The Polish town of Elblag is located near the Kaliningrad region. Where the ancient port city of East Prussia once stood, the Teutong Order erected a fortress in 1237. Soon, in 1246, this area received city status and its current name Elbląg, in honor of the river on the banks of which its foundation was laid.
Until the 20th century the city was the main seaport of Poland. Unfortunately, the “Old” part of Elbląg was almost completely wiped off the face of the Earth during the Second World War. The reconstruction of buildings and monuments of the historical center of the town is still ongoing. Elblag, according to travelers, is a fairly quiet and peaceful place. It is pleasant to walk along it, enjoying ancient historical monuments and picturesque park areas.
The oldest temple in the city, located in its very heart. The tallest building in the entire country. The top of the tower reaches 97 meters. The building itself dates back to the 13th century. Over many centuries, the building, after numerous reconstructions, was doubled in size. External and internal decoration of the Church of St. Nicholas is made in the Gothic style: a bronze font, wooden statues, altars brought here from other churches in the country. There is also a working organ here.
Location: Mostowa - 18.
Elblag's main attraction, the Trade Gate, is located on the Old Market Street. They have retained their appearance since the 14th century, since the reign of the Teutong Order. Their height is 95 meters. From the observation deck of the tower you can clearly see a beautiful panorama of the city. And at the foot of the gate there is a monument to the “Baker Boy”, who, according to legend, saved the city from the invasion of knights.
Location: Stary Rynek - 21.
One of the oldest buildings in Elbląg is St. Spirit and the adjacent temple. Construction of the complex began in the 13th century. Initially the buildings were wooden, but after the fire they were built of brick. Everything was housed in the buildings of this church. Soon after the hospital, a shelter for the sick and homeless was located here. In the 1770s it served as a garrison church for the Polish army. In 1807, there was a bakery here and a flour warehouse owned by the French. Currently there is a city library here.
In the city of Elblag there is an interesting path that connects two streets where the Cathedral of St. Nicholas and the Dominican Cathedral. The Kostelnaya path is the narrowest street in the town, 60 meters long. It is noteworthy that at night this path is blocked on both sides by powerful cast iron gates.
Those who like to visit city museums while traveling will enjoy the Historical and Archaeological Museum. It is located in a castle that belonged to the Teutonic Order. It was founded relatively recently, in 1954. The museum exhibits musical instruments, ancient leather objects, ceramics, amber, pilgrimage signs and many other valuable exhibits.
Location: bulwar Zygmunta Augusta - 11.
The Church of the Assumption or St. Mary's Church historically belonged to the complex of the Dominican monastery. It was built over three hundred years, from the 13th century. - XVI century Like many other buildings in the city, it is made of red brick, with a red tiled roof. Today, the premises of the church are used as the “El” contemporary art gallery. Concerts, festivals and competitions are also often held there.
Location: Kusnierska - 6.
Hidden in Bazantarnia Park is the interesting palace of August Abbega, with many small towers. It was built in 1811 by order of consul August Abbeg. It was built as a hotel and later given to the state. It is now used as a building for the Elbląg Forestry District.
Location: Marymoncka - 5.
Like all other buildings in Elblag, the Church of St. Antonia is built in Gothic style from bricks. In the past, it underwent a major reconstruction, after which the wall paintings, tower, and arches were restored. Inside, in good condition, is an ancient crypt from the 14th century. And at the top of the tower there are beautiful bells, cast in the 16th century.
This small temple has an unusual fate, since it was originally built in a completely different place. Several centuries later it was moved to its current habitat. The church is considered one of the most valuable monuments of the Baroque era, built in the 18th century.
The façade of the building differs from typical Elbląg buildings by the presence of many intersecting beams, creating a unique, interesting wall pattern. In the 20th century This historical monument was dismantled and transported, while undergoing the necessary reconstruction and re-consecration. Nowadays, various religious services and rituals are regularly held inside the temple.
Location: Rawska - 16A.
Elblag's first Catholic church. Locals also call it the Church of St. Wojciech. In 1901, it was decided to build a church for the townspeople who professed Catholicism. For this purpose, a piece of land was purchased in the Pangritsa area. Fortunately, during the Great Patriotic War, the temple was not badly damaged. The only thing is that the bells on its tower were removed for melting down. Therefore, new bells were taken from the Temple of the Three Kings.
Location: Wiejska - 4.
Those who like to ski or snowboard on the mountain slopes will also find something to do in Elbląg. In winter, on Mount Brave, the winter sports season opens. Here you will find trails of varying difficulty, a snow park, and a snow tubing track. For those who did not take skis with them, you can borrow them at the rental office. The length of the slopes of Mount Brave is 430 meters, and its height differences reach 60 meters. The mountain itself is located in the most picturesque forested urban area of Elbląg. But even in summer, there is something to do in this place: a rope park, a high-speed ropes course and a petanque area. At the foot of the mountain, not far from the ski lifts, you can find a small local cafe with free internet access.
This trip of my friend Sveta from Kaliningrad to Poland, Elvlong city took place in December 2013, before the New Year. During a summer visit Poland in the center Elblag renovation work was going on, and everything was dug up, so all the attention of my friends was absorbed
It was a pity that we were not able to see the Old Town in the summer, which so attracts tourists to Elblag. The city suffered greatly from the war. Restored... And where there were gaps, new houses were built there, maintaining the old style, very beautiful! It's a pity that there was bad weather. I can imagine how nice it is there in the summer!
Poland. Elblag
Elblag is a small city with a population of about 130 thousand people, located just 100 kilometers from Kaliningrad. On this day there were very few people on the streets - the rainy, windy weather had its effect. The historical center of Elblag is very small and cozy. It reminded us of the old city , only much less.
Poland Elblag
Elblag was founded by the Crusaders in the 13th century. Historically, it is a Prussian city, part of Pomesania (ancient Prussian region). Elblag was part of Poland from 1446 to 1772 and became so again after World War II. The restoration of the Old City is a fertile place for archaeologists. Finds from the Middle Ages are transferred to the Elblag Museum.
Poland, Elblag
Museum of Peoples.
A walk through the Old Town starts from the Trade Gate.
Trade gate - a particularly favorite landmark of city residents. They became a symbol of the city's defense from the crusaders. Construction of the lower part of the building was completed in 1319, and the upper floors appeared in 1420-1430.
Poland. Elblag. Trade gate.
Heavily damaged during the Second World War, the Trade Gate was restored by attracting funds from the European Union. In 2006, the restored Trade Gate welcomed city residents and tourists. From the Trade Gate terrace on one of the top floors you can admire panoramic views of the city in good weather.
Near the gate there is a sculpture of a baker boy (Pekarchik). The favorite of the residents of Elbląg, according to legend, saved the city from the invasion of knights. The boy's nose is noticeably different in color from the rest of the sculpture. This is to blame for the belief that you need to rub a boy’s nose for good luck.
Poland. Elblag. Sculpture “Baker”
The legend of the baker boy has been passed down for centuries and is also a landmark of Elbląg. On the northern side of the city, the fair gates were closed at night for the safety of residents. According to legend, a young baker went out on the night of March 8, 1521 to get some fresh air and climbed the Trade Gate. He saw that the Knights of the Teutonic Order were approaching the city. The young man was not taken aback and cut the ropes that held the grate with a baker's shovel. The grate fell down and the entrance to the city was blocked. The crash from the falling grate woke up the city's defenders. The image of a shovel on the facade of the building on the north side of the gate immortalized this event.
Church trail It seemed to us the most interesting place to walk. In the spaces between the houses there are several entrances that you won’t notice right away. Here you can feel the spirit of the Middle Ages!
Sights of Poland, Elblag. Church trail.
One of the trail entrances
Sights of Poland, Zlblong. Church trail.
Cathedral of St. Nicholas in Elbląg in erected in the 15th century. After a fire in the 18th century, it was rebuilt. The cathedral has the tallest spire in Poland.
Poland. Elblag. Trade gate
During a storm in April 1777 in Elbląg, lightning lit up the sky and struck the church tower. A serious fire broke out, destroying the tower and roof. During the fire, the ceiling collapsed, destroying the main altar and the interior of the cathedral. The altar was reconstructed in 1790. The new tower, 97 meters high, was built only in 1906-1907.
Poland. Elblag. Church of St. Nicholas.
Hostilities in Elbląg during World War II led to the destruction of the cathedral. At the end of December 1947, parish priest Vaclav Hips came to Elblag to restore the Church of St. Nicholas. In May 1948, work began, which continued until 1965. But stained glass windows appeared in the temple in 1969.
Today, St. Nicholas Cathedral is an architectural monument in Elbląg. In March 1992, the church was given the status of cathedral of the Elbląg diocese. The cathedral has preserved in its interior a bronze font from 1387, wooden statues of the Apostles and St. Nicholas, made in the Gothic style.
Elblag. Church of St. Nicholas
The monument to Pontiff John Paul II, erected near the cathedral, was erected to commemorate his visit in 1999.
Poland, Elblag. Monument to the pantiff John Paul II
In addition to the cultural program, Kaliningraders stocked up on food in “Bedronka” and visited “Auchan” - a huge store with many shops.
Poland. Elblag
Food prices were still lower than at home. Everywhere there are already New Year's decorations in stores. Beautiful!
We drove back through Frombork at night. There is an unusually beautiful castle on the hill, it’s a pity we weren’t able to photograph it at night. Rich in attractions, Poland still leaves room for travel and stories.
We should continue to share information from our spring trip to Poland and neighboring countries. Today is a story about the Polish city of Elblag, one of the most interesting cities in this country for me. I wrote the basis for this post back in August, but only finished it now. Below the cut is about the Vikings, crusaders and the peculiar medieval sights of the city. ;-)
ELBLANG
Elbing, as Elblag was called in ancient times, was founded in 1237 on the site of an older center, which is usually identified with the Varangian settlement of Truso. Truso is a trade and craft center of the Vikings in the land of the Prussians, from which in the 9th-10th centuries. the so-called "Amber Route" to the south. Known mainly from the description of the travels of the Viking Wulfstan, who was sent here at the end of the 9th century by Alfred the Great. Polish archaeologists place Truso on the shore of Lake Druzno, in the suburbs of modern Elblag, but this point of view is not shared by all historians.
1. But this Viking boat is on display in the courtyard of the local museum:
Photo by R.R.
2. Elblag is one of the oldest cities on the Baltic Sea coast and in the Middle Ages was a member of the Hanseatic League, which is noticeable on the coat of arms and ancient seals:
3. The Elblag Archaeological Museum is located in one of the buildings of the pre-castle (forburg), where grain was previously stored:
Photo by A.L.
4. Little remains of the castle itself, where the second official of the Teutonic Order after the Supreme Master once lived. But they once said: “Gdansk is rich, Krulewiec is famous, Toruń is beautiful, Elbląg is impregnable.” It’s hard to believe in inaccessibility, looking at what remains of the former fortification of Elbing Castle:
Photo by A.L.
5. Before the Second World War, there was another monument in Elblag, reminiscent of the times of chivalry. The fountain, located relatively close to the Church of St. Nicholas, was named after the Landmaster of Prussia, Hermann Balck. This Teutonic man had a very direct connection to Latvia, becoming at the peak of his career the first master of the Livonian Order. Unfortunately, the fountain has not survived to this day, with the exception of the lower part.
6. One of the commanders of the local castle is known for his participation in the famous Battle of Grunwald, as well as for the fact that he was depicted on the canvas of the most famous Polish artist Jan Matejko.
As he writes fon_eichwald : The commander of Elbing took part in the Battle of Grunwald in 1410. The famous Polish artist Jan Matejko (1838-1893) tried to depict on his canvas “The Battle of Grunwald” all the more or less noticeable participants in the battle, and he succeeded, but the plot of the picture became more conventional than is usually the case in the battle genre. In particular, between Master Ulrich von Jungingen and the horse of Prince Casimir the Fifth of Szczecin, we see a bearded old man on foot, looking with horror at the death of Jungingen. This is Elbing commander Werner Toettingen. Before the start of the battle, he shamed the master, who seemed indecisive to him, telling Jungingen that it was time to behave like a man and not like a woman. However, in battle, the master showed himself to be a more worthy person, and Tettingen escaped and fled all the way to Elbing, but did not stop there either and took refuge in Marienburg, whose fortifications he rightfully considered impregnable.
7. Among other things, it is worth remembering that the Teutonic Order was originally founded for the purpose of guardianship and the creation of strange houses (so-called hospitals). In the 13th century The order founded two hospitals in Prussia - in Torun and Elbląg.
8. Immediately the Elbląg hospital came to the fore, which was under the control of the chief hospitalier, subordinate directly to the Master of the Order. Between the remains of the castle and the Church of St. Nicholas in Elbląg, next to the old houses, the former complex of the Holy Spirit Hospital is still located. In the period from 1312-1467. here was the main hospital of the Teutonic Order and the residence of the Great Hospitaler (Hospitalier) of the Order, who was the Grand Commander. Now there is a library here.
Photo by R.R.
9. Another interesting medieval monument - the so-called. Brama Targova (Merchant Gate) is part of the former city fortifications, the lower half of the gate was erected already in 1319. The Trade Gate is one of the most important monuments of the city. The following were restored in 2006 with EU money:
Photo by V.S.
10. Here on an old postcard you can see the fountain and the profile of the street before the war:
11. By the way, compare the current appearance of the tower with what it was like before:
12. The famous legend about the brave Pekarczyk (little baker), to whom the inhabitants of Elbląg erected a monument, is associated with the Trade Gate. Bakery is a peaceful profession, but Elbląg has its own city hero for this particular profession. This is a young baker's apprentice who distinguished himself during the war. According to legend, during the time of the Crusaders, enemies besieged the city. They were able to lower the drawbridge and begin the assault on the fortress and city. But Pekarchik took the shovel with which he took the bread out of the oven, and with it he cut the cables of the drawbridge mechanism. The bridge rose and blocked the enemies from entering the city. Centuries later, the townspeople perpetuated the memory of Pekarchik by erecting a monument to him in September 2006. Tourists are told that Pekarchik helps fulfill wishes and brings happiness - for this you need to touch him in a friendly way:
Photo by A.L.
13. A postcard was found on the Internet about how the 700th anniversary of Elbing was celebrated - alas, some pages from history cannot be erased...
14. St. Mary's Church (13th century Dominican church, now El Gallery, presenting contemporary art):
Photo by V.S.
15. Cathedral of St. Nicholas (XIII-XV centuries), rebuilt after a fire caused by lightning on January 26, 1777, in the interior you can see late Gothic triptychs, Gothic wooden statues of the apostles in the nave, a bronze baptistery from 1387, a Gothic reliquary of St. Cross, tombstones from the mid-13th century.
Photo by V.S.
16. The church has a very interesting spire:
Photo by A.L.
17. It was near this church that a monument to Pope John Paul II was erected:
Photo by R.R.
18. Gothic masonry of the walls of one of the buildings of old Elbing - in this simple way of tying bricks a rich decorative effect was achieved:
Photo by A.L.
19. More facade details obtained using profiled bricks:
Photo by A.L.
20. The Swedes built a powerful fortification system around Elbing, which Russian troops had to storm in 1709-1710. However, after the capture of the fortress, embezzlement occurred:
After the capture of the fortress, Balk was appointed its commandant, and a garrison of 2,000 Russian soldiers was left in the fortress. For his distinction during the assault, Major General Nostitz was promoted to lieutenant general, Balk was given a sovereign portrait with diamonds, and other officers and privates were given a monthly salary. Not content with the promotion he received, Nostitz imposed an indemnity of 250,000 Polish zlotys on the city magistrate, and fled with this money, for which he was tried in absentia by a military court and sentenced to hang: “... he left without apshita, which person after, as a traitor, on the gallows hanged."
21. Antique houses in Elbląg. Considering that the city suffered greatly during the Second World War, the local architectural experience of recreating ancient buildings with the help of modern buildings that only imitate the old proportions is very interesting:
Photo by A.L.
22. Do you see the passage under the arch on the right in the photo?
Photo by A.L.
23. This passage between the houses somehow reminded me of a place in old Tallinn.
Useful information for tourists about Elbląg in Poland - geographical location, tourist infrastructure, map, architectural features and attractions.
Elblag is a Polish city located near the Russian border, administratively assigned to the Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship. The history of modern Elblag dates back to 1237, when the advanced detachments of the crusaders founded a settlement that inherited the ruins of the Varangian trade and craft center of Truso that once existed here. Less than a decade later, more specifically - in 1246 - the bivouac equipped by the crusaders was awarded the status of a city.
Elbląg's presence as part of the Polish state from 1446 to 1772 served as the basis for the return of the city to post-war Poland, which took place in 1945. The deportation of the remnants of the German population was accompanied by the settlement of the newly acquired city by ethnic Poles who had left the USSR. The highly qualified specialists of various fields among the immigrants contributed to the transformation of Elbląg into an industrial center.
The food industry is very developed here, represented, in particular, by a large brewery. Heavy industry enterprises in Elbląg specialize in the manufacture of ship propellers, and the production of turbines has been established. And the Elbląg Canal, which runs here, attracts tourists with its locks.
Such impressive achievements allowed the city to be called the capital of the Elbląg Voivodeship from 1975 to 1998, which stimulated the increase in the number of citizens with numerous visitors. Well-known events that affected the deep foundations of the socialist camp also affected the demography of Elblag. The subsequent political and economic upheavals provoked an exodus of qualified personnel, mainly heading to neighboring Germany and more distant Great Britain. As a result, Elblag's capital status had to be downgraded to the category of an urban settlement.
Nevertheless, the development of the city as a European transport hub continues persistently, attracting foreign investment flow. International high-speed routes and a seaport are being built, and a tram network is being developed in Elbląg itself. The tourism potential of these places is evidenced by investment funds aimed at restoring the Old Town.
The Elbląg Old Town area, which suffered the ravages of World War II, continues to recover today. After all, its property is a complex of old houses, hospital and monastery buildings, the remains of powerful ramparts - elements of the urban culture of the past that are attractive to tourists and historians. To democratize the somewhat academic, museum atmosphere in the Old Town, modern cafes, pubs, and pizzerias are tactfully incorporated into the attributes of antiquity.
The exhibits discovered during excavations in the Old Town are transferred to the city museum, which occupies the building of the former gymnasium. Visitors are greeted by a Gothic column, the only thing left after the Crusader castle was destroyed by angry residents in 1454. In the halls of the Elblag Museum, old printed books, knight's armor, ancient coins and miraculously surviving furniture are exhibited.
The outskirts of the city are represented by the Vistula Żuławy Mountains, merging into the calm surface of a flat landscape. On the other side, Elbląg is bordered by the wild nature of Lake Druzno, Poland's largest waterfowl reserve.
One of the oldest and most beautiful cities in Poland is located in the Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship, above the mouth of the river of the same name. Ancient traditions of the Vikings and Teutons, a symbol of unemployment, ambiguous emotions and constant ridicule from its own inhabitants. This city is capable of acting on the nervous system, delighting and inducing thought. Today our travels have taken us to Elblag city.
One of the oldest cities in Poland
The official date of birth of Elbląg is 1237. It was at that distant time that the Master of the Crusaders, Hermann von Balck, founded a small settlement at the mouth of the river. But long before that, around the 9th century, on the shores of Lake Druzno there was a Prussian trading port of Trusno, which, as archaeological research has shown, collaborated very intensively with the Vikings.
Elblag soon became one of the most important trading centers in Prussia, became an integral part of the Hanseatic League and was for a long time considered the main seaport of the nascent Teutonic state. Elbląg Castle housed the residence of the Grand Hospitaller, and local merchants held important positions in the Hansa Council. Around the 14th century, Elblag began to lose its strategic importance, and after the war with the Order, local residents expelled the Grand Hospitaller from the city and founded the opposition Prussian League. In the middle of the 15th century, the city received privileges from King Casimir Jagiellonczyk. From 1466 until the First Dispute, Elbląg was part of the Polish Crown.
Archaeological Museum
The old part of Elbląg is often called “the newest old center of Europe”. It is also the largest inhabited archaeological site. Next to the beautifully recreated (based on pre-war photographs and postcards) stone quarries, archaeologists and archaeologists continue to dig out unique artifacts from the ground, the age of which can be attributed to the Middle Ages. In total, more than 8 thousand priceless historical objects were discovered in the center of Elblag, ranging from coins to perhaps the first European glasses. All found exhibits can be seen in the local Archaeological Museum, which, by the way, opens exhibitions of the latest finds with enviable regularity.
Brama Targova
The only surviving part of the old city walls is Brama Targova. One of the symbols of the city and, undoubtedly, the brightest tourist attraction. An interesting legend is associated with Targova Brama. They say that in the 16th century, when the crusaders silently made their way to the city walls, they were accidentally noticed by a local baker. He cut the ropes supporting the lattice in the gate with a pastry shovel, the lattice closed the passage and the city was saved. In memory of this event, Stefan Batory ordered the image of a shovel to be carved on a granite slab. Although many consider this story to be just an urban legend, nevertheless, the figure of the Baker at the Targova Gate and the imprint of the shovel are a very interesting reference to the rich historical heritage of Elbląg.
Cathedral of St. Nicholas
As in every Hansa city, the center of Elbląg is dominated by the pompous building of the Cathedral of St. Nicholas, the patron saint of sailors and merchants. This Gothic church was built in the 13th century and today is the tallest building in Elblag and one of the tallest churches in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. The height of the temple bell tower is 97 meters. During World War II, the cathedral was severely damaged. In 1976, the temple was put in order and now it differs little from its original appearance.
Church Path
One of the main attractions of Elbląg is the medieval Church Trail. This is a kind of transition street, adjacent to three churches: the Cathedral of St. Nicholas, the Church of the Holy Spirit and the Dominican Monastery of the Virgin Mary. The Church Trail is unique. For many decades it was closed due to the disrepair of the surrounding buildings. But since 2006, the route has been open, and now you can walk under 10 medieval vaults every day, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Pool
Elblag was once called a city of parks. All because of the large number of green areas: Kaiki Park, Modzheve, Dolinka and others. But Dolinka still deserves special attention - the 25th Anniversary Park, which, in addition to the amphitheater and ski hill, houses the largest outdoor swimming pool of the Old Continent. Built in 1934, the facility has very impressive dimensions - 340 meters long, 80 and 125 wide, almost 3 meters deep, and its total area is 3.35 hectares.
Bazhantarnya
The historical forest park "Bazantarnia" has been known to the Polish aristocracy since the 18th century. Over the past few years it has been experiencing a real revival. There is a parking lot at the entrance to the territory, places for rest and picnics along the paths, new bridges and decking have been installed, new bicycle routes and a bungee run have been opened. And in winter, Mount Brave turns into an excellent place for skiing.
Here are 6 reasons to explore this amazing town. In fact, there are many more of them, but you’ll have to look for it yourself. It’s not for nothing that they say: it’s better to see once than to read ten times.
