The first known Polish duke, Mieszko I,  built a castle in Poznan. Mieszko's son Boleslaus I the Brave was crowned king in 1025, and the Kingdom of Poland was established. Poznan was the capital of Greater Poland until it came under Prussian control in 1793. In 1806 the Poles sided with Napoleon and drove out the Prussian forces. In 1807 Poznan became part of the Duchy of Warsaw and capital of the Poznan department. After the Congress of Vienna Greater Poland was returned to Prussia and Poznan became capital of the Grand Duchy of Poznan. From 1871, it was part of the German Empire. Following Germany's defeat in the First World War and the establishment of the Second Polish Republic, Poznan became the capital of a voivodship. World War II came with German occupation and severe repressions. Since the end of the war, Poznan has been the main city of one of the 16 Polish provinces.

A center of heavy industry, Poznan is a gateway to trade with Germany, and many foreign companies have established their Polish branches in the city: Nestle, Wrigley's, Volkswagen, IKEA, Alcatel, etc. Poznan is the site of an international fair in June, focusing on arts and crafts. Poznan Exchange specializes in meat, cereals and fertilizers, and the town hosts a variety of trade fairs and exhibitions.

From the point of view of the leisure traveler, Poznan offers an opportunity to trace the early history of the Polish state and to enjoy its nice atmosphere and beautiful parks.

The Cathedral of Poznan, dedicated to St. Peter and St. Paul, is the earliest church in the country, dating back to the late 10th Century. It contains the tombs of early Polish rulers: Mieszko I,  Boleslaus the Brave,  Mieszko II, Casimir I the Restorer, Przemysł I and Przemysł II. Initially built in Romanesque style, after the repeated reconstructions it is today predomiantly Gothic. The 16th-century altar and the 18th-century pulpit are amongs its notable masterpieces.

The 16th-century Town Hall is another remarkable building, standing in the old market square and  surrounced by merchant's houses, carefully restored after World War II. The parish church nearby is a fine example of Baroque architecture.

Adam Mickiewicz square is also an elegant place where a monument to the great writer stands next to the University Auditorium known for its excellent acoustics, and to the Prussian Castle now housing a theatre and a cinema.