Poznan has been an East - West market place for a thousand years. Medieval merchants made a great point of bringing their wares here each year on St. John's Day (24 June) and the tradition has continued. The important International Trade Fair, held here since 1922, has become in recent years one of the most prestigious events of its kind in Europe.
Thanks to its excellent geographical position in the 15th and 16th centuries Poznan became one of the most important commercial centers in Europe. Following the partitions of Poland and the Congress of Vienna (1815) Poznan was annexed by Prussia, and became a center of opposition against the ruthless Prussian policy of Germanification.
During the Second World War over 50% of the city was destroyed along with much of the Old Town. Reconstruction, especially of the Old Town, was accomplished speedily with remarkable success considering the damage.