The cathedral on Wzgórze Lecha and the Church of St. John the Baptist showcase two aspects of Gniezno’s history: the coronations of Poland’s first kings and medieval church architecture with surviving polychrome paintings. The Royal Route adds another perspective on the city’s history, with 15 hare sculptures pointing the way between its stops.

The Cathedral and the Church of St. John the Baptist

The cathedral on Wzgórze Lecha in Gniezno was the coronation site of Poland’s first five kings. The Church of St. John the Baptist, Kościół św. Jana Chrzciciela, is a single-nave building dating from the mid-14th century. It was built at the same time as the Gothic cathedral.

The chancel of St. John’s Church preserves original polychrome paintings, created using the al secco technique during the construction of the church. The cathedral and the church offer different points of focus: here, coronation history takes centre stage; there, architectural form and surviving paintings. Those interested in medieval sacred architecture will find a different way to explore the history of the place in the church than in the cathedral’s royal significance.

The Royal Route and its wayfinding features

Along the Royal Route, 15 hare sculptures point the way between the individual stops. They are intended for the youngest tourists and refer to important events in the city’s history. Their role combines wayfinding with historical references. If you are travelling with younger visitors, this route, expressly designed for them, offers a tangible point of interest.

The route is complemented by information boards, interactive information kiosks, a printed guide and a mobile app. This means that signposted, printed and digital forms of wayfinding are all part of what is on offer. As app availability may change, check before your trip.

More to explore in the wider Gniezno destination

In the wider Gniezno destination, the Old Town includes Tumska Street, which leads to the cathedral, the Market Square and its side streets, as well as part of Bolesław Chrobry Street. The Piast Trail crosses Gniezno, and the cathedral is a central point on the route. The Gniezno Doors depict the life of St. Adalbert in a series of images. Cast in bronze in the 1170s or 1180s, they have been housed in the Gniezno Archcathedral ever since they were made.

Nature trail, lake and practical information

The Eko Trakt is an approximately six-kilometre educational trail through Gniezno’s most interesting natural areas. Four Eko Trakt information boards by Lake Jelonek describe beaver habitats, the lake, reed beds and a wet meadow. Lake Jelonek borders the western side of Gniezno’s Old Town. The Piastowski Park lies by the lake, with walking paths and an outdoor street-workout area. In the wider Gniezno destination, visitors can therefore choose between different areas of interest, including historical sites, information about the landscape and outdoor recreation.

The tourist information office in Gniezno can help you find tourist sites, monuments and attractions, and provides regional maps and travel guides. Check opening hours before visiting.

Discover more destinations: Węgorzewo, Dębnica, Żydowo, Witkowo, Trzemeszno, Kiszkowo, Niechanowo, Skrzetuszewo

Return to the wider travel overview: Gniezno.