Kalisz can be explored in different ways: along walking routes through distinctive places, and through a history revealed in its fortifications, sacred art and the panorama from the town hall tower. When planning your stay, you can first consider whether you are most interested in the city’s history, its parks or a variety of themes.

Walking Routes with Distinctive Themes

Launched in 2024, the Kaliski Szlak Wiewiórek (Kalisz Squirrel Trail) has nine stops and leads through distinctive places in Kalisz. As a walking route, it invites residents and tourists to actively explore the city. Its focus is on a range of places around the city rather than on a single attraction.

The Szlakiem Kaliskich Parków (Kalisz Parks Route) offers a different perspective. It passes through Rodziny Wiłkomirskich Park, Planty Miejskie, Park Miejski, Park Przyjaźni and Park Dworski Szczypiorno. The two routes therefore offer different points of focus: the Kaliski Szlak Wiewiórek draws attention to distinctive places, while the parks route takes in five named parks. Park Miejski also has a specific historical connection: it was established in 1798 on the site of former Jesuit gardens.

Fortifications and History at the Museum

The “Kaliski Gród Piastów” Archaeological Reserve in Zawodzie is part of the Muzeum Okręgowe Ziemi Kaliskiej. Its reconstructed fortifications include a gate with a palisade, palisades around a reconstructed defensive tower, and a section of the former timber-and-earth fortifications. Visitors can also learn about the remains of the early medieval castle complex and the furnishings of medieval houses. The reconstructions and historical remains offer different ways to explore the site’s history, from the fortifications’ structure to the houses’ furnishings.

A Romanesque Work of Art and Views Across the City

The treasury of the Sanctuary of Saint Joseph displays a Romanesque paten known as the “Kalisz Paten.” Mieszko III the Old donated it to the Cistercian monastery in Ląd around 1193–1202. Its classification as a Romanesque work of art is thus linked to a named history of donation. The paten offers a different way of exploring the past from the reconstructed fortifications in the archaeological reserve: here, the focus is on a single object and its historical context.

The town hall tower, which is over 50 metres high, offers a panorama of the city. This adds a view of Kalisz from above to the walking routes and historic places. When planning your stay, you can choose based on the themes you’d like to explore in more depth: the reconstructed fortifications and medieval remains, the history of Park Miejski, the paten or the view from the town hall tower. This lets you tailor your trip to your personal interests without combining the different places and experiences into a single tour.

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For the broader travel overview: Kalisz.