Things to see and do Szczecin

These former Haken terraces offer a breathtaking panoramic view of the Oder. Following the demolition of Stettin's fortifications, begun in 1873, the city's mayor, Hermann Haken, decided to build a panoramic terrace overlooking the Oder in 1902-1905, on the site of the former Fort Leopold. Two wide staircases lead up to both sides of the terrace. After the city was transferred to Poland at the end of the Second World War, the observation platform was renamed in honor of Bolesław ^I the Brave, in Polish Bolesław Chrobry.

In 1941, in the German city of Stettin, shelters for civilians were created using old ^19th-century catacombs. The refuge was organized on five levels with a maximum depth of 17 m. After the war, the refuge was adapted in case of nuclear attack. Today, these underground passages can be visited. Three itineraries are available (each taking around an hour), as well as permanent exhibitions.

This vast complex, built in the 14th century, is built around a pleasant central courtyard. It was seriously damaged during the Second World War, but rebuilt as it was in the 16th century, in its Renaissance style. You can climb to the top of the tower which offers beautiful views. In the courtyard, a beautiful clock. In one of the wings of the site is the castle museum which preserves the main furniture and objects that belonged to the dukes.

In 1187, on a hill outside Szczecin's city walls, the Church of St. James was consecrated, founded by a wealthy bourgeois from Bamberg. This vast brick church was completely destroyed by the war, but rebuilt from the outside. Post-World War II reconstruction continued from 1945 to 1972. Prior to this, the building had already undergone a period of restoration in the ^16th century. From the top of the tower, a magnificent panorama of the city opens up. The interior features many contemporary artifacts.

The church of St. John is a beautiful Gothic church of the 15th century, with a sober and slender interior. It is the oldest church in the city. Originally a Franciscan monastic complex, during the Reformation the monks left the monastery and the parishioners and clergy mostly accepted Luther's reforms. From that time until 1945, the church was an evangelical temple, with a short stint under the communist regime where it was a warehouse.

Built between 1725 and 1727, it is one of the city's few Prussian Classicist monuments. It goes hand in hand with the Port Gate. It features war trophies, Mars as an allegory of war and Hercules as an allegory of heroism. The initials of King Frederick William ^I can be seen in a cartouche with the Prussian eagle. The laurel wreath symbolizes triumph; the shield, honor; the palm leaves, virtue; and the olive leaves, peace. Today, there's a café in the doorway.