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Delightful little Poznan is awash with colour and steeped in history. Situated in the west of Poland, it's a city that immerses visitors in both an old-world allure and an energetic local atmosphere, especially during the balmy summer evenings.

Poznan was the first capital of Poland and much of its historic architecture has been carefully restored during the last few decades. In Poznan, Cathedral Island is where the city was founded in the 10th century and is home to Poland's oldest cathedral, St. Peter's and Paul's. Various Polish dukes and kings are buried here and a guided tour provides a detailed insight into the country's history. Also unmissable on this small island is the 15th century Gothic Our Lady Church and the Archbishop's Palace.

Cathedral Island is a short walk from Stary Rynek, the old town square that became the centrepiece of the city during medieval times. It's one of Europe's most enchanting, dappled with Gothic, Renaissance and baroque buildings that come in all manner of shades and colours. Most angles are a postcard here, including many of the churches that rise above Poznan on the surrounding streets.

Located beyond the centre are the 13th century district of Srodka and the neo-Romanesque Emperor's Castle. In addition, a series of small museums reveal the rich history of the city, notably all the empires and countries it has been the capital of.

While Poznan hasn't always been under Polish rule, it was here that the leader of the Polan tribe, Mieszko I, was baptised in AD 966. This led to the construction of Poland's first cathedral, where Mieszko I and seven of his immediate successors are laid to rest. Since Mieszko II's death, Poznan has been a pagan state, a voivodeship of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, part of the Kingdom of Prussia, ruled by Napoleon, and a piece of Germany on multiple occasions.