready for a real trip back in time. Inside, extraordinary treasures await you, including the famous Gniezno Doors - a masterpiece of Romanesque art, depicting scenes from the life of St. Adalbert. This is an excellent opportunity to tell your children the fascinating story of this saint and the beginnings of Christianity in Poland.

The cathedral also houses the reliquary of St. Adalbert - a place of special veneration and a pilgrimage destination. Note the richly decorated altars and chapels, which will delight even the youngest visitors.

For families with children, we recommend taking advantage of audio guides, which tell the story of the cathedral and its treasures in an accessible way. This is a great way to get the little ones interested in history and art.

Remember that the cathedral is open daily, but opening hours may vary depending on the season. Check the basilica's official website for the current tour schedule. Admission tickets cost about 15-20 zloty for adults and 10-15 zloty for children (prices as of 2024), but consider buying a combination ticket that also includes admission to the nearby Museum of the Archdiocese of Gniezno.

After visiting the cathedral, be sure to head to St. Adalbert's Square, which stretches out at the foot of the cathedral. It's the perfect place to take a short rest and enjoy the panorama of the city. The square has also witnessed many historical events and contemporary celebrations, which adds to its special character.

For families with children, an additional attraction will be the search for the figurine of the Piast Warrior Rabbit, which 'guards' the entrance to the square. This is part of a larger city project that encourages you to explore different corners of Gniezno by looking for playful rabbit figurines placed at key points in the city.

After visiting Gniezno Cathedral, it's time for a more interactive experience of history. We invite you to visit two fascinating museums that will make the past come alive before your eyes.

The first stop is the Museum of the Origins of the Polish State in Gniezno, located at 1 Kostrzewskiego St. This modern museum, just a 10-minute walk from the Cathedral, offers a fascinating journey through the beginnings of Polish statehood.

The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (current for 2024). Admission tickets cost around 20 zloty for adults and 15 zloty for children, but it's worth checking current prices on the museum's official website.

What awaits you inside? Interactive exhibitions that will take you back to the time of the first Piasts. Children will be delighted to try on knights' armor, see reconstructions of medieval castles or participate in archaeological workshops. We especially recommend the exhibition 'Here Poland Was Founded', which presents the most important events in the history of the beginnings of our state in an accessible way.

For families with younger children, a special sightseeing path with puzzles and interactive stations has been prepared. This is a great way for the youngest to learn about Polish history in a fun way.

After the Museum of the Origins of the Polish State, it is worth going to the Museum of the Archdiocese of Gniezno, which is located at 2 Kolegiaty Street, right next to the Cathedral. This place is a real treasure trove of sacred art and the history of the Church in Poland.

The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and on Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (figures current as of 2024). Tickets cost about PLN 15 for adults and PLN 10 for children, but consider buying a combination ticket with entry to the Cathedral.

In the museum you will see unique exhibits, such as medieval manuscripts, precious paintings and antique liturgical vestments. Children may find the calligraphy workshop, where they can try writing with a goose feather, or the stained glass making class particularly interesting.

After an intensive tour of the museums, we suggest a short rest in the Piast Park, which is located near the Museum of the Origins of the Polish State. This is an ideal place for a picnic and a moment of relaxation. The park offers not only beautiful greenery, but also a playground for children and educational paths that continue the history lesson in a pleasant way.

At the end of the day, take a walk to the Valley of Reconciliation, a charming place located in the center of the city, at 7 Podgórna St. This is a relatively new attraction in Gniezno, opened after revitalization in 2022. The valley offers not only beautiful views and a peaceful atmosphere, but also a playground, an outdoor gym and a fountain - the perfect place to cool off on a warm day. It's a great end to a day full of excitement and historical discoveries.

When planning a family trip to Gniezno, keep in mind a few practical tips to help you fully enjoy discovering Poland's first capital.

First of all, plan your stay for at least two days. Gniezno has a lot to offer and trying to see everything in one day may be too tiring, especially for younger children. Spreading your sightseeing over two days will allow you to explore the city and its attractions in a leisurely fashion.

As for transportation, Gniezno is well connected. You can get to the city by train from major Polish cities, and the train station is located in the center, making it easy to get around. If you come by car, you will find several parking lots in the center, but it is worth remembering that they can be quite crowded during the tourist season.

The city itself is relatively small and most of the attractions are located in the center or a short distance from it. This makes it easy to get around on foot, which is ideal for families with children. However, it is advisable to bring comfortable shoes, as some streets are cobbled.

As for food, you will find many restaurants and cafes in the city center. We especially recommend those located near the Market Square, where you can relax and enjoy local specialties. For families with children, it may be a good idea to prepare a small picnic set, which can be eaten in Piast Park or the Valley of Reconciliation.

Remember that visiting with children requires frequent breaks and a flexible approach to the plan. It's a good idea to alternate visits to museums and monuments with time spent at playgrounds or parks. The Valley of Reconciliation, with its modern playground and fountain, is an ideal place for such a break.

For families with small children, we recommend bringing a stroller. Although some sights, such as Gniezno Cathedral, may be difficult to access with a stroller, there should be no problem in most places.

If you plan to visit in summer, remember to protect yourself from the sun - hats, sunscreen and water bottles are a must. In autumn and spring, on the other hand, it's a good idea to have something rainproof with you, as the weather can be capricious.

Also worth mentioning is the Piast Trail, of which Gniezno is an important point. If you have more time, consider visiting other places on the trail, such as Lednicki Ostrów or Biskupin. It's a great way to extend your history lesson and learn about even more fascinating places related to the beginnings of Polish statehood.

Finally, remember to be flexible and patient. Visiting with children can be a challenge, but also an unforgettable adventure. Let your children explore, ask questions and enjoy discovering history at their own pace. Gniezno, with its rich history and friendly attractions, is the perfect place for such a family trip back in time.

We hope this guide will help you plan an unforgettable trip to Gniezno. The first capital of Poland is waiting for you with open arms, ready to reveal its secrets and fascinating history to you. We wish you a successful tour and unforgettable family moments in the heart of Polish statehood!