Poland - Eastern Europe - page 466

In more modern times, Pozna ^ has been known to Poles as the home of the 1956
anti-Communist riots, the first-ever show of resistance in the country to the Commu-
nist authorities. At the time, tens of the thousands of workers took to the streets to
demand better working conditions and higher pay. The strikes turned violent and the
government responded by calling in the soldiers and tanks. In all some 76 civilians and
8 soldiers died in the fighting. The strikes were a major embarrassment throughout
Communist Eastern Europe and pierced the veil of the Communist Poland as a
“workers'” state.
Most of the major sights can be seen in a few hours, but the presence of some nice
hotels and good restaurants invites an overnight stay.
ESSENTIALS
GETTING THERE Pozna ^ 's Lawica International Airport (Bukowska 285;
& 061/849-23-44; www.airport-Pozna ^ .com.pl) is 5km (3 miles) west of the city
center. It's grown in importance recently, and now has direct flights to a number of
major European cities, including London's Stansted airport, Brussels, Frankfurt,
Munich, and Vienna. There's regular bus service (no. 78) to and from the airport to
the city center. By rail, Pozna ^ lies on the main line connecting Berlin to Warsaw and
points east. It's easy to hop off at Pozna ^ in the morning, tour the town for a few
hours, and then catch a later train in either direction. The train station (Dworcowa 1;
& 061/866-12-12 ) is 2km (1 mile) from the town center, near the fairgrounds. It's
a15-minute walk, or a short tram or bus ride to the center. The main bus station
(Dworzec Autobusowy, Towarova 17/19; & 061/664-25-25 ) is near the train station.
Pozna ^ lies on major national and international bus routes. By car, Pozna ^ lies on the
main Berlin-Warsaw highway, the E30. Figure on about 3 hours or so to drive from
Warsaw in normal traffic, and a little more than 2 hours from Wroc l aw if you're com-
ing up from the south.
GETTING AROUND Pozna ^ has an efficient public transportation system of
buses and trams, but if you're staying near the Stary Rynek, you'll be doing most of
your travel by foot. Tickets can be bought at Ruch kiosks (or nearly anywhere they sell
newspapers and tobacco) and cost 2.40 z l (80¢/45p) for a trip of 30 minutes.
VISITOR INFORMATION The city's main Tourist Information Center (Stary
Rynek 59/60; & 061/852-61-56 ) is conveniently located on the Old Town Square.
The helpful staff gives out maps and brochures and can advise on rooms. Another
good source of information is the City Information Center (Ratajczaka 44; & 061/
851-96-45; www.cim.poznan.pl.) The CIM is good on cultural activities and can sell
tickets for concerts and performances.
WHERE TO STAY
Pozna ^ 's hotel rates are reasonable, except when an international trade fair is going on
in town. Then hotels unabashedly jack up the prices 30% to 40%. The summer
months are normally safe, but during the rest of the year, there's usually a trade fair
going on at least 1 week a month. The rates listed below are for standard doubles out-
side of fair times. Note that many hotels offer reduced weekend rates.
Very Expensive
Domina Prestige Designed more for corporate travelers than individuals, this
hotel features 41 fully equipped apartments, complete with bedroom, living room,