Lech Hill is the place where every visit to Gniezno begins. According to legend, it was here that Lech, one of the three brothers - founders of the Slavic states, saw a white eagle against the backdrop of the setting sun and decided to establish his nest, giving rise to the name of the city. Archaeological research confirms that a powerful defensive stronghold of the Polan tribe existed here as early as the 8th century, and the site was a center of worship even before the adoption of Christianity. Remnants of a pagan barrow and an 11th-century tomb have been discovered on the hill, testifying to its long and rich history.

The dominant landmark of Lech Hill is the Primate's Basilica of the Sanctuary of St. Adalbert - one of the most important religious monuments in Poland. This Gothic temple, which dates back to the 11th century, was erected by Boleslaw the Brave on the site of a former pagan temple. Originally built on a rectangular plan, it was rebuilt several times after numerous fires and destruction. Today's cathedral impresses with its monumental body with two distinctive towers that tower over the city skyline.

The interior of the basilica hides real treasures of Polish history and art. The most valuable of these is the confession of St. Adalbert - a silver sarcophagus from 1662, made by the Gdansk goldsmith Peter von der Rennen, hiding the saint's relics. It was the tomb of St. Adalbert, who died a martyr's death during a mission of Christianization among the Prussians in 997, that became the destination of Emperor Otto III's pilgrimage in 1000, leading to the famous Gniezno Congress and the creation of the first ecclesiastical metropolis in Poland.

The cathedral's most famous feature is the Gniezno Doors, a masterpiece of Romanesque foundry art from the 12th century. This bronze portal, consisting of two wings divided into 18 scenes, depicts the life and martyrdom of St. Adalbert. This door is not only a priceless art relic, but also the oldest Polish 'comic book', telling the story with pictures. Each scene is full of detail and expression, showing the daily life of medieval Poland and Prussia.

The basilica also served as a coronation temple for Poland's first rulers. It was here that Boleslaw Chrobry was crowned in 1025, and later also Mieszko II Lambert, Boleslaw II Szczodry, Przemysl II and Wenceslas II. The cathedral also retains other valuable monuments, including Gothic stalls, Baroque altars, Renaissance tombstones of Gniezno archbishops and an 18th-century organ. Particularly noteworthy are the 17th-century Potocki chapel and the 18th-century Lubienski chapel, both examples of top-notch Baroque art.

Lech Hill and the Primate's Basilica are not only monuments, but a living testimony to the beginnings of Polish statehood and Christianity on Polish soil. It is a place where history is palpable, where every stone tells the story of the first Piasts and the birth of Poland.

Nearlier on Lech Hill, in the Square named after Primate Mikołaj Trąba, proudly rises the Bolesław Chrobry Monument - a monumental work of art commemorating the first crowned king of Poland. The statue depicts the ruler sitting on a throne, with a crown on his head, a scepter in his right hand and a royal apple in his left. The monarch's face expresses strength and determination, qualities that allowed him to build a powerful state and obtain the royal crown for Poland.

The monument was unveiled in 1985 to mark the millennium anniversary of Boleslaw Chrobry's death and quickly became one of the city's symbols. Its author is the well-known Polish sculptor Jerzy Sobocinski. The monument has not only artistic value, but above all historical and educational value - it reminds of the role that Gniezno and its first king played in the formation of Polish statehood.

Boleslaw Chrobry, son of Mieszko I and Dobrawa, reigned from 992-1025, and it was during his reign that Poland became a major state in Europe. It was he who organized the famous Congress of Gniezno in 1000, during which Emperor Otto III recognized the independence of the Polish Church and agreed to establish an archbishopric in Gniezno. Chrobry also pursued an active foreign policy, annexing Moravia, Slovakia, Lusatia and Milsko to Poland. His coronation in 1025 was the culmination of these efforts and Poland's symbolic entry into the family of European kingdoms.

Not far from the monument, at 2 Kolegiaty Street, is the Museum of the Archdiocese of Gniezno - a treasury of priceless works of sacred art and memorabilia related to the history of the Church in Poland. The museum was founded in 1979 and is located in the historic building of the former Gniezno Academy from the 18th century.

The museum's collection includes exhibits from the Middle Ages to modern times. Among the most valuable are Gothic sculptures, including the famous 'Madonna and Child' from the 14th century, medieval manuscripts and incunabula, including unique Gniezno missals, and a rich collection of religious paintings from the 15th to 19th centuries. Especially valuable are works of sacred goldsmithery - chalices, monstrances, reliquaries, including the famous reliquary of St. Adalbert from the 14th century.

The museum also has a rich collection of liturgical textiles, including chasubles, chapels and dalmatics, often richly embroidered with gold and silver. A unique exhibit is the coronation chalice of Polish kings - according to tradition used during coronation ceremonies in Gniezno Cathedral.

One of the most valuable parts of the collection are historical documents, including papal bulls, foundation acts and privileges granted to the Gniezno Church by the rulers of Poland. Among them is a copy of Pope Sylvester II's bull of 1000, establishing the archbishopric of Gniezno.

The Museum of the Gniezno Archdiocese is not only a repository of valuable relics, but also a center for research on the history of the Church in Poland and a center for historical education. It regularly hosts temporary exhibitions, scientific conferences and educational workshops for children and young people.

A visit to the museum is a fascinating journey through the history of Polish Christianity, from its beginnings at the time of Mieszko I and Bolesław Chrobry, through the period of splendor in the Middle Ages and up to modern times. It's also an opportunity to learn about the role the Church played in shaping Polish culture, art and national identity.

While strolling around Gniezno, especially with children, it's worth noting an unusual attraction on Chancellor Jan Łaski Street - the Piast Warrior Rabbit. This charming, small sculpture depicting a rabbit in knightly armor, with a sword and shield, has become one of the most beloved elements of the urban landscape by tourists. The statue alludes to the legend of Piast Kolodziej and the mysterious wanderers who foretold a great future for his son Siemowit. According to some interpretations, these wanderers were to take the form of rabbits.

The Woj Piast rabbit is not only an amusing curiosity, but also part of a larger educational project aimed at bringing the history of the beginnings of the Polish state to the youngest tourists. The figurine has become so popular that it has lived to see its own souvenirs - postcards, magnets and teddy bears, which can be bought in local souvenir stores.

Gniezno is the heart of the Piast Route - one of the oldest and most famous tourist routes in Poland, which connects places associated with the beginnings of the Polish state and the Piast dynasty. The trail, established in the 1960s, leads through the most important early Piast centers in Greater Poland and Kuyavia, including Poznań, Ostrów Lednicki, Biskupin, Kruszwica and Strzelno.

One of the lesser-known, but worth discovering, sites along the Piast Trail in Gniezno is the Gen. Władysław Anders City Park. Established in the 19th century, this park offers not only shade and relaxation after sightseeing, but also interesting historical sites, including the remains of medieval city walls and 19th-century monuments. The park is the perfect place for a picnic or a relaxing stroll among the old-growth trees.

Another point of interest is the Market Square, with its distinctive 19th century town hall. Although the current buildings in the market date mainly from the 18th and 19th centuries, the place has witnessed many historical events, including the ceremonial entries of Polish kings heading to the cathedral for coronation. There are many cafes and restaurants in and around the market, where you can relax and enjoy local specialties.

Also worth a visit is the Museum of the Origins of the Polish State, which presents the history of the formation of Polish statehood in a modern and interactive way. The museum has a rich archaeological collection, including finds from excavations on Lech Hill and other early medieval strongholds in Greater Poland. Of particular interest is the reconstruction of an early medieval settlement, allowing visitors to see what daily life was like at the time of the first Piasts.

For lovers of religious architecture, another interesting site is the Church of St. John the Baptist - a Gothic temple from the 14th century, rebuilt in Baroque style in the 18th century. The church is famous for its beautiful interior with Baroque altars and pulpit, as well as its valuable 18th century organ.

Gniezno, as the first capital of Poland and the cradle of Polish statehood, offers tourists an unforgettable journey through time. From the majestic Primate's Basilica on Lech Hill, to the rich collections of the Gniezno Archdiocesan Museum, to the charming Piast King's Arms - every element of this historic city tells the fascinating story of Poland's beginnings. Visiting Gniezno is not only a history lesson, but also an opportunity to discover the beauty of architecture, art and culture that have shaped Polish national identity for centuries.