Gniezno Locomotive Shed

The Gniezno Steam Locomotive Depot is a historic facility built in 1875, forming a unique architectural complex on a European scale, closely tied to the history of railways in the region. Located next to Gniezno Railway Station, which was established in 1872, the depot was a key component of the Poznań–Toruń transport hub and remained operational until 2009, when rolling stock repairs were relocated to Leszno. Constructed in an industrial style, the site features an impressive roundhouse, various technical buildings, and infrastructure resulting from multiple expansion phases, reflecting the technological development of the 19th and 20th centuries in Poland. The depot housed two main workshops and auxiliary infrastructure, including a water tower and a combined heat and power plant. Its historical significance is linked to the beginnings of the railway line from Poznań to Toruń, which contributed to the development of transport in the region. During World War II, the facility suffered damage from bombings but was quickly rebuilt. Interestingly, the depot now boasts unique relics, such as a wooden coal crane, a dispatch room from 1942, and the largest roundhouse in Europe, capable of accommodating 47 steam locomotives. After ceasing operations as a repair facility, the depot gained a new lease on life as a tourist attraction, open to visitors since 2015 thanks to the Gniezno Steam Locomotive Depot Association. Various cultural events are held here, such as "Steam Days," which attract tourists and railway history enthusiasts. The depot has also become the subject of debates about its future, as there are plans to convert the site into a shopping center, a move strongly opposed by the local community. Despite these threats, the Gniezno Steam Locomotive Depot remains an important symbol of railway heritage and industrial architecture, as well as a vibrant cultural and tourist destination.