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Olsztyn Attractions
Warmiński Hotel & Conference is a perfect starting point and base camp to access the most beautiful sights of the region of Warmia and Mazury. The region is famous for the numerous lakes and forests and provides many attractions for individual visitors and organised groups of tourists. The numerous advantages of Olsztyn include its spectacular recreational areas and the plentiful summer time cultural and artistic events held in the city. The Old Town in Olsztyn boasts its architectural monuments and Gothic sacral constructions.
Monuments
Castle of the Warmian Chapter
The oldest construction in Olsztyn ( first mentioned in documents dating back to the year 1353 ). It is a three-wing construction with a defensive wall which closes off the castle courtyard. In the years 1516 – 1512 the Castle was the living quarters of Copernicus who conducted astronomical observations here. In subsequent years the Castle was used for various purposes and housed a prison for some time. Since 1945 the Castle houses the Museum of Warmia and Mazury. The unique museum collection includes a sundial designed by Copernicus himself.
High Gate (Gothic)
A fragment of the remaining defensive city walls. Constructed in the XIV century, it lasted through wartimes, fires and disasters. In the year 1858 it was turned into a prison ( Wojciech Kętrzyński was imprisoned here for the help he offered the Polish insurrectionists). Contemporarily the High Gate houses a hotel.
Saint Jacob's Cathedral (Gothic)
The construction works began in the years 1370 – 1380. In winter 1807, when Olsztyn was taken over by the French, Russian captives were detained in the Cathedral and burnt down its interior. What has remained till contemporary times is the Baroque painting of Saint Florien, candlesticks and chandeliers which date back to the years 1598 and 1609, and a crucifix sculptured by Izaak Rige in 1680. For the last dozen or so years organ concerts performed by acclaimed artists have been held in the Cathedral.
The Jerusalem Chapel
Constructed in the XVI century, initially a lazar-house. Later it was reconstructed and turned into a chapel for pilgrims. Today the alter boasts a cross dating back to the year 1510 and on the walls there are three paintings which date back to the end of XVII and XVIII century.
Culture
For your entertainment during your stay in the Hotel we recommend joining in the cultural events held in Olsztyn every year. It is worthwhile to see the Olsztyn Castle Encounters – Let’s Sing Poetry, Summer Session of Laughter Therapy, Olsztyn Blues Nights, Olsztyn Theatre Encounters, Saint Jacob’s Cathedral Organ Concerts, or the International Jazz Festival.
