It is the burial place of the first three Polish kings and the first two dukes of Poland.
The cathedral is built upon the site of the first Polish missionary bishopric established in 968.
The Golden Chapel (Złota Kaplica) features a statue of Mieszko I and Bolesław I the Brave by Christian Daniel Rauch.
Beneath the floor, visitors can view excavated remnants of the original 10th-century stone walls.
The cathedral features 12 side chapels surrounding the central aisles.
It stands on the island of Ostrów Tumski, historically the site of the first fortified settlement of the Piast dynasty.
The baptistery of Mieszko I is believed to have been located within the original cathedral structure.
The Archcathedral Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul in Poznań is the oldest cathedral in Poland, founded in the 10th century on Ostrów Tumski island. Its foundation is intrinsically linked to the establishment of the Polish state and the baptism of Mieszko I in 966. The current structure is a Gothic cathedral featuring three aisles and an ambulatory. Within its crypts lie the remains of the first Polish rulers, including Mieszko I and Bolesław the Brave. The Golden Chapel, designed in the 19th century, houses a neoclassical sarcophagus containing the relics of these early monarchs. Following extensive damage during World War II, the cathedral was reconstructed to emphasize its Gothic features. It remains the seat of the Archbishop of Poznań. The site contains archaeological remnants of the original pre-Romanesque and Romanesque stone cathedrals accessible via the underground tour.
From the Piłsudski Bridge, looking back towards the cathedral facade to capture the spires and the island setting.
Visit the underground crypts to see the archaeological remains of the earliest stone structures.
Check for special organ concerts, as the cathedral acoustics are highly regarded.
Walk around the perimeter to view the distinct architectural transitions from Gothic to Baroque details.
Avoid visiting during mass times unless intending to worship; do not photograph the interior during religious services.
The underground archaeological site may be closed during major religious holidays or private ceremonies.
Maintain silence; cover shoulders and knees; remove hats inside the building.
