Home sweet home

It’s been three years since I moved to Poznań and I can say that I successfully accommodated to this city. But I think that you’ll get through a lot of its descriptions in the next few days (and I don’t want to bore you to death) that’s why I’d like to write about my home town – Bydgoszcz.

Bydgoszcz is located in Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship, on the Brda and Vistula rivers. It’s the 8^th biggest city in Poland, with a population of around 370,000 and it received city rights from king Casimir III the Great in 1346.  

Nowadays, Bydgoszcz is becoming more and more important in the area of culture: it has one of the best concert halls in Europe (Filharmonia Pomorska im. I. J. Paderewskiego) known for unique acoustics, holds almost 20 music festivals, and has lately become the new host of  The International Film Festival of the Art of Cinematography CAMERIMAGE.

I was here

Ok, enough is enough! You can check other basics information by asking aunt Wikipedia or uncle Google. Now it’s time for my totally personal and subjective…

Bydgoszcz Top Ten in Alphabetical Order

 1. Concert Shell

‘Muszla koncertowa’ is a stage situated in the heart of Witos’ Park. Inspired by ancient amphitheatres, the Concert Shell offers unique atmosphere, joining music with beautiful surroundings. Each and every summer, you can attend concerts (almost every kind, from Jazz to Metal), watch movies, or participate in various events.
Best of all… > free admission!!

2. Crossing the River

That’s something special, a rocking sculpture! The man is situated on a thin line (but not attached to it) above the Brda river. Even when the wind is blowing hard, the man doesn’t fall; everyone’s waiting for it to happen, though. 

3. Estrada Stage Bar

I don’t really looove this place (it’s becoming emo-possessed), but it is one of the last stage bars where you can go for a metal concert. There were more (better!) stage bars in Bydgoszcz, like Monarchia or Route 66, but they were shut down ;( Apparently rock is dead in my home town.

4. High School

I attended the I High School, the patron of which is C. K. Norwid, situated in the center of the city (which makes playing hooky irresistible.) It was established at the beginning of 17^th century, which makes it the oldest school in Bydgoszcz, and is a member of UNESCO. The school holds 43th place in Poland’s high school rankings. I must admit that teenagers are quite snobbish there (especially these from the choir XP) but I have lots of good memories connected with this place.

5. the Mill Island

Its location is in the very heart of the city centre, next to the Old Market Square. The island was an industrial center of Bydgoszcz in the Middle Ages, and you can still visit some buildings form that period. Over the last few years, the Mill Island has been thriving: the park and footbridges are being renovated and the place is very popular during sweltering summer days. You can also see the Opera Nova building from here.

6. Myślęcinek

A wabbit!! Be vewy quiet

Bydgoszcz is known for having the highest number of parks in Poland (31), including the biggest (830ha) urban park (Leśny Park Kultury i Wypoczynku “Myślęcinek” .) It is unique because of its geography and ecosystem. Throughout the whole year, it offers various attractions: a zoo, amusement park, botanical garden, skiing, skating, recreating historical events, horse riding, etc.          

7. the Old Market Square

You can describe a lot of things connected with the Old Market, but my favorite one is a new tradition connected with Pan Twardowski. Legend has it that Pan Twardowski spent some time in the city of Bydgoszcz, and that’s why a ‘multimedial’ figure of the sorcerer has been created. Every day at 1:13 p.m. and 9:13 p.m., Twardowski appears in one of the windows, waving and laughing devilishly. 

8. Smok

A very nice pancake restaurant where you can get stuffed with delicious pancakes of various tastes. It’s cheap, in downtown, and is decorated with fantasy paintings of dragons (some of them are taken from Luis Royo’s works.) 

9. Water solar tram (Solar water tram?)

An alternative way of getting through the city centre. The tram has a few stops on the Brda river and is especially luring during hot summer days. 

10. Zamek

Zamek is one of my favorite pubs situated near the Old Market Square. It’s located in a basement  the interior of which was customized in order to achieve an effect of a castle or dungeon. The atmospheric medieval décor (original armour, torches) makes it a spellbinding place. The pub often organizes medieval parties or other events requiring period costume. By the way, beer is much cheaper in Bydgoszcz than in Poznań !!

Because you've managed to read that post, I've got something to cheer you up ;) >>>