Discover Kępno: Museum, Architecture and Walking Trails

Market Square, Museum and Architectural History

The Muzeum Ziemi Kępińskiej im. T. P. Potworowskiego is located in the town centre, on the market square. It is housed in a building constructed in 1846 that served as the town hall until 1975. Exhibitions on display include the permanent exhibition “Z historii Kępna”, as well as “Dziedzictwo Żydowskie w Kępnie” and “Kolory Potworowskiego”. The town’s history, Jewish heritage and Potworowski’s colours thus sit alongside one another—three distinct themes within the museum.

The town hall also stands on the market square, in its centre. The two-storey brick building was constructed in 1835 in the Classical style and has a clock tower. The one-hectare square and the town hall are two clear points of reference in the historic town centre: on the one hand, the square’s size and rectangular shape; on the other, a building with a clearly defined architectural style.

The synagogue in Kępno was built in 1814–1815 to replace an earlier wooden synagogue. Its monumental Tuscan portico refers to the façade of the opera house in Potsdam. Another religious building is the Roman Catholic Church of St. Martin, built in 1911 in the Neo-Baroque style. Inside are an 18th-century high altar and Baroque sculptures from earlier altars. The buildings therefore bring together different periods: from the early 19th-century synagogue to the church built in 1911, complemented by older furnishings.

Other distinctive buildings include the present-day post office and the water tower. The post office was built in 1888–1889 in the Neo-Renaissance style. The water tower is 42.5 metres high. Its design is Neo-Gothic, with subtle Romanesque influences; the roof draws on Baroque design. A look at Kępno’s architectural history thus brings different styles into focus, along with individual details such as the town hall’s clock tower and the water tower’s height.

Walking Trails and Getting Around Kępno

The yellow Wielkopolska walking trail WK, OP, ŁD-193y passes through Kępno, including via the Kępno viaduct by the railway station and a crossing of the Samica River. The blue Wielkopolska trail WK-3672N runs through Kępno from the main railway station, via Kopiec, to the Przemysłowa housing estate. The trail descriptions identify different landmarks and routes. As markings and trail conditions can change, check the current route and conditions before setting out.

The railway station is also notable for its design: it is a rare two-storey station where two railway lines intersect. The separate platforms are at different heights. This is a distinctive architectural feature and a special characteristic of the local railway infrastructure.

Northwest of Kępno, the site known as Kopiec preserves the remains of a medieval fortification. It existed from the first half of the 13th century to the second half of the 15th century. The hill adds a longer historical timeframe to the town’s story than the buildings in the historic centre.

A municipal post dated 14 December 2023 describes the town park, with paved paths, walking paths and park lighting. It also mentions an outdoor fitness area with equipment specially adapted for older people. Alongside historic buildings, paths and exercise are therefore among the aspects of the town described.

The options for planning your trip are easy to distinguish: the museum and buildings offer a perspective on Kępno’s history and architecture, while the two walking trails specify routes through the town. If you are looking for hotels in Kępno, you can first decide whether to focus your trip more on local history or on trails and exercise.

Discover more destinations: Pustkowie Kierzeńskie, Bralin, Baranów.

View the main travel overview: Kempen.