Poland. Elblag. City sights and reviews of tourists

Severe forests, clear lakes, high mountains, wide fields, deep sea, intricate history of statehood, unique examples of ancient culture, proud inhabitants are all Poland. Elblag, unlike Sopot or Gdansk, is not so famous in the world of travelers, although it is also located on the shores of the Baltic Sea. Moreover, the city has an interesting history, full of curiosities and monuments. Those lucky ones who have already visited here, are divided in tourist reviews with vivid impressions and positive emotions.

City `s history

Elblag was founded in 1237 by the Master of the Teutonic Order, Hermann von Balcke. Initially it was a small settlement, but its development took place so quickly that in 9 years it already received the status of the city (1246). During the first seven decades of the settlement's existence in Elbląg, the most important center of regional life was located, the only seaport and the main military base of the organization of the state of the Teutonic Order. In the XIV century there was an important port of the Prussian kingdom. In 1454, after many battles, the city finally passed into the hands of the Poles, and the castle was destroyed. The main memorials of history and culture are related to this period.

Poland. Elblag. sights

Almost 800 years of history left in the city a lot of traces of the past. Much was destroyed during the Second World War, however, a thorough reconstruction of the Old City allows one to appreciate the power of old eras. This area is a real paradise for archaic researchers. The Gothic architectural monuments include the Market Gate, the Canal, old houses on the street of the Holy Spirit and the palace of Augustus Abbegga, as well as the ruins of the upper and lower castles.

Among the reminders of an earlier period, a special place is occupied by St. Nicholas' Cathedral, built in the 13th century. It contains valuable interior items: the bronze font of 1387 and the sculpture of the patron saint of the diocese - St. Wojciech. Next to the cathedral is now a statue of John Paul II. It was installed in honor of the Pope's visit to Elblag, which took place in 1999. He collected about 300,000 believers at the time.

The Middle Ages also include the Dominican Church of St. Mary, the Hospital of Corpus Christi, the temples of the Holy Spirit and St. Anthony. No less interesting is the Path of the Church - the narrow passage between the houses, which united the three temples of the Old City. Among the most unique architectural monuments of the country included it Poland. Elblag proudly supports this view. The feedback from tourists reminds us that when you are here, you should visit the Museum of History and Archeology, as well as the library and art gallery.

Market gate

One of Elblag's most characteristic and recognizable sights is the Market Gate. Their image can be found on numerous souvenirs and postcards, as well as on the reverse side of the commemorative coin dwuzłotowej from the series "Historical cities of Poland", issued by the Polish National Bank in 2006.

The building was built in the XIV century and was part of the defensive system. The trees themselves are no longer preserved. The lower part was erected in 1319, in the 1420s the building acquired an add-on. During the work on the upper - completed the porch with two turrets, which lasted until 1775, protecting the city from the north, especially at night. Later on the roof there was an observation deck in the Baroque style and a clock - a gift from the Senate of Hamburg to the inhabitants of Elblag.

A lot of legends about the sights are cherished by Poland. Elblag description of the market gate connects with a beautiful legend. It tells how the young student of the baker, Waldemar Grabovetki, saved the city residents from the invasion of the Teutonic Knights. In memory of this event at the Gate stands a monument to a brave and resourceful youth, and an annual festival of bakers.

Museum of History and Archeology

Few people know that in Elbląg many fruitful excavations were carried out. It is in the local museum that history lovers will discover all these treasures. Many exhibits are unique on a European scale. So, here you can see medieval musical instruments, wax boards and signs of pilgrims. In addition, there are no less interesting artifacts from ceramics, amber, metal and leather. The exposition of the Museum of History and Archeology is divided into two main directions: the Old Town of Elblag and the trade settlement of the Middle Ages.

Elblag Canal

Another attraction - the Elblag canal - was developed by the engineer, Georg Jakob Steink, in 1848 to link the lake system to the Vistula Lagoon in the Baltic Sea. The connecting structure of more than 80 km in length and about 100 meters in height includes a number of unique lifts, on which ships move on land. In the XIX century the waterway became of great economic importance. But with the development of road and rail transport, new roads were discovered by Poland itself.

Elblag canal is now used for individual and group excursions. Reviews of tourists who have visited the route, claim that the natural landscape here is simply delicious. Difficult marshes and thickets of reeds along the banks of Lake Druzno have become an ideal refuge and nesting place for birds, as well as a stop during seasonal migrations. On its territory is an ornithological reserve with 110 species of nesting birds. This is about 50 percent of the country's avifauna.

Forest park area Bażantarnia

A charming natural park full of wooded hills, deep ravines, mysterious and beautiful valleys, is located in a suburban area. The silver stream so formed a picturesque landscape that Northern Poland (Elblag) in this place is deceptively similar to the mountainous South. The territory covers an area of 369 hectares.

This is the most visited place of rest for the townspeople. Here you can take a short walk, ride a bike or spend hours wandering around the marked hiking routes of varying complexity. In the reviews of tourists is often mentioned the legend of the Devil's Stone. Tradition says that in the channel of Silver Stream a block was thrown by Satan himself. A well-trained eye will be able to detect even an imprint of its paw on the rock.

Poland. Elblag. What to see yet?

In the reviews of tourists are often mentioned two more objects worthy of attention of travelers - the city library and EL gallery.

The unusual appearance of the reading room building is associated with its past. March 15, 1242, the city council established an act of foundation for the construction. Initially, there was a shelter for the elderly and the sick, and then - the hospital. And only in the 70s of the last century a book depository was opened here. The library has one of the most valuable collections of ancient engravings in the country. There are also cultural events of the city - meetings, exhibitions, etc.

The Center for Contemporary Art is located in one of the oldest temples of Elblag, the Dominican Church of the Virgin Mary. On July 24, 1961, Gerard Kwiatkowski and Janusz Hankowski first exhibited their works in the church. This date is considered the beginning of the existence of the EL Gallery.

What does Elblag write about travelers?

Many reviews of tourists say that in recent years, the renovation has become characteristic of the settlements of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Gradually turns into one of the most beautiful cities in the region and Elblag. All-knowing tourists believe that the manifesto of the first President of the country, Lech Walesa, really works: "The government of the people and for the people", or, more simply, the financing of transformations often goes according to the scheme: "Poland - Elblag".

Photos and videos of travelers capture the charming atmosphere that reigns here. Someone compares local landscapes with the Netherlands. And this is quite understandable: the junction of the two geographic regions - the dreary Vistula-Zhulavsky and the plateau rising above the waters of the Baltic Gulf - opens wide opportunities for various forms of recreation.

Almost everyone gives rise to the admiration of the Old Town with a historical layout. Its characteristic feature is called the way of the church, which is especially liked by lovers of art and sacral architecture. Finding themselves here, tourists feel like in the Middle Ages.