In 1570 the Jesuits were invited to Poznań to improve the city’s intellectual and spiritual life. Given a large endowment of property, they set right to work, creating an educational institution that soon attracted students from across Poland. Today the former Jesuit complex dominates the south-east corner of Poznań’s Old Town, and includes the Parish Church, the former Jesuit College, the former Jesuit School (across the street at Gołębia 8), and Chopin Park (behind the College).
Opened in 1573, the Jesuit College was the centre of intellectual life in Poznań for 200 years. The magnificent four-storey Baroque complex you see today - with its spacious courtyard and two-wing cloister - was built beginning in 1719 on the site of a former hospital that proved too small for the academic institution; the iconic tower gate was completed in 1752. Shortly thereafter, in 1773, Pope Clement XIV officially suppressed the Jesuit order, leading to their expulsion from Poznań. The College continued as Wielkopolska Academy (which would eventually become University of Poznań), but the buildings also served various purposes. In 1805, Russian Tsar Alexander I made a brief stay here, and in 1806, Napoleon Bonaparte quartered here for three weeks. After World War II the College buildings ceased any ties to academia and have since served as the seat of Poznań City Hall. The inner courtyard is open to visitors, and hosts a cafe, open-air exhibits and public restrooms, as well as summer concerts and other performances. See if you can find the small bronze gnome - a gift from the city of Wrocław.
A walk through the large courtyard leads to beautiful Chopin Park, the name of which commemorates the famous Polish pianist’s performance in the former College’s White Room in 1828. The park was originally established by the Jesuits as a place for students to relax.
Lastly, take note of the Baroque building of the former Jesuit School across the street from the College. Today it houses the State Ballet School and its gorgeous inner courtyard is worth a look if you can access it.
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