Grätz: Discover the city’s history and routes

Two town centres and their architectural history

The medieval founding town developed around the square Old Market, the Stary Rynek. By contrast, the so-called New Town has a rectangular market square, pl. Powstańców Wielkopolskich. ulica Szeroka connects the two districts. A walk through Grätz lets you explore different historic urban layouts rather than focusing on just one square. The three-storey town hall, built in the first half of the 19th century, stands on the Stary Rynek.

The religious buildings also display distinct architectural features. The former Bernardine monastery complex was built in 1662 by Jan Leopold Opaliński, the Castellan of Nakło; the monastery church was consecrated in 1739. A monument of particular regional value, the church retains its unchanged Baroque furnishings and decoration. The parish church of St Jadwiga Śląska is a single-nave building. Its paired chapels on either side and its presbytery are covered by circular domes. Those interested in architectural forms and historic urban spaces will find several specific points of interest here.

Mills, brewing tradition and a legend passed down through the generations

Milling is also part of the town’s history. A post mill built in 1766 was reconstructed in Grodzisk Wielkopolski in 2011, recalling this tradition. It is considered a sight for travellers passing through and tourists. Another local speciality is the brewing tradition: in 1601, brewers and maltsters received their first privilege here. At the fountain of Father Bernard of Wąbrzeźno, you will also encounter a symbol of the town. A legend passed down for centuries tells of the miraculous revival of the town’s spring.

Cycling routes with varying levels of difficulty

For active days, two very different types of tour are available. The Szlak Piaskowych Wydm is a technically difficult off-road cycling route, with some very difficult sections. Its forest paths feature numerous climbs, sharp ascents and descents, and sandy stretches. It is suited to experienced cyclists with mountain or cross bikes. Check this challenging route profile before planning it as a group ride.

The Szlak Pielgrzyma is quite different: it runs through open terrain, is technically easy with a difficulty rating of 2/5, and has no climbs. The Grodziska-Pętla route, in turn, passes through every locality in the Grodzisk Wielkopolski municipality. Its varied landscape offers a comprehensive impression of the municipality’s historic character and its natural landscape. The routes therefore offer different highlights: a challenging off-road ride, an easy tour without climbs, or a route showcasing the municipality’s diversity.

Planning your town visit and stay

The outdoor swimming pool in Grodzisk Wielkopolski has a water area for relaxation, lockable lockers, a rest area and a large green space. These facilities offer a different focus from a day spent exploring the town’s history or cycling. When choosing your holiday apartment, you can first decide which experiences you want to shape your stay; the range of cultural and active options offers practical guidance, without requiring any one type of trip to define your visit.

For tourist information, the municipal centre is located at ul. Przemysłowa 7, at the intersection with ulica Szeroka. It is open Monday to Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. If you would like to continue exploring beyond Grätz, you can find more places here: Grodzisk Wielkopolski, Granowo, Wielichowo, Kamieniec, Szczepowice, Kotowo and Rakoniewice.

For the broader travel overview: Greater Poland.

More destinations

More places within the same destination:

Gostyn.