Olsztyn is a very modern city, despite its 650 years of history. The city retained many of its architectural monuments testifying about the past residents of this burg upon Łyna river. The city is full of brick buildings characteristic of gothic architecture, bourgeoise, secessionist and classicistic apartment buildings from 19th and 20th century as well as neo-gothic churches. The monumental neo-baroque New City hall building from 1912-1915 is towering over the city centre. The Warmia’s Chapter Castle, at present home to the Museum of Warmia and Mazury – the largest museum entity in the province. It is one of four remaining gothic castles in Warmia. Its construction began in 1346 by building the north wing and defensive walls securing the entrance and access to the castle. Later the south wing with a tower and south-west wing were added in 15th and 16th century. A part of the south wing is the St. Ann’s Chapel consecrated in 1580 by Warmia’s bishop - Martin Kromer. Another reconstruction took place in 1758 when a crumbling curtain wall was replaced with a baroque palace. One of the most valuable monuments in the castle is the astronomical indicator painted by Nicolaus Copernicus himself during his stay in Olsztyn. It allowed the great astronomer to predict the equinox in 1517. The Basilica of St. Jacob. This magnificent gothic cathedral was built in 1375-1380. The aisles to the main nave are diamond-vaulted and are of the same length as the main nave, which is rib-vaulted in a late gothic fashion. The modern church tower replaced an earlier – wooden one – in 1596 and is 220 ft tall. In 1721 Piotr Olchowski, an architect from Reszel, added two chapels as an extension to the side naves. The basilica has many interesting relics: 16th century triptych ‘Crucifixion’ taken from deconstructed Holy Cross Church in 1803; The Virgin of the Rosary’s painting (18th cent.); 16th century chandeliers – one of which represents royal stag’s head. The High Gate (prev. Upper Gate) is the only remaining of the three city gates. 14th century gate is a four-storey building with a double-sloped roof. The gate now has additional buildings attached from the eastern side. The High Gate still exists solely because it had many functions during the centuries. In 1788 the fatigued building was reconstructed and served as a dragon squadron’s armoury. During 19th century the building served as a prison where in 1863 the famous historian and Polish-rights fighter in Eastern Prussia Wojciech Kętrzyński was held captive when caught transporting firearms for the January Uprising. Today, The High Gate is one of the most recognizable elements in Olsztyn’s architecture.
The Olsztyn Lakeland is rich in wonderful lakes and wild, unspoiled natural environment. The longest river in the region – the River Łyna – runs through Olsztyn, and the city itself is surrounded by 11 lakes. This feature is quite unique in the country. Each year the city attracts tourists longing for a holiday in a peaceful place near the water. During last years culinary tourism has brought much attention to the city. People who cherish good food will surely find something to suit their tastes in here. The city has a number of charming restaurants serving Old Polish cuisine, as well as Greek or Italian dishes. Some of the most interesting culinary spots in Olsztyn are: ‘Różana’ restaurant serving fine Old Polish cuisine able to satisfy every palate; ‘Karczma Jana’ situated just beside Łyna river serving traditional dishes; ‘Przystań’ restaurant offering great dishes in an interestingly designed interior with unique atmosphere.
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