Wondrous monuments in Warmia and Mazury

If you want to learn about the monuments of Warmia and Mazury indicative of the region’s cultural identity, you need to see the most interesting objects characteristic of different architectural styles. The Gothic defensive architecture is represented in the region by numerous castles once belonging to the Teutonic Order, bishops and chapters, many of which have been preserved in good condition to this day, and some in part.

Gothic sacral buildings in Warmia and Mazury are a gem of European architecture. Among them are: the monumental cathedral in Frombork and well-preserved churches in Olsztyn, Lubawa, Dobre Miasto or Orneta. It is worth mentioning the baroque churches in Święta Lipka, Krosno, Stoczek Klasztorny and Chwalęcin.

Most Wysoki in Reszel. Built in the second half of the 14th century, red brick, it was initially also an aqueduct. It is argued that a prison was subsequently arranged inside, and at the end of the 19th century it was turned into housing for the poor .

This Gothic bridge is one of the oldest brick bridges in Poland. In the centre of the town you can see the Lidzbark Bishops’ Castle built between 1350 and 1401. Today, the castle houses guest chambers, a restaurant and a gallery, which organizes exhibitions of contemporary art.

Święta Lipka. One of the most famous shrines to the virgin Mary in Poland. The Basilica of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary in Święta Lipka with its monastery is one of the most important baroque monuments in northern Poland.

In the basilica we can listen to and admire a baroque organ with moving figurines dating back to 1721. On the main altar there is a painting of Our Lady of Święta Lipka from 1640.

Nidzica Castle. A great Gothic fortress, built by the Teutonic Knights between 1370 and 1407. As the southernmost point on the map of the Teutonic state, it secured its southern border. It was the seat of Teutonic prosecutors, mayors and the commander. Today the castle houses: the Museum of  Nidzica Land, guest rooms and a restaurant.

The fortified cathedral complex in Frombork was built at the end of the 13th century. The most important building of the complex is the Archcathedral Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Andrew. It is now considered a gem of religious architecture at European level. Along with the entire Cathedral Hill, it has been declared a Historical Monument.

Under the floor of the cathedral the remains of Nicolaus Copernicus are buried. Today, the buildings of the Cathedral Hill house: the Museum of Historical Monument. Frombork Cathedral Complex and the Museum of Nicolaus Copernicus.