Day 4 (21 August 2019) in Olsztyn, Poland

Today is very exciting day, because we'll have excursion this afternoon. 

In the afternoon, we went out for excursion. That gives me to see Olsztyn city. Guided by professional tour guide of the city makes our tour very interesting. We started our tour at the old town that was established in the 14th century.   

The maps of old town

Acording to Wikipedia, the city was founded as Allenstein in the 14th century, Olsztyn was under the control and influence of the Teutonic Order until 1454, when it was incorporated into the Polish Crown. For centuries the city was an important centre of trade, crafts, science and administration in the Warmia region linking Warsaw with Konigsberg. Following the First Partition of Poland in 1772 Warmia was annexed by Prussia and ceased to be the property of the clergy. In the 19th century the city changed its status completely, becoming the most prominent economic hub of the southern part of Eastern Prussia. The construction of a railway and early industrialization greatly contributed to Olsztyn's significance. Following World War II, the city returned to Poland in accordance with the Potsdam Agreement. Since 1999 Olsztyn has been the capital city of the Warmia-Masuria. The population of the city was estimated at 172,362 residents in 2018.

One of the main attraction point in the city is the monumental St. James church, which is located in the heart of the Old Town. Its construction took place over decades – it had begun after the foundation of Olsztyn and was finished between the 14th and 15th centuries. Since 1965 the church is the location for the tomb of the Warmia archbishops. In 1973 the church was appointed a co-cathedral, in 1992 the arch-cathedral and in 2004 a minor basilica. The last title was granted by Pope John Paul II who conducted a service here during his pilgrimage in 1991. The Basilica is the oldest sacred building in the city and the region’s unique relic. It is open to tourists daily, except when services are held.

Engraved statue of Pop Paul II at the outside wall of the church

One of very few Basilica outside Rome! 

Inside view of the Basilica! 

Another visible site in Olsztyn is the castle. The Castle of Warmian Bishops in Olsztyn was built in the 14th-century in the Gothic architectural style. The castle had the role of being the administration headquarters for the Bishops of Warmia. The most well-known administrator was Nicolaus Copernicus between 1516 and 1521. Currently, the castle houses the Museum of the Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship. 

Outside side of view of the castle!

Inside view of the castle