Światowid at the Caponier

The Światowid at Kaponiera is a five-meter obelisk located at the Kaponiera Roundabout in Poznań, created by Jerzy Sobociński and installed in December 1973. The monument stands out for its architectural structure, consisting of five segments, each weighing 3 tons. The lower segments feature distances between Poznań and selected European capitals, highlighting the city's role as a transportation hub and its connections with other metropolises. The informational inscriptions, totaling 400 letters, are cast in bronze, giving the obelisk durability and an aesthetic appearance. The highest part of the monument features four clock faces, manufactured in Czechoslovakia, which were initially controlled by a clock located in the "Bałtyk" cinema building. Thus, the obelisk served not only a commemorative function but also a practical one, acting as a part of the urban landscape for the residents of Poznań. In the 1990s, a metal segment with the symbol of the Poznań International Fair was added to the top of the obelisk, emphasizing the city's role in hosting trade fairs and exhibitions. The Światowid at Kaponiera is not only an important architectural landmark but also a significant cultural site, bearing witness to Poznań's history and its international connections. Interestingly, the distances listed on the lower segments of the obelisk include cities such as Belgrade (885 km), Bern (915 km), Rome (1,215 km), and Madrid (2,055 km), which may inspire residents and tourists to travel and explore distant corners of Europe. Światowid serves not only a touristic purpose but also symbolizes Poznań's openness to other cultures and its dynamism as a key metropolis in the region.