The Imperial Castle in Poznań, known locally as Zamek Cesarski w Poznaniu, stands as a testament to the city's rich and complex history. This remarkable building, constructed for the last German Emperor and King of Prussia, Wilhelm II, is one of the youngest castles in Europe, yet it holds a significant place in the architectural and cultural landscape of Poznań.
Construction of the Imperial Castle began in 1905, following the designs of architect Franz Schwechten. However, many elements of the castle were influenced by the personal preferences of Emperor Wilhelm II, who meticulously planned his new residence. The castle was officially handed over to the emperor on August 21, 1910, during his visit to Poznań, an event known as Posener Kaisertage. The total cost of construction was a staggering 5 million marks, a considerable sum at the time.
The castle was built in the neo-Romanesque style, which Wilhelm II considered to be the most Germanic and representative of the grandeur of the Holy Roman Empire. The design aimed to firmly establish the region of Greater Poland as part of the German Empire. The main building, located in the southern part of the complex, consists of two wings: the larger western wing, which housed the living quarters, and the eastern wing, which contained the representative rooms.
The western wing's ground floor housed the rooms of the court marshal, the housekeeper, and other members of the emperor's entourage. The first floor was occupied by the imperial couple's apartments and a private chapel, designed in the Byzantine style by August Oetken, located in the tower. A private entrance for the emperor was situated on the western facade of the tower, with stairs leading directly to the first floor. The emperor and empress's bedrooms were connected by a corridor adorned with statues of four rulers: Geron, Otto I, Frederick Barbarossa, and Władysław II the Exile.
The most magnificent room in the representative wing was the Throne Room, inspired by Byzantine basilicas. It featured large windows on three sides, surrounded by arcades supported by columns. Between the arches were eight statues of German emperors, and in the central niche of the arcade stood the oriental imperial throne. Above these were galleries for guests and the orchestra. The entrance to this part of the castle was from Wałowa Street (now Kościuszki Street).
Behind the palace, towards Berlińska Street (now Fredry Street), lay a garden enclosed to the east and north by service rooms, stables, garages, and a coach house. The Rose Courtyard still features the Lion Fountain, modeled after the fountain in the Patio de los Leones in the Alhambra, Granada. The main building was separated from St. Marcin Street by a courtyard surrounded by an ornate iron fence.
The castle's location was strategically chosen to transform Poznań into a residence city after the fortress was dismantled. The Imperial District, designed by one of Europe's foremost urban planners, Joseph Stübben, included several significant buildings such as the Main Post Office, the Credit Union, Collegium Maius, the Adam Mickiewicz University Auditorium, Collegium Minus, Collegium Iuridicum, the Opera House, the Music Academy building, and the Church of the Most Holy Savior. A monument to Otto von Bismarck once stood near the castle, on what is now A. Mickiewicz Square.
During the Greater Poland Uprising, the castle's cellars housed kitchens with massive stoves, preparing meals for the insurgents. After the uprising, the castle became state property. In 1921, the Polish government assigned it to the Head of State, and later, the President. Over the years, it housed the Ministry of the Former Prussian District, various University of Poznań departments, student organizations, scouting groups, and several magazine editorial offices.
In 1939, following the outbreak of World War II, the castle was repurposed as a residence for Adolf Hitler and his deputy, Arthur Greiser. Architect Franz Böhmer was tasked with redesigning the interiors in the totalitarian style of the Third Reich. The former chapel was converted into Hitler's personal office, complete with an electrically heated balcony for reviewing parades. However, there is no evidence that Hitler ever visited Poznań. The castle's transformation was halted in 1943 due to setbacks on the Eastern Front.
After the fall of the citadel on February 23, 1945, the castle served as a transit camp for German prisoners and later housed the Polish People's Army barracks. Post-war plans to demolish the building, associated with the periods of partition and German occupation, were scrapped due to financial constraints. Instead, most Nazi symbols were removed, and the damaged top floor of the clock tower was dismantled.
In 1948, the castle was renamed the New Town Hall and became the seat of the Municipal National Council. In 1962, it was designated the Palace of Culture, hosting various cultural activities. On March 6, 1979, the Imperial Castle was listed as a cultural monument. Today, the castle is managed by the Cultural Center Zamek. The Throne Room now serves as the Great Hall, and some apartments have been converted into exhibition and concert halls. The castle also houses several institutions, including the Animation Theater and the Children's Art Center. During the summer, the castle courtyards often host concerts, theater performances, and film screenings.
Since 2002, the castle has been the main venue for presenting art as part of the International Sculpture Triennial. In June of the same year, the Museum of the Poznań June 1956 Uprising opened on the ground floor facing Święty Marcin Street. In 2010, the castle celebrated its centenary, and a major renovation of the Great Hall complex was completed in late 2012.
With its fascinating history, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural life, the Imperial Castle in Poznań is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring this beautiful Polish city. Whether you're a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or simply looking for a unique cultural experience, the Imperial Castle offers something for everyone.
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