Grätz: Historic Markets and Brewing Tradition

Grätz (Grodzisk Wielkopolski) reveals distinct traces of its urban history: two historic market areas, a former Bernardine monastery complex and a brewing tradition for which brewers and maltsters received their first privilege in 1601. There are also routes with very different levels of difficulty and a seasonal outdoor swimming pool. This means your travel plans can bring together architecture, local history and active recreation.

Two historic urban layouts

In Grodzisk Wielkopolski, traces of two former urban settlements can be seen. The medieval founding town is laid out around the square Old Market, the Stary Rynek; the so-called New Town has a rectangular market square at pl. Powstańców Wielkopolskich. Ulica Szeroka connects the two parts of the town. Their different layouts give the townscape a distinctive historical structure.

The Stary Rynek is the centre of the oldest part of town. The three-storey town hall, dating from the first half of the 19th century, stands here. The square thus provides a clear landmark in the urban layout, as well as a striking building from this period.

Monastery, parish church and town legend

The former Bernardine monastery complex is a monument of particular regional value. Jan Leopold Opaliński, castellan of Nakło, had it built in 1662; the monastery church was consecrated in 1739. The church retains its Baroque furnishings and decoration unchanged.

St. Jadwiga Śląska Parish Church displays a different architectural style: it has a single nave, flanked by double chapels on both sides. Both the chapels and the presbytery are covered by circular domes. Grodzisk Wielkopolski thus brings together different church buildings and architectural details.

The Well of Father Bernard of Wąbrzeźno is considered a symbol of Grodzisk Wielkopolski. A legend passed down for centuries tells of the miraculous revival of the town’s spring. The well is both a local landmark and the setting for a story that is part of the town’s tradition.

Brewing tradition and historic milling

Grodzisk Wielkopolski’s brewing tradition received its first privilege for brewers and maltsters in 1601. The post mill provides another glimpse into local history: it was built in 1766 and reconstructed in Grodzisk Wielkopolski in 2011. The mill recalls the town’s long-standing milling tradition and is a tourist attraction for visitors passing through and other tourists. Brewing and milling offer two different perspectives on traditional local crafts.

Routes for different levels

The Grodziska-Pętla trail passes through all the localities in the municipality of Grodzisk Wielkopolski. Its landscape is varied, and it offers a comprehensive impression of the municipality’s historic and natural character.

The named routes vary considerably in difficulty. The Szlak Piaskowych Wydm is a technically difficult, and in places very difficult, off-road cycling route. It follows forest tracks with numerous climbs, steep ascents and descents, and sandy sections, and is intended for experienced cyclists with mountain or cross bikes. The Szlak Pielgrzyma, by contrast, crosses open terrain, is technically easy (2/5) and has no climbs.

Outdoor swimming pool and practical information

The outdoor swimming pool in Grodzisk Wielkopolski has a swimming area for recreation, lockers, a relaxation area and a large green space. As it operates seasonally and opening arrangements may change, check the current opening hours before your visit.

The Municipal Tourist Information Centre is located at ul. Przemysłowa 7, at the intersection with ulica Szeroka. It is open Monday to Friday from 7:00 to 15:00. Opening hours may change, so check them before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Grodzisk Wielkopolski, Granowo, Wielichowo, Kamieniec, Szczepowice, Kotowo, Rakoniewice, Kalisz

For the regional travel overview: Greater Poland.