Gorzów Wielkopolski is a city that can genuinely surprise any traveller, or at least most of them! It’s picturesquely situated on the Warta River, in the very heart of the Lubusz Voivodeship, and is a rapidly developing centre which interestingly combines its often difficult past with the present. Although, it’s worth highlighting, the city suffered greatly during World War II, today it has plenty of interesting places and attractions to offer, for both adults and children. Besides a rich cultural and tourist offer, Gorzów Wielkopolski provides its residents with access to numerous schools, universities, hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies, as well as a variety of shops and local markets.

So if you’re considering what to see in Gorzów Wielkopolski, allow us to take you on a virtual journey through its extraordinary corners, historical monuments and cultural „gems”. You’ll find out that, according to many, it’s an ideal spot for a weekend getaway full of, hopefully, unforgettable adventures. Doesn’t that sound appealing? From the historic Old Town, which, admittedly, was largely rebuilt, to the city’s green lungs, i.e. parks and fascinating museums – Gorzów hides far more than might meet the eye at first glance. Let’s try together to discover the most interesting tourist attractions in Gorzów Wielkopolski, and delve into its rich history and unique culture.

Extraordinary Places and Attractions in Gorzów – Where to Begin?

Discovering Gorzów Wielkopolski is best started from its historical centre. Although the Old Town was largely rebuilt after wartime destruction, you can still find traces of its former glory here, and places which, as they say locally, are „shrouded in legend”. Literally every corner tells its own unique story; you just need to be willing to listen.

A Stroll Through the Old Town and Its Charming Nooks and Crannies – What Awaits Us?

While strolling through Gorzów’s Old Town, it’s worth pausing for a moment to simply soak in its unique atmosphere. Despite largely contemporary buildings, the beautiful Pauckscha Fountain still stands in the Old Market Square, founded by the industrialist Ferdinand Pauckscha in 1904. The central figure is a statue of Neptune, symbolising protection over the city and its inhabitants. Interestingly, the original fountain sculpture was melted down by the Germans during the war – this is a replica, which, however, doesn’t detract from its charm at all. Next to the fountain in the Market Square is the historic Town Hall, which is the seat of the city authorities and an important landmark. Near the Old Town, you’ll also come across charming townhouses, such as those at Spichrzowa Street 4 (dating from the late 19th century) or Obotrycka Street (as early as the 18th century).

Discovering the Secrets of the Witches’ Well – Do You Dare Look Down?

One of the more intriguing, perhaps even dark, places in the Old Town, located not far from the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is the Witches’ Well (Studnia Czarownic). Reconstructed in the 20th century, it symbolises the tragic memory of the persecution of women from the time of the Inquisition. Does it have an aura of mystery? Well, it certainly serves as a reminder of the dark, difficult chapters in the history of the town of Landsberg an der Warthe.

Admiring the Gothic Architecture of the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary – Gorzów’s Pearl

A true, monumental architectural gem in Gorzów Wielkopolski and at the same time the oldest church in the city is the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Its roots date back to the 13th century, and construction in the Gothic style is dated to the 14th century – impressive, isn’t it? This majestic building, situated in the very heart of the Market Square, with its powerful tower dominating the city skyline, consistently attracts lovers of sacred art and, of course, tourists. Interestingly, from 1537 to 1945, the church served Protestants. Inside, you’ll find valuable elements, such as the main altarpiece in the form of a triptych from 1600 or the late-Gothic Crucifixion Group from the 15th century, placed on the rood beam, which testifies to its rich history.

The Cathedral is also an important cultural centre – numerous classical music concerts are held here every year, and special educational workshops are organised for the youngest visitors, making it easily accessible to every visitor. In front of the cathedral stands a monument to Witold Andrzejewski. Undoubtedly, this Gothic cathedral is one of the most valuable jewels of Gorzów Wielkopolski’s cultural heritage. Besides the Cathedral, it’s worth visiting other churches, including St. Adalbert’s Church, known for its architecture and history, or the previously mentioned St. Anthony of Padua Church and the Holy Cross Church.

Gorzów Wielkopolski – A Pearl of the Lubusz Voivodeship?

Gorzów Wielkopolski, often called the second capital of the Lubusz Voivodeship (alongside Zielona Góra, where the regional assembly meets, while Gorzów is the seat of the Lubusz Voivode – an interesting administrative tidbit), is a city full of greenery and rich regional history. Many of its attractions are closely related to the surrounding nature and the cultural heritage of the Lubusz people.

Gorzów’s Green Oases: Siemiradzki Park and People’s Spring Park

Gorzów Wielkopolski is also a very green city, with numerous parks and recreational areas, which are excellent places for a moment of respite and relaxation. Siemiradzki Park, located in the centre of Gorzów Wielkopolski and passionately created between 1869 and 1908, is a true oasis of peace with an impressive variety of vegetation and pleasant walking paths. Here you’ll find an amphitheatre, which, although built as part of a so-called ‘social effort’ (czyn społeczny), is now one of the most modern facilities of its kind in Poland. In summer, it’s buzzing with life, hosting concerts, theatre performances, and other artistic events. The park also has a viewing platform, offering a lovely panorama of the city, as well as the so-called ‘Stairs to Nowhere’, an intriguing remnant of an unrealised concept to build a palm house at the top of the slope – sometimes that’s how it goes with ambitious plans. For children, the park offers numerous attractions, such as a playground and interactive educational installations. Another pleasant place for walks and relaxation amidst nature is People’s Spring Park, located near the Old Town.

The Jan Dekert Lubusz Museum – A Journey Through the Region’s History and Culture – Why Visit?

The Jan Dekert Lubusz Museum is one of the most important places in Gorzów Wielkopolski, a true treasure trove of ethnographic and historical knowledge. It is the oldest museum in the entire Lubusz Voivodeship, named after Jan Dekert, a figure undoubtedly distinguished for the development of Gorzów and the Lubusz region. The museum’s main building is a beautiful villa and garden complex, originally belonging to the wealthy industrialist Gustaw Schroeder, and currently serving as the museum’s main headquarters. Inside, you can admire paintings, sculptures, and numismatic collections. The museum was opened after World War II and has since systematically expanded its collections and activities. The museum’s mission is to preserve the cultural heritage of the Lubusz people, which, let’s face it, is a very important role. Here you’ll find unique everyday objects, folk costumes, and even old farming tools. The museum actively organises various events, meetings, activities, temporary exhibitions, author meetings, and thematic lectures, directing many attractions towards children, who, it’s clear, willingly and actively participate in learning about history through play and education.

What’s more, the Lubusz Museum also has several branches, which significantly extends its reach:

• The Granary (Spichlerz) – This historic half-timbered granary from the 18th century (at Fabryczna Street 1) is a branch of the Jan Dekert Museum in Gorzów. It is located right on the bank of the Warta River and was formerly closely associated with shipping and trade along the waterways of the Warta, Noteć, and Odra Rivers. Also worth noting is another granary, a red-brick building from the 19th century at Wał Okrężny Street.
• The Museum in Bogdaniec – In this charming village, three historic mills are located by the Bogdanka stream, at Leśna Street, forming a truly picturesque complex. Next to the Museum is an orchard with historic horse gins (kieraty), where an exhibition of log hives has been organised, which is quite unique.
• The Santok Fortified Settlement Museum – Located in the village of Santok, which has a characteristic linear settlement layout (ulicówka) and offers splendid views of the confluence of the Warta and Noteć rivers. The history of the Santok Fortified Settlement dates back as far as the 8th century, which speaks for itself.

The Warta River Boulevard – A Walk Along the Warta with an Unforgettable View – Is It the Most Beautiful Spot?

One of the most charming, and probably just the most pleasant, places in Gorzów Wielkopolski is the Warta River Boulevard (Bulwar Nadwarciański). It stretches along the Warta River, between Garbary and Hejmanowska streets. It’s an ideal place for a relaxing walk, a peaceful bike ride, admiring the riverside landscape, and simply, plain old relaxation. Residents of Gorzów, quite rightly, very willingly spend time on the Warta River Boulevard, and occasionally, a coal barge even appears in the boulevard area. Above the entire boulevard stretches the longest railway viaduct in Poland, measuring 2116 metres – impressive, isn’t it? Next to the boulevard is also Herzog’s Villa from 1900, as well as a sculpture of Janusz Gorzowski, a locally important figure. The Warta River Boulevard is located at Nadbrzeżna Street and, of course, by the Old Town Bridge (Most Staromiejski), which connects the two banks of the Warta.

Attractions for the Youngest Visitors in Gorzów – Will Kids Be Bored Here?

Gorzów Wielkopolski genuinely offers a wide range of attractions for its youngest visitors, making it a very family-friendly city. Regardless of whether your little ones are interested in dinosaurs, animals, or perhaps science, you’ll definitely find something interesting for yourselves, there’s no doubt about that.

Besides the places we describe in detail below, it’s worth knowing that Gorzów has a Municipal Zoological Garden, which will certainly interest young nature enthusiasts, while also offering educational programmes and workshops. The Kepler Science Centre, in turn, is a place with interactive exhibitions, where fun naturally combines with learning, which is always a good combination. The Water Park in Gorzów Wielkopolski, well, it’s simply the ideal place for active, water-based relaxation – slides, pools, and paddling pools for the youngest ensure excellent fun for the whole family. In different parts of the city, you’ll also come across modern, safe playgrounds, tailored to the needs of children of various ages, which is a big plus.

Papugarnia Rio – A Meeting with the Colourful World of Birds

Papugarnia Rio in Gorzów Wielkopolski is a place where you can literally immerse yourself in the colourful, noisy world of birds. It is located next to NoVa Park Shopping Centre. It’s a great attraction for both children and adults, allowing for, how else, close contact with exotic parrot species.

Dinosaur Park – A Prehistoric Adventure for the Whole Family – Is It Worth Going?

Not far from Gorzów, in Nowiny Wielkie (it’s only about 20 km from the city), lies the Dinosaur Park. It’s a true paradise for the youngest prehistory enthusiasts, where on a specially prepared educational trail you can encounter realistic models of ancient creatures and feel, at least for a moment, like you’re in the Mesozoic era. The Dinosaur Park consistently attracts families with children, looking for the combination that works best – fun and learning.

Fun Jumps at Fun Jump – A Trampoline Park for Little and Big Kids

If your children need to burn off some energy, and you’re looking for a place for active fun, Fun Jump – a trampoline park, also located next to NoVa Park Shopping Centre – is, as they say, spot on. It’s a really great option for little ones, but big ones too, allowing for joyful jumps and spending time in constant motion.

Gorzów Wielkopolski – A Wealth of Culture and Art – Is It a City of Artists?

Gorzów Wielkopolski is an important cultural centre, offering a rich programme of artistic events, festivals, and concerts. The city’s cultural richness can, and indeed should, be experienced in many places, including the modern Gorzów Philharmonic or the well-known Juliusz Osterwa Theatre (although, admittedly, the latter was not covered in detail in the original intention of this text). The city cares for the intellectual development of its residents, offering access to modern libraries, which serve as important centres of knowledge and culture. Gorzów is a city that, as is clear, values art, which is noticeable, for example, in its urban space.

Gorzów Philharmonic – Concerts and Music Events – What’s On?

The musical heart of the city, no exaggeration, is the Gorzów Philharmonic. It has a modern concert hall and offers a truly rich musical programme, regularly organising concerts, music workshops, and thematic meetings. What’s more, the Gorzów Philharmonic prepares, for example, the musical „The Jungle Book” and organises outdoor cultural events. It offers numerous thematic festivals, such as the Film Music Festival or the Contemporary Music Festival, attracting audiences from across the Lubusz region, which demonstrates its significance.

NoVa Park Shopping Centre – Shopping and Entertainment – Just for Shopaholics?

NoVa Park Shopping Centre is one of the larger shopping centres in Gorzów Wielkopolski, offering a wide selection of shops, but also opportunities to spend time enjoying, shall we say, standard entertainment, like cinema or restaurants. It’s a popular meeting place for residents and, of course, visitors to the city, although whether it constitutes „cultural” richness is another discussion altogether.

Mural Masterpieces on the Pillars of Art – Is Art Hitting the Streets?

Yes, Gorzów Wielkopolski is a city where it’s clear there are mural enthusiasts, and by no means just a handful. One of the most interesting places to admire urban art is undoubtedly the Pillars of Art (Filary Sztuki). They are located, perhaps surprisingly, on the pillars of the Nadwarciańska Route viaduct, near Jagiełły and Spichrzowa streets, in the pedestrian tunnel. These are murals depicting images of famous people and characters from films, adding an artistic, often surprising, expression to the urban landscape. What’s more, throughout the city you can find many other murals and artistic installations; you just need to look around carefully. Gorzów is also a city full of sculptures and monuments, such as Janusz Gorzowski on the Warta River Boulevards, the intriguing cast-iron sculpture of the Sfinstera, or statues of the famous speedway rider Edward Jancarz (at Strzelecka Street) and, uniquely, the well-known local homeless man Kazimierz Wnuk (at Sikorskiego Street) – this demonstrates the local flavour.

Gorzów Wielkopolski – Active Leisure – For Whom?

For those who value active leisure, Gorzów Wielkopolski really has a lot to offer. The proximity to nature (although there’s a bit less of it in the centre) and the reasonably well-developed sports and recreational infrastructure create wide opportunities for spending leisure time actively.

For those arriving in Gorzów Wielkopolski, the city offers various transport options and good accessibility. Access is possible thanks to the presence of railway and bus stations, as well as main railway stations providing connections to other cities. Although there is no large airport in Gorzów itself, regional airports are located within a reasonable distance, offering domestic and international connections. River ports also operate on the Warta, as well as water stops for tourist vessels. Within the city, you can get around using public transport, using the numerous bus and tram stops. When planning a train journey, it’s worth checking the timetables at the railway stops. Information about transport, including any air stops (e.g., for scenic flights), is available at information points.

Riding the Gorzów Bimba – A Replica of a Historic Tram – A Sentimental Journey?

The Gorzów Bimba is undoubtedly a unique tourist attraction, which allows you to step back in time and experience a little of the city’s atmosphere from the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. It’s a faithful replica of a tram from 1899, which interestingly combines tradition with modernity, although it primarily serves, let’s say, a decorative and informational function. It stands near the intersection of Wełniany Rynek and Chrobrego streets and serves as a meeting point, a place to relax, and also an information point for tourists, which is practical. Within the nostalgic interior of the historic tram is a Café (Kawiarenka), which allows you to immerse yourself in Gorzów’s historical atmosphere, and a Tourist Information office, where you can get the necessary information for exploring the city. The Gorzów Bimba is, isn’t it?, an excellent starting point for anyone wanting to discover Gorzów Wielkopolski.

Leisure on the Warta – Walking, Cycling, or Kayaking – Just Lounging Around?

The Warta River Boulevard is not just a place for a peaceful walk, but also an excellent space for outdoor activities. Here you can, of course, cycle along the prepared cycle routes or simply walk along the numerous footpaths. The proximity of the Warta River means the city also offers attractions directly related to the water, such as boat trips or kayaking, if you fancy it. These are truly great places for recreation and active leisure in the city, and even in its close vicinity.

Places Worth Visiting Around Gorzów – What Do the Lubusz Surroundings Hide?

The areas around Gorzów Wielkopolski also hide many interesting places and attractions, ideal for, let’s say, one-day trips. If you want to fully discover the charms of the Lubusz Voivodeship, we recommend visiting a few selected places, because, after all, you can’t see everything at once:

• Lake Nierzym: A picturesque spot, just right for relaxing by the water, located only 12 km from Gorzów.
• Mierzęcin Palace: An impressive complex, though perhaps not interesting for everyone, surrounded by a beautiful park, located about 50 km from Gorzów.
• Dinosaur Park in Nowiny Wielkie: Already mentioned, but worth repeating, a paradise for the youngest visitors.
• Międzyrzecz: A charming town less than an hour’s drive south-east of Gorzów. There it’s worth seeing the ruins of the 14th-century Knights Hospitaller castle, as well as the Alf Kowalski Museum of the Międzyrzecz Region, presenting rich archaeological and ethnographic collections from this area of Poland, which is certainly valuable.
• Drawieński National Park: A must-see on the map of trips from Gorzów, if you are, of course, a nature fan. This park, located just over 70 km from the city, offers various hiking trails along the Drawa River, picturesque lakes, and, importantly, pristine forests.
• Kostrzyn nad Odrą Fortress: A historic place, strongly associated with the tragic events of World War II, when German troops withdrew to Kostrzyn, although Gorzów’s own Old Town was also burnt down by Soviet troops passing through Gorzów in 1945 en route to Kostrzyn – this serves as a reminder of the difficult past.
• Charming Towns: It’s also worth considering visiting nearby, smaller towns such as Strzelce Krajeńskie, Myślibórz, the area around the Warta Estuary National Park (Park Narodowy Ujście Warty), Łagów (although that’s a bit further), Drezdenko, Świerkocin, or Chwarszczany.

Gorzów Wielkopolski – Tastes and Smells – Is It Worth Eating Here?

Travelling is also, perhaps above all, about discovering local flavours. In Gorzów Wielkopolski, you’ll find many places where you can try traditional Polish cuisine, but also, of course, international dishes.

Traditional Polish Cuisine – Pierogi, Sausage, Bread – A Classic of the Genre?

Gorzów Wielkopolski, as befits a Polish city, offers classic Polish dishes, which should satisfy every lover of native cuisine. We recommend trying delicious pierogi (whether Russian (ruskie) or with meat, there’s a wide choice), grilled sausage (especially in summer), or sourdough bread from a local bakery. Some restaurants serve local cuisine dishes, in which, apparently, you can still feel a homely atmosphere. It’s also worth thinking about buying regional cold cuts as a tasty souvenir from your trip, of course, if you like that kind of thing.

Sweet Temptations: Cakes, Tarts, Cheesecakes, Apple Pies – Just for Sweet Tooths?

Those with a sweet tooth, and who isn’t?, will be delighted with the offerings of Gorzów’s patisseries and cafes. Here you can try traditional Polish baked goods, as well as, importantly, modern desserts. Local cakes and tarts, I’ve heard, are famous for their richness of flavours and often very original decoration. Regional specialities include, of course, exquisite cheesecakes and apple pies – classics that are impossible to refuse.

Gorzów’s Restaurants and Cafes – Where to Eat and Drink Coffee?

Gorzów Wielkopolski offers surprising culinary diversity, to be honest. Besides, of course, traditional Polish cuisine, you’ll find restaurants serving international cuisine here – from Italian (pizza, pasta, you know), through Asian (sushi for the brave), to Middle Eastern (classic kebab). Cafes tempt with the aroma of coffee, often roasted on site, and local pubs, oh yes, are famous for their craft beers – from light lagers, through flavourful IPAs, to dark, heavier stouts. It seems Gorzów is a city that can satisfy, probably every palate.

Accommodation in Gorzów Wielkopolski – A Choice for Everyone – Where to Stay?

Gorzów Wielkopolski seems ready to welcome every traveller, offering a variety of accommodation options, tailored to various, individual needs and, of course, budgets. Whether you’re looking for luxury, a cosy atmosphere, or simply, an affordable place to sleep, you’ll definitely find something for yourselves.

Hotels, Guesthouses, Hostels – Comfort and Convenience – But Always?

Elegant hotels are available in Gorzów Wielkopolski, which offer, of course, a rich range of services, including restaurants serving local and international cuisine, wellness and fitness centres, as well as conference rooms for business guests. The city also offers cosy guesthouses and Bed and Breakfast accommodation, often located in quieter, greener areas, known for their hospitality and cosy atmosphere. Gorzów Wielkopolski also has a selection of modern hostels on offer, which are, obviously, an affordable accommodation option, offering dormitory and private rooms, communal kitchens, and relaxation areas – something for students and backpackers.

Apartments – Privacy and Space – Ideal for Families?

If you value privacy and ample space above all, apartments in Gorzów Wielkopolski will be an excellent, and sometimes the only sensible, choice. They are, as a rule, excellently equipped and offer complete freedom, making them an ideal solution for families with children and those planning a longer stay in the city.

Agritourism in the Gorzów Area – Closeness to Nature – An Escape from the City?

For those who crave close contact with nature and peace away from the city hustle and bustle, the areas around Gorzów Wielkopolski offer the possibility of staying at agritourism farms. It’s a chance for genuine relaxation, enjoying local, fresh produce, and simply, enjoying the beauty of the Lubusz nature, which can be captivating.

Gorzów Wielkopolski – History in the City Walls – What Else Do the Walls Remember?

Gorzów Wielkopolski is a city with a very rich, but at times, as we’ve already mentioned, difficult history, traces of which can still, though sometimes with difficulty, be found in its architecture. From medieval defensive walls to monuments recalling the old times of Landsberg an der Warthe, the past is still, in some way, alive here. It’s worth remembering the turbulent history of the region, where alongside cities with defensive walls, there were castles, although no impressive castle has survived to our times in Gorzów Wielkopolski itself.

Historic Defensive Walls – A Trace of the Middle Ages – Are They Still Standing?

The Historic Defensive Walls in Gorzów Wielkopolski are tangible evidence of medieval defensive architecture. Their construction began, naturally, at the start of the 14th century, and the first written mentions of their use date back to 1325. The walls, built mainly from cobblestones and bricks, reached a thickness of up to 1.4 metres at the base and were, obviously, surrounded by a moat and a river – typical of those times. There were about 30 projecting towers (baszt wykuszowych) along the line of fortifications, which indicates the scale of the fortifications. Like many medieval cities, the city had three city gates: Młyńska to the west, Mostowa to the south, and Santocka to the east.

Unfortunately, the dismantling of the walls began as early as the 19th century, because they were no longer needed. The Santocka and Młyńska gates were dismantled in the 1820s, and the Mostowa gate tower even earlier, as early as 1740. The dismantling of the fortifications lasted until the 1880s, which shows it was a process spread over time. Today, unfortunately, only fragments of the walls have been preserved, including along Zabytkowa Street (measuring 130 metres in length), as well as a small and, frankly, barely visible fragment along Młyńska Street. The most characteristic element that has survived is the Prison Tower (Baszta Więzienna), serving various purposes over the centuries, including, as the name suggests, as a prison. The Defensive Walls in Gorzów Wielkopolski allow, if only one is interested, for a better understanding of Gorzów’s history and urban development, and visitors have the opportunity to admire the preserved fragments, which are systematically conserved and restored, during, let’s say, more careful walks. Fortunately, the city of Gorzów Wielkopolski places great importance on preserving this monument, which, despite its fragmentary nature, is an important element of local cultural identity.

Pauckscha Fountain – A Monument in the Old Market Square – Is It a Symbol?

The Pauckscha Fountain, also known, as we’ve mentioned, as the Neptune Fountain, is undoubtedly a spectacular tourist attraction and, one might say, a symbol of Gorzów’s tradition and culture. It is located in the central point of the Old Town Square (Plac Staromiejski), which is the Old Market Square, although it is surrounded, as is often the case, by contemporary buildings. It was founded by the well-known, wealthy Gorzów industrialist Ferdinand Pauckscha in 1904, which in itself is already part of history.

Former Landsberg an der Warthe – The Beginnings of Gorzów – Where Did the Name Come From?

The history of Gorzów Wielkopolski is, like that of many Polish border cities, fascinating and complex. In the past, the city bore the name Landsberg an der Warthe and was founded, or rather, chartered, by Albert de Luge in 1257, when it was granted town privileges, which was an important step in its development. It was an important economic centre in Brandenburg, located, crucially, to the east of the Oder River. In medieval times, these lands belonged to the Polans and the Kingdom of Poland, which is worth remembering. In 1433, Gorzów Wielkopolski was invaded by the Hussites, who, however, interestingly, were unable to breach the city walls. For the first half of the 15th century, the city was under the rule of the Teutonic Knights – it was a turbulent period.

In the 18th century, the Thirty Years’ War caused Gorzów Wielkopolski to suffer greatly, like many cities in the region. After the war ended, the city became, perhaps surprisingly, one of the most important centres for trade in textiles and wool with Poland. The most dramatic moment occurred in 1945, when Soviet troops passed through the city; the old town was then completely burnt down – a huge tragedy. After World War II, Gorzów Wielkopolski was incorporated into Poland, and from 1945, the city bore the name Gorzów nad Wartą before acquiring its current one. It’s worth mentioning the Bishop’s House (Dom Biskupi), a pre-war building which the bishopric acquired ownership of after World War II, and the bishops managed the entire diocese from this location, although later the seat of the bishopric was moved to Zielona Góra. But thanks to the active involvement of the people of Gorzów, the church authorities organised the Bishop Wilhelm Pluta Institute within its walls, a figure very deserving of Gorzów Wielkopolski. St. Anthony of Padua and St. Stanislaus Kostka Church, built at the turn of the 17th and 18th centuries, which the Capuchin friars took over after World War II, plays, very importantly, a role in reconciling the former and current residents of Gorzów Wielkopolski – it is here that the Days of Remembrance and Reconciliation are held annually. At today’s Warszawska Street, at the end of the 19th century, the Holy Cross Church (formally the Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross) was built, placing it on the site of a chapel that was about 50 years older.

Gorzów Wielkopolski – Sporting Excitement – Just Speedway?

Gorzów Wielkopolski is a city where, without a doubt, sports fans live, and particularly, as every resident and many Poles know, speedway. Sport in Gorzów arouses great, sometimes even too great, emotions and has a very long, rich tradition. Numerous sporting events are organised here.

Speedway Stadium – Stal Gorzów Matches – A Passionate Atmosphere?

The speedway stadium is one of the most important points on the city’s map, and not just the sporting one. This is where the legendary Stal Gorzów team plays its matches, whose successes, well, electrify most residents, I suppose. Gorzów is strongly associated with speedway, as confirmed by the careers of outstanding riders who are still talked about today. Edward Jancarz, a famous speedway rider from Gorzów, between 1968 and 1986, he repeatedly brought fame to Gorzów Wielkopolski in national and international competitions. His monument, as we mentioned, is located at Strzelecka Street.

Edward Jancarz Memorial – Speedway Competitions – Does the Tradition Continue?

The memory of Edward Jancarz is, as is clear, still very much alive. Every year, international competitions named the „Edward Jancarz Memorial” are organised on the local track, which attract speedway stars from Poland and abroad, providing spectators with, of course, immense sporting excitement.

Active Leisure in Gorzów – Something More Than Just the Stadium?

Besides speedway, Gorzów offers, happily, wide opportunities for pursuing other sports and recreation. The already mentioned cycle routes and footpaths allow for activity amidst nature, weather permitting. The city also has swimming pools (including, of course, the Water Park), gyms, and other sports facilities. Gorzów is also, as we’ve already noted, a city of nature enthusiasts, which is conducive to spending time actively outdoors. It’s also worth mentioning, incidentally, other sportsmen associated with Gorzów, such as the volleyball player Sebastian Świderski, a European Championship medallist, because, after all, it’s not only speedway that matters here.

Gorzów Wielkopolski – Extraordinary Places and Inspiration – Is It Worth Visiting?

As you can see, Gorzów Wielkopolski is a city full of, often pleasant, surprises, which offers attractions for a weekend and, in fact, much more. From historic streets which, despite the destruction, hide their secrets, through picturesque parks, to fascinating museums – everyone, I’m convinced, will find something here for themselves. While strolling through Gorzów, you’ll come across numerous monuments and sculptures, which add character to the city, and sometimes simply, make you smile. In the Market Square, you’ll find Gorzów Cathedral (officially the Parish Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary), the Alley of Famous Gorzów Residents embedded in the pavement, and, of course, the Pauckscha Fountain. Fragments of the city walls, though modest, can be seen along Zabytkowa Street. The Warta River Boulevard at Nadbrzeżna Street, situated on the Warta and by the Old Town Bridge (Most Staromiejski), is the ideal place for relaxation, at any time of day.

A characteristic, and for some, perhaps controversial, element on the city’s map is the „Little Spider” (Pajączek) in Gorzów, which is the viewing tower on St. George’s Roundabout. Near the Wełniany Rynek intersection, you’ll also find, how else, the Gorzów Bimba. It’s worth, I think, remembering that Gorzów, formerly Landsberg an der Warthe, belonged to Brandenburg until 1945, and is currently within the borders of Poland, lying north of Świebodzin – this is an important historical context. The richness of its history, the diversity of its culture, and, importantly, the opportunities for active leisure mean that Gorzów Wielkopolski is a city that is truly, in my opinion, worth visiting and experiencing for yourself, if only for one, eventful, weekend.