The Archaeological Reservation - Piast Castle in Giecz is one of the most important places on the map of the Piast Trail, which takes us back to the time of the formation of the Polish state. Located in the small town of Giecz, about 30 kilometers southeast of Poznan, it is an extraordinary testimony to the power of the first Piasts. The town of Giecz was one of the main administrative and military centers of the state of Mieszko I and Bolesław Chrobry, and its importance was comparable to that of Gniezno and Poznań.

Archaeologists have discovered here the remains of monumental stone architecture from the 10th and 11th centuries, including the foundations of one of the oldest churches on Polish soil and a prince's palatium. Particularly impressive are the preserved fragments of massive defensive ramparts, which once reached up to 9 meters in height and surrounded a fortified town of about 3.5 hectares. According to local legends, underground tunnels were supposed to connect the Giecz stronghold with other Piast centers, allowing rulers to escape safely in case of danger.

Today in the reserve you can admire reconstructions of ancient buildings, as well as rich archaeological collections presented in the museum pavilion. Among the artifacts on display are unique objects of daily use, jewelry, weapons and pieces of weaponry dating back to the early Middle Ages. Particularly valuable are finds related to the material culture of the Piast elite, which testify to the far-reaching commercial and political contacts of Poland's first rulers.

It is interesting to note that during the invasion of the Czech prince Bretislav in 1038, which ravaged Greater Poland, the inhabitants of Giecz did not resist the invaders, but voluntarily resettled in Bohemia in exchange for a guarantee of safety. There they founded the settlement of Hedčany (now Hedčany in the Czech Republic), which still bears traces of the Polish origin of its inhabitants.

The reserve offers visitors not only museum exhibitions, but also numerous educational events and historical reconstructions. Archeological festivals held here allow for a living contact with history - you can see demonstrations of ancient crafts, take part in pottery or weaving workshops, and even try your hand at archery or javelin throwing. For the youngest visitors, special educational paths and field games have been prepared, which bring the knowledge of everyday life in the times of the first Piasts in an accessible way. The cost of visiting the reserve is affordable, making it an attractive option for families with children.

Gniezno, the first capital of Poland and the coronation place of the first kings, is the centerpiece of the Piast Trail. It is here that the Museum of the Origins of the Polish State is located - a modern facility that presents the history of the birth of Polish statehood in an interactive way. The museum is located in a modern building at 1 Kostrzewskiego Street, in the immediate vicinity of Gniezno Cathedral - one of the most important sacred monuments in Poland.

The museum's exhibition is divided into several thematic zones, which chronologically present the process of the formation of the Piast state. Visitors can admire reconstructions of settlements from the early Middle Ages, models of the first Piast strongholds and replicas of royal insignia. Particularly impressive is the multimedia presentation of the baptism of Poland, which evocatively shows the significance of this landmark event for the further fate of the country. Among the exhibits are valuable archaeological relics, including unique objects related to the material culture of the Piast elite.

The museum is famous for its innovative approach to the presentation of history - instead of traditional display cases with exhibits, it offers visitors an immersive experience that engages all the senses. Here you can hear the sounds of a medieval castle, smell the smoke from the hearth or touch replicas of ancient tools. There are special educational programs for organized groups and families with children, including museum lessons and medieval craft workshops. The cost of visiting the museum is moderate, and the special offer for families makes it an attractive option for an educational trip.

Not far from the museum, in the square on Chancellor Jan Łaski Street, is an unusual attraction - the Woj Piast Rabbit. This characteristic sculpture depicting an anthropomorphic rabbit-warrior in medieval armor has become one of the symbols of modern Gniezno and a favorite attraction of the youngest tourists. The statue alludes to the legend of Piast Kolodziej and the mysterious visitors, who according to some interpretations may have been depicted as rabbits or hares. Piast's Woj is not only a tourist curiosity, but also a starting point for many thematic walks around the city.

It is worth mentioning that Gniezno also has a District Tourist Information Center run by the Piast Trail Tourist Organization. It's a place where tourists can get detailed information about all the trail's attractions, stock up on maps and guidebooks, and plan their onward journey. The center is conveniently located at 40/41 Chrobrego Street, making it an ideal starting point for exploring the city and the entire trail.

Gniezno hides many mysteries and legends related to the beginnings of the Polish state. One of them is the tale of the Gniezno Doors, a Romanesque masterpiece of foundry art depicting scenes from the life of St. Adalbert. According to local accounts, touching the handle of this door is said to bring good luck and ensure a return to Gniezno. Another legend tells of an underground lake beneath Lech Hill, on which the cathedral stands. It is said that a golden eagle - the symbol of the Piast dynasty, visible only to pure-hearted people - is reflected in its waters.

For those who want to see the most important monuments of the Piast Trail in one place, a must-see is the Skansen Miniatur Piast Trail in Pobiedziska. This unique attraction, located at 68 Fabryczna Street, presents a collection of more than 30 miniatures of the most important historical buildings related to the beginnings of the Polish state. All the mock-ups are made at a scale of 1:20, which allows you to appreciate the architectural details and proportions of the original buildings.

Among the exhibits are miniatures of Gniezno Cathedral, Poznań Cathedral and Włocławek Cathedral, castles in Kórnik and Gołuchów, the palace in Rogalin, as well as reconstructions of buildings that no longer exist, such as the castle on Ostrów Lednicki and the original buildings on Ostrów Tumski in Poznań. Each miniature is accompanied by an information board, which introduces the history of the object in question and its significance for Polish cultural heritage.

The open-air museum is particularly attractive for families with children, who can learn about Polish history in an accessible way. The miniature buildings are arranged along picturesque paths, making the tour a pleasant stroll. Special field games and quizzes have been prepared for the little ones, which impart historical knowledge in a fun way. The cost of visiting the open-air museum is not high, making it accessible to any budget.

An interesting fact is that all the miniatures were made by local craftsmen from traditional materials - wood, stone and brick - with attention to the smallest details. Some of them have moving parts, which adds to their attractiveness. According to local legend, visiting all the miniatures in the open-air museum brings good luck and guarantees that one will someday see all the original buildings on the Piast Trail.

When planning a trip along the Piast Route, it is worth taking advantage of the assistance of the Piast Route Tourist Organization, which runs the District Tourist Information Center in Gniezno. The center offers comprehensive services to tourists - from providing information on attractions and cultural events, to assistance in booking accommodation, to organizing guided tours. Promotional materials, maps and guidebooks are also available here to help visitors explore the trail on their own.

The Piast Trail can be explored in a variety of ways - by car, by bicycle, and even on foot in selected sections. Special bicycle routes have been prepared for lovers of active recreation, leading through the most beautiful corners of Wielkopolska and Kujawy. It's worth planning at least a few days to get to know the highlights of the route, and even better - a week, which will allow for leisurely sightseeing and full immersion in the history of the beginnings of the Polish state.

The Piast Trail is not only a history lesson, but also an opportunity to commune with the beauty of nature and local culture. Along the route there are picturesque lakes, forests and moraine hills, which create a charming landscape. In the towns along the route you can taste regional culinary specialties, such as Wielkopolska fried cheese or świętomarciński croissants, as well as take part in numerous festivals and historical reconstructions, which bring closer everyday life in the times of the first Piasts.

A trip along the Piast Route is a fascinating adventure that combines education with entertainment, history with nature, tradition with modernity. It is a proposal for all those who want to better understand the roots of Polish statehood and national identity, while discovering lesser-known, but extremely charming corners of our country.