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Gniezno - city emblem Gniezno Gniezno Gniezno Gniezno is a special place on Poland's map. Almost all of its historic buildings date back to the early years of Polish statehood. The first settlement on this site was set up in the 8th century. Archaeologists believe that it might have been a place where the Slav goddess Niya was worshipped. The settlement quickly grew into a formidable stronghold with three adjacent villages, which under the first Piasts was the biggest town in Greater Poland Its wooden and earthwork ramparts were 10 metres high. Legend has it that Gniezno was founded by Lech who was wandering over the countryside with his two brothers, Czech and Rus, to find a suitable place for settlement. One day they came to a valley overlooking a lake, with an enormous oak tree featuring the nest (gniazdo) of a white eagle on its top. Lech was so bewitched by the beautiful spot that he chose it for his capital. From the 10th century on it was one of the Polish state's major administrative centres; in 1025 Boleslaus the Brave was crowned first King of Poland in Gniezno Cathedral (four of his successors were also crowned here). The town has been long known in Europe for its shrine of St Adalbert the Martyr, attracting thousands of pilgrims, among them the Holy Roman Emperor Otto III, who visited Gniezno in 1000. The most important historic buildings in Gniezno, including the Cathedral - one of the best-known churches in Poland - stand on Wzgórze Lecha (Lech's Hill). The first church on this site was built by Duke Mieszko I in 996. In 999 St Adalbert's body was buried here - today the silver sarcophagus with the Saint's relics can be seen in the chancel. This is where the coronations took place. The most precious monument in Gniezno is the Cathedral. In the its crypt you can see the archaeological remains of the subsequent churches that replaced the one erected by Mieszko I. The current structure dates back to the early 14th century. It is a Gothic triple-nave basilica with 14 side-chapels and two towers that are at their most impressive at night, when the Cathedral close is beautifully illuminated. Set in the south portal is the bronze Gniezno Door from c.a 1170 - one of the peak achievements of Romanesque metalworking. Its eighteen panels, interspersed with floral motifs, illustrate the legend of St. Adalbert. Gniezno cathedral id the official state cathedral and the seat of the Primate of Poland.