Olsztyn

Olsztyn belonged to the dominion of the Warmian cathedral chapter in Frombork and was granted municipal rights in 1353 by the chapter.

In the Middle Ages Olsztyn was one of the most important centres of power of the Prince Bishopric of Warmia within the State of the Teutonic Order, being the seat of one of the three administrative units subject to the cathedral chapter, which, together with the administrative units directly subordinate to the bishop, formed the Prince Bishopric.

Today Olsztyn is the capital of the Warmia-Masuria Voivodeship. The glorious past of the city is well reflected in the Brick Gothic buildings of the Old Town – the Castle of the Warmian Cathedral Chapter, St. James’ Cathedral, the Old Town Hall, the High Gate and the remains of the fortified walls. The medieval road network is still visible today.

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The Castle of the Warmian Cathedral Chapter was once an important castle of the Teutonic Order. Construction began even before the city’s foundation around 1348. The north wing of the castle was built around 1373, the south wing and tower until around 1430. After the Teutonic Order had lost control in Prussia, the castle was used as a residence and seat of the Warmian canons until 1772. One of them, Nicolaus Copernicus, lived in the castle between 1516 and 1521 and carried out his astronomical observations from here. Today the castle is the seat of the Museum of Warmia and Masuria.

Zamkowa 2, 10-074 Olsztyn, Polen

Castle, Olsztyn

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The construction of the St. James’ Cathedral dates back to the end of the 14th and the beginning of the 15th century. It is a good example of a stringently composed hall church of the Warmia type characterised by the absence of a chancel, a tall stepped gable on the east side, octagonal pillars and stellar vaults. Its prototype is the nave of the cathedral in Frombork. Inside are two Late Gothic winged altars (triptychs) from the 16th century. Organ concerts are performed here in July and August.

Świętej Barbary 4, 11-041 Olsztyn, Polen

St. James’ Cathedral, Olsztyn

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The Gothic wing of the Old Town Hall is its oldest part and was built after 1500. From 1623 to 1624 the building was extended to its present dimensions. The later building measures had no influence on its shape, but the Gothic character of the representative facades was partially lost. In 2003 the Gothic facade of the south wing was restored. The Old Town Hall now houses the voivodship library, which is open to the public.

Stare Miasto 33, 11-041 Olsztyn, Polen

Old Town Hall, Olsztyn

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Olsztyn

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Castle, Olsztyn

St. James’ Cathedral, Olsztyn

Old Town Hall, Olsztyn