Braniewo is a city by the River Pasłęka, 4 miles from Vistula Lagoon. It is bordering with Kaliningrad Oblast.
The city has over 700 years of history. It was the first capital of Warmia, an abode of Warmia’s bishops, a rich port; it was a part of Hanseatic League. It was an important cultural, trading and educational centre during the Middle Ages. It was here that 16th century bishop Stanislaus Hosius first invited Jesuits to Poland.
The city’s past glory is reminded by its monuments:
- The Minor Basilica of St. Catherine rebuilt from ruins, towering over the city;
- Holy Cross Sanctuary with a miraculous painting of the Holy Trinity. The sanctuary’s garden hosts a magnificent Via Crucis;
- A hospice for converts funded by bishop Theodor Potocki, at present a branch of Univesity of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn;
- Ex- Collegium Hosianum building ;
- St. Anthony and The Holy Trinity Churches ;
- ‘Regina Coeli’ monastery – the home of St. Catherina congregation established by the blessed Regina Protmann – the patroness of Braniewo ;
- Gothic gate-tower – the only remaining element of Braniewo Bishops’ castle;
- Mariacki Granary – a reminder of the times of lively port and sea commerce activities.
Many national and international tourist trails run through Braniewo, for example: Copernican Trail, long distance E9, cycling R64. The city also hosts the smallest in Poland and the only zoo in the region. It was created in 1950s in a medieval defensive moat, previously used as a botanical garden. The River Pasłęka itself is very interesting. It is a great and diverse canoeing trail. It goes into Vistula Lagoon in Nowa Pasłęka town (a fishing port and a yachting harbour). Tourists may take water sports lessons or rent the equipment on site.
Braniewo offers a great range of restaurants and eateries, serving delicious cuisine. The city offers accommodation in hotels, guesthouses and boarding houses. Tourists seeking refuge from the everyday city life may find repose of unspoiled environment and being close to nature in some of the regional agrotouristic farms.
In the meanwhile one can visit the cinema, see the Artistic Society’s gallery of arts or take a trip to the civic sports centre’s horse ranch and ride one of their mounts.
The city invites to participate in annual summer festivals. The main ones are: Braniewo Days – taking place in a beautiful amphitheatre surrounded by water, where both famous and local Polish artists perform; Curious Floatation Devices Tournament on Pasłęka river; Viking Festival – presenting the clothing, customs, skills and lifestyle of the famous Northern warriors.
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