Poznań cathedral is one of the oldest churches and the oldest cathedral in Poland. The first pre-Romanesque church was built here around 966 probably for Dobrawa - the wife of Mieszko I, Poland's first historical ruler. It is possible that in the cathedral in Poznań the most important event of the Christianization of Poland process took place. During archeological excavation in 1946 the baptismal font from the 10th century was found and it's said it might be the one that was used to baptise Mieszko I. During the same excavation two graves were found - one of Mieszko I and the second one of his son and the first coronated king of Poland - Bolesław I Chrobry (Boleslaus the Brave).
In 1038 the first cathedral was destroyed by the Bohemian Duke Bretislav I during the pagan raid. The basilica was rebuil in the Romanesque style.
In the 14th and 15th century another renovation started and the church received new, Gothic style. Unfortunately in 1622 due to the major fire the basilica was heavily damaged and needed another renovation - this time carried out in the Baroque style.
Second fire of the Poznań cathedral happened in 1772. The damages were repaired and the church was rebuilt in the Neo-Classical style. The cathedral survived in this form to the World War II. Due to the battles for Poznań in 1945 the last great fire broke out and ruined 65% of the cathedral. It was decided to bring back the old appearance and reconstruct it in the wonderful Gothic style.
Currently in the basilica's undergrounds it's possible to see the oldest Pre-Romanesque and Romanesque remains as well as the graves of the very first rulers of Poland - Mieszko I and Bolesław Chrobry.