The article addresses the issues of city panoramic views on the example of Poznań. The subject was raised since no account was taken of protecting panoramas in the process of city’s structural development and maintaining the exposure of buildings clearly distinguishable in the city skyline. This paper presents the methods of research into perception of urban space, panoramic views and dominants, as well as their impact on the urban landscape. The analyses cover changes in the perception of city panoramas caused by transformations of the city’s spatial structure both in the past and present. Particular attention was paid to planned investments in Poznań and their expected influence on visual perception of the city. The comprehensive and multifaceted studies have led to conclusions and guidelines relating to shaping urban structure of Poznań. It created the basis for designating zones of different protection regimes and acceptable directions of transformations in the line of the character and value of the area. The research highlighted the value of Poznań panoramic views in which the history and spatial development of the city is written. However, the lack of landscape analysis and inappropriate planning decisions have resulted in undesired transformations of valuable city views. Proper urban development should be based on spatial development studies and land-use plans made for the whole city area. Combined with the analyses and landscape guidelines suggested in the paper, they provide effective tools for the protection of cultural values, which build the identity of the city.