The Royal Gniezno in the heart of Wielkopolska
To find oneself in the very centre of a great historical event, and in addition, such a distant one like the coronation of Bolesław Chrobry? To feel and drink in the atmosphere of an 11th-century Piast town with its truly ducal splendour, on the one hand, and the everyday life of the populace, to which variety is added by fair entertainment activities, on the other hand? It is like a childish dream of time travel coming true. And all this is possible thanks to the “Royal Coronation” — a great fest, during which the St. Adalbert Square in Gniezno fills up with knights, archers, peasants, medieval craftsmen and members of the ducal retinue. The highlight of this event is an impressive staging with all the Polish rulers crowned in Gniezno as its characters year after year: from Bolesław Chrobry, through Mieszko II, Bolesław the Bold and Przemysław II, to Wacław II.
For the inhabitants and tourists arriving in large numbers, it is a sign that ahead of them there are two days of fun, but also an important history lesson. When looking for a promotional idea, the organisers decided to use the proven formula of “learning through fun”. This enabled them to help the visitors become acquainted with the city’s history, which is closely connected with the beginnings of the Polish state, in an attractive way, and, thus, to promote the royal Gniezno in the heart of Wielkopolska.
Although the most spectacular, the “Royal Coronation” is not the only event referring to the city’s royal nature. As many as 11 various events have been organised as part of the project. They include, for example, the “Royal Art Festival”, two museum exhibitions and a scientific conference devoted to the subject of royal coronations. Amateur photographers are invited to take part in a competition referring to the idea of “Royal Gniezno”, and the enthusiasts of sports — to the Bolesław Chrobry Crown speedway tournament. The inhabitants of the largest Polish cities were informed about the said attractions by means of a Poland-wide billboard campaign. By contrast, the regional TV and radio stations broadcast spots inviting participation in the events that could also be read about on a special website.
Recently, it has turned out that this is not the only face of the “City of Kings”. It can also be discovered thanks to one of the new tourist routes. The Masonic Route is the response to the popularity gained by the tracking of the secrets of the Masonic lodge among tourists. The Freemasons had a significant impact on the inhabitants of Gniezno and left numerous keepsakes behind. And by the way, it is worth adding that it is not only tourists, but, above all, the inhabitants who influence what is going on in the city, as the project “Royal Gniezno in the Heart of Wielkopolska” has triggered positive energy in them. It is them who are the co-authors of the City of Kings.
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