European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - January 27, 1994, Darmstadt, Hesse                                Poland said. Kings were typically crowned in Gnu Zeno and buried in Poznan. Poznan s history is also steeped in conflict. From 1793 to 1918, the City and Region were under prussian Rule. During that time the native inhabitants were adept at competing with German residents in social and business activities while maintaining and cultivating polish traditions. But Poznan residents also waged four uprisings against the partition during the 125 years of prussian Rule. They finally succeeded in 19.18 the Only successful polish revolt. The rebellion freed the province from prussian Rule and United it with the new polish Republic which. Embraced democratic values. The City grew rapidly Over the next 2.1 years reverting to its earlier role As a commercial Center in Poland. But Poznan s Progress was halted by world War ii which brought devastation and death. German and russian armies destroyed 55 percent of the City s buildings and 90 percent of the older Section of the City. Most of the damage came in Early 1945, when the germans and russians fought for five weeks. About 27,000 germans 10,000 russians and 2,000 local residents died in the Campaign. Some 23,000 germans were captured. After the War the City was quickly rebuilt with the townsfolk playing an integral part in the reconstruction. However their tireless and Independent spirit ran counter to communist Dogma leading to the first open protest against the new regime in postwar Poland. A violent protest on june 28,1956, claimed 100 lives. The whole nation was very patriotic not just the people staying Here Szkaradek said. These Are far less turbulent times in Poznan but they Are nonetheless dynamic for the 600,000 residents who Call Poznan Home. Like other cities and towns in Eastern Europe Poznan is readjusting its ways and Means after years of communist Rule. Poznan is further ahead than other polish cities Szkaradek said because of its Long history As a Center for Commerce. The City owes its present Day commercial status to the International Poznan fair one of the oldest european Trade fairs dating Back to 1921. But the tradition of fairs in Poznan goes Back More than 1,000 years to the Middle Ages. Merchants would come to Poznan on St. John s Day june 23 to showcase their wares a tradition that continues to this Day though the fair is now held in july As a polish financial Center Poznan ranks second Only to Warsaw mainly because of its location situated Halfway Between Berlin and Warsaw. Aside from its Industrial and Trade status Poznan is also known for its educational and cultural activities there Are several research institutes and the City boasts an opera an operetta a philharmonic Hall the polish theater of dance and a repertory theater. Poznan also has its share of architectural wonders with buildings and churches constructed in varying styles from romanesque to neoclassical to romantic byzantine. Poznan s Market Square is a typical example of polish architectural configuration with Public buildings huddled in the Center. It is in Sharp contrast to today s modern Glass structures. A tour of Poznan should Start at the stary Rynek old marketplace which was nearly destroyed in world War ii. The Center was rebuilt to resemble its prewar state and incorporates buildings that survived the War. At the very Center stands the Renaissance town Hall designed by italian architect Jean Baptiste Quadro of Lugano and constructed Between 1550 to 55. Its clock Tower is famous for the two goats that appear every Day at noon to butt Heads before disappearing for another Day. According to local legend the clockmaker who installed the clock planned to Mark the occasion by holding a feast. The clockmaker purchased two live goats to Slaughter and serve at the party but the animals escaped and started bumping Heads on the Tower. The mayor was so amused by the Duel that he asked the Man who started it All to construct a mechanism in the clock Tower to commemorate the Goat fight. The museum of City history now occupies the town Hall. Its highlights include a Doorn dedicated to polish composer and pianist fre de Ric Chopin and an impressive vaulted ceiling in the great Hall. Visitors As Well As vocals congregate around the clock Tower minutes before noon to wait for the Goat show. Situated throughout the Market Square Are vendors who peddle handmade and machine manufactured souvenirs for reasonable prices. Buildings that ring the Market Square include the museum of musical instruments which displays one of Chopin s pianos and the historical museum featuring temporary exhibitions such As the Solidarity Independent Trade Union. Also located on the Market Square and nearby streets Are several shops and antique stores. For antique aficionados Poznan offers All sorts of interesting treasures at prices that will almost certainly a nun strolls past one of Poznan s most historic buildings which is located on Cathedral Island in the Warta River left. The Interior of the Cathedral above. Rise once word spreads ask a taxi Driver for help in finding some of the More obscure shops which Are hard to find but Worth the Effort. Hotels in Poznan Are not inexpensive but the additional Cost would ensure some Basic amenities such As a private Bath. A private room is a cheaper alternative. On the pricey Side is the hotel Orbis where a single room costs $54 on weekdays and $40 on weekends a double room goes for $73 on weekdays and $55 on weekends. Prices at the hotel Rzymski Range from $20 for a single room to $29 for a double. For information on lodging Call Przemyslaw accommodation Bureau at 48 61-663560. The office is located in a Long White building across from the train station past track 6. The address is Glogowska 16, 60 702. The staff Speaks English. The Telephone number for the main travel office in Poznan is 61-530397. Szkaradek the tour guide works out of his Home. His Telephone number is 61-527238. The lights from shops reflect on the cobblestones in the town Hall area. January 27, 1994 stripes Magazine ii