Poznańis acityon theWartariver in west-centralPoland, in theGreater Polandregion. It is best known for its renaissance old town, destroyed during World War II and then rebuilt, andOstrów Tumskicathedral. Today, the city is an important cultural and business centre and one of Poland's most populous regions with many regional customs such as Jarmark Świętojański, traditionalSaint Martin's croissantsand a local dialect.
Poznań is among the oldestcities in Polandand was one of the most important centers in theearly Polish statein the tenth and eleventh centuries. The first center city wasOstrów Tumski, the natural island on theWartariver-very similar to theÎle de la Citéin Paris. The first rulers were buried inPoznań's cathedralon the island. It also served as the capital for a short time in the 13th century, hence the official name: The capital city of Poznan. After the secondpartition of PolandPoznań was administered by Prussia, and then, with theunification of Germanyafter theFranco-Prussian War of 1871, the province of Posen became part of the German Empire. Furthermore, the city of Posen was officially named an imperial residence city, leading to the construction of the Imperial Castle, the Imperial District, the Opera House, new city walls, railway station and many other sites which make a big part of its landmarks to this day.