ARCHITECTURE

There are no cities without buildings… Just like there are no buildings without people – patrons, architects, construction workers and users.

Some buildings, such as houses and hospitals, are to be, first and foremost, functional and comfortable. Others, however, are to be awe-inspiring and become the icon of cities. Very often no expenses were spared to build the latter ones. Even more so, because they were supposed to show the prestige of their founders: the city council, wealthy merchants or the clergy. Only exceptional artists could fulfil their ambition and often no one hesitated to bring them from abroad.

Who were the most important patrons engaged in the building projects in Poznań’s history?
What attracted foreign artists to the city?
Was it only about fame?

Illustration: Kazia Kalitan-Młodkowska