Discover Grätz: Monastery, city history and cycling routes

Grätz (Grodzisk Wielkopolski) combines historic urban structures with a long brewing and milling tradition. Other defining themes for planning your trip include a Bernardine monastery complex, several cycling routes with varying difficulty levels and a seasonal outdoor swimming pool. You can tailor your stay to suit your interests in city history, architecture or active experiences.

City history around two market squares

Grodzisk Wielkopolski preserves traces of two former urban layouts: the medieval founding town lies around the square Old Market, the Stary Rynek. The so-called New Town has a rectangular market square, pl. Powstańców Wielkopolskich. ulica Szeroka connects the two parts of town. The Stary Rynek forms the centre of the oldest district; the three-storey town hall stands on the square.

The former Bernardine monastery complex is a monument of particular regional value. Its church preserves Baroque furnishings and decoration. Jan Leopold Opaliński, Castellan of Nakło, established the complex in 1662; the monastery church was consecrated in 1739. The parish church of St Jadwiga Śląska also has a distinctive architectural design: it is single-naved and has double chapels on both sides. These, as well as the presbytery, are covered by circular domes.

At the fountain of Father Bernard of Wąbrzeźno, a city landmark meets a traditional tale: a legend told for centuries recounts the miraculous revival of the town's spring. The post mill offers another glimpse of the local craft tradition. Built in 1766 and reconstructed in Grodzisk Wielkopolski in 2011, it recalls the town's long-established milling tradition.

Cycling routes with varying levels of difficulty

The cycling routes differ considerably in terrain and difficulty. The Szlak Piaskowych Wydm is technically difficult, and very difficult in places. It runs along forest tracks with numerous climbs, steep ascents and descents, and sandy sections, and is intended for experienced cyclists with mountain or cross bikes. The Szlak Pielgrzyma, by contrast, passes through open countryside, is technically easy (2/5) and has no climbs. This information offers practical guidance when choosing a route based on its described level of difficulty.

The Grodziska-Pętla route passes through every locality in the municipality of Grodzisk Wielkopolski. Its landscape is varied, and the route offers a comprehensive impression of the municipality's history, nature and landscape. It thus complements the other two routes with a perspective on the different sides of the municipal area.

Practical information for your visit

The municipal tourist information centre is located at ul. Przemysłowa 7, at the junction with ulica Szeroka. It is open Monday to Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Opening hours may change, so check the latest information before your visit.

The outdoor swimming pool in Grodzisk Wielkopolski has a water area for recreation, lockable lockers, a relaxation area and a large green space. It operates seasonally; operating hours may change. If you are planning a visit, check the seasonal opening times in advance.

Grodzisk Wielkopolski's brewing tradition received its first privilege for brewers and maltsters in 1601. Together with the historic market squares, church architecture and routes, it gives a varied picture of the town and its municipality. Whether you are interested in architectural history, local traditions or cycling, these themes offer various starting points for your trip.

Discover more destinations: Grodzisk Wielkopolski, Granowo, Rakoniewice, Wielichowo, Kamieniec, Szczepowice, Kotowo, Kalisz.

For the broader travel overview: Greater Poland.