On Dziewicza Góra hill near Poznań, there is a 40 metre high tower overlooking a beautiful city panorama and the vast Zielonka forest.

Zielonka forest is situated north from Poznań. It is the largest forest complex just a few kilometres from the capital of Wielkopolska.
The forest is rich in 200 year old trees, they can be easily seen within the area of Łapuchowo Forestry (Between Poznań and Murowana Goślina). Hikers will bring beautiful impressions from here. One can spot rare species of flora and fauna, especially birds. Wild animals include: wild boars, various deer, beavers, badgers, and cranes. Numerous lakes and flower natural reserves diversify the landscape. Śnieżycowy Jar (snowflake ravine) flower reserve situated just outside the Zielonka forest is a true place of interest. In early spring the ravine is covered with spring snowflake flowers. This fabulous view attracts many photographers and all those who are sensitive to the beauty of nature.
Zielonka forest is also a paradise for cyclists with over 220 kilometres of bicycle routes.
Dziewicza Góra is the highest hill in the area. Its name (virgin hill) is refers to the Poor Claires convent in Owińska, situated there since the Middle Ages. For years Dziewicza Góra was a Poznań scenic point, the view from the hillsides includes not only the forest but also the city of Poznań. Those views are now even more spectacular thanks to the opening of the tower with an observation deck. The tower is 40 metres high, and has 127 stairs. It is open for public daily from 10 am to 8 pm.
The tower on Dziewicza Góra is not only a tourist attraction, but it also serves as a fire observation point. Special equipment installed in the observation cabin on top lets firemen localize the fires, as well as allows communication between the Forestry authorities and fire brigades. The surrounding forests are continuously monitored from early spring till late autumn. It is a means of preventing tragedies like that which happened a couple years ago, when 200 hectares of forest were destroyed in fire.

Pictures: Lech Rugała, Starostwo Powiatowe, Jolanta B.