Gniezno | Hotel Pietrak Gniezno

History of Gniezno

THIS IS WHERE POLAND WAS BORN.

THIS IS WHERE THE MOTHER OF ALL POLISH CHURCHES, THE GNIEZNO CATHEDRAL, IS LOCATED.

IT IS THE CITY OF PRIMATES AND ARCHBISHOPS.

THIS WHERE FIVE KINGS OF POLAND WERE CROWNED.

Gniezno is the first capital of Poland, the first ecclesiastical center, and the city of St. Adalbert.

In the early 10th century it became a majorsettlement of the tribe known asthe Polans. Legend has it that the name originated from a Polish word denoting “nest” (gniazdo) and was inspired by the legend of how Poland was born.

Mieszko I was the first historically confirmed ruler of Poland. He establisheda state with a considerable territory and strengthened it politically through the act of Christianization in 996. Gniezno became the capital of the young state and a strong center of trade and crafts. The settlement also became the capital of religious faith, which was reflected in the monumental architectural works erected at that time.

When power went into the hands of Bolesław I the Brave, Gniezno continued to witnesssignificant religious and political events, such as the establishment of archbishopric (999) and the first royal coronation (1025). When Emperor Otto III came to visit the grave of St. Adalbert in 1000, a major political meetingknown as the Congress of Gniezno took place to commemorate the event.

The Gniezno settlementwitnessedmany more historical events, such as the coronations of Mieszko II Lambert (1025), Bolesław II the Generous (1076), Przemysł II (1295) and Wacław II (1300).

The city was built on seven hills, just like Rome. The Lech Hill, which is the largest one in the city, served as the foundation to erect the Gniezno Cathedral, a ducal caste and a castle chapel (nowSt. George’s Church and a collegiate complex inhabited by canons, headquarters of the Archdiocese Museum and Archdiocese Archives).

The fire of 1819 forced the city to follow a new direction. A market square and a number of new streets appeared along old city fortifications, and the Cathedral was better showcased.

When Poland restored independence in 1919, the city became the residence of district authorities. Consequently, the function of the mayor was transformed into that of the president. The former coat of arms with a crowned eagle was also restored. Gniezno became a leading educational, cultural and trading center.

People in Poland consider the cityto have played a major role in the history of Poland, and used its example to teach children about the history of their country. Gnieznohas witnessed a number of major political events that have elevated the significance of the Piast Kingdom to a level worthy of great respect. It is here that a kingdom was born, whose citizens have gone down in the history of Europe.

Major events with significance for Poland that took place in Gniezno

Christianization of Poland in 966.
Otto III’s pilgrimage to the grave of St. Adalbert in 1000
Coronation of five kings of Poland: Bolesław I the Brave, Mieszko II Lambert, Bolesław II the Generous, Przemysł II, Wacław II
The establishment of the Archbishopric
The beginning of the Greater Poland Uprising in 1918 – the decision on the departure of troops was made at Chrobrego 3 street (today’s Hotel Pietrak)
John Paul II’s pilgrimage in 1979 and 1997
Millennial Celebrations in 2000, attended by the prime ministers of Poland, Germany, the Czech Republic and Slovakia.