The city lies on the Warta river. It is the capital of Wielkopolska Voivodeship and the see of the Archdiocese of Poznań. It is an important point on the Piast Trail.
Nobody bats an eyelid when a Poznanian says he’s going to Malta. That’s because there is a recreational complex in the middle of the city commonly known as Malta, as it surrounds Lake Malta. This name, in turn, comes from the Knights Hospitaller, later the Knights of Malta, whom Duke Mieszko III brought here in 1187. They built the Church of St. John of Jerusalem – thought to be the oldest brick structure in Poland – at the turn of the 12th and 13th centuries.
The recreational complex area begins immediately beyond the church walls. It owes its present appearance to a thorough renovation carried out in the 1980s. Lake Malta has since become the most beautiful regatta course in Europe. A series of facilities for hosting international sporting events has been built around the lake.
Malta is where Poznanians most like to spend their free time. Poland’s first artificial ski slope opened on the partially rebuilt Tumulus of Freedom in 1993. This was followed by a 560 m luger course five years later. The Pod Chmurką summer cinema, places to hire sports equipment, catering facilities etc. are all nearby.
The Malta International Theatre Festival, which has been held annually since 1991, is one of the largest open-air events in Europe. The Maltan Children’s Railway “Maltanka” station is on the western shore of the lake. You can take a miniature train to Nowe Zoo, which covers 123 ha and has Poland’s largest Elephant House.
Further information:
Maluśkiewicz Piotr, Poznań Malta, Poznań 2000.
