Poznan (; , known also by other historical names) is a
city on the
Warta river in west-central
Poland, in
Greater Poland region. It is best known for its renaissance old town, destroyed during World War II and then rebuilt, and
Ostrów Tumski cathedral. After the second
partition of Poland Poznan was administrated by Prussia, and then, with the
unification of Germany after the
Franco-Prussian War of 1871, the province of Posen became part of the German Empire. Furthermore, the city of Posen was officially named an imperial residence city, leading to the construction of the Imperial Castle, the Imperial District, the Opera House, new city walls, railway station and many other sites which make a big part of its landmarks to this day. Today, Poznan is an important cultural and business centre and one of Poland's most populous regions with many regional customs such as Jarmark Swietojanski, traditional
Saint Martin's croissants and a local dialect.