Olsztyn – the capital of the Warmia and Masuria Region
Olsztyn, with its 160,000 inhabitants, is the largest town of the Warmia and Masuria region. The centre of the town, heavily damaged by the war was thoroughly reconstructed. Around the centre there are old burghers tenement houses with characteristic galleries.
The Teutonic Knights’ castle from the 14th century is a valuable cultural monument. Today it hosts the Warmia and Masuria Museum, with an additional display commemorating the activity of Nicolaus Copernicus during his stay in the town. Copernicus’ name appears also in connection with the planetarium named after him, which was built in 1973 for the 500th anniversary of the astronomer’s birthday. Other cultural monuments include a late- Gothic cathedral, the Tall Gate, fragments of town fortifications from the 14th century and the old Baroque Town Hall erected in the beginning of 17th century.
A historic verdant city in a picturesque setting on hills over the Łyna Riva and an university center. The Gothic castle of the Warmia Chapter, where Copernicus used to live, today houses the Museum of Warmia and Mazury. Summer organ music recitals are given in the Gothic Cathedral of St. Jacob. Other interesting sights in Olsztyn include the planetarium and astronomical observatory.
