Lidzbark Warmiński Castle
The castle in Lidzbark Warmiński is one of the finest and best-preserved defensive structures from the Middle Ages in Poland. The architecture and decoration of the monument have high artistic values. The impressive red brick building is located in the city center and is the identity of Lidzbark Waramiński.
History
The castle is settled in the heart of Lidzbark Warmiński, a city known for centuries as the Pearl of Warmia. The monumental building consists of a Gothic castle and an outer ward with a baroque palace.
Lidzbark was the seat of the Warmian bishops from the mid-fourteenth century after moving it from Orneta. The construction of the defensive structure began with Jan I of Meissen, who laid the foundations and walls of the three wings of the castle.
The works were completed 51 years later during the reign of Bishop Henry Sorbom. The castle was surrounded by defensive walls, a moat was built on three sides, an outer bailey was erected, and even a water supply system was established.
From the end of the 16th century, the castle gradually lost its defensive function. Following the fashion of the Renaissance and Baroque periods, it grew and transformed into a magnificent prince’s court, richly equipped with sophisticated facilities, libraries, and works of art.
The castle rooms have been adapted to new functions, dividing them into smaller ones and richly decorated with paintings. Another enlargement was made by bishop Jan Stefan Wydżga. In the years 1666–1673, the bishop built a baroque palace at the southern wing of the castle.
The wing was erected according to the design of the Italian architect Isidore AfIfaiti. The new palace took over the residential and representative functions. The last bishop of Warmia, residing in the Lidzbark castle, was Ignacy Krasicki.
The castle in Lidzbark Warmiński was the center of the spiritual and secular power of the diocese of Warmia until 1772 when Warmia was taken over by Prussia in the partition.
In 1927, comprehensive conservation work began in the castle, and a regional museum was established. Regardless of the museum, the diocesan educational center operated in the castle. During World War II, the castle was taken over by the state administration. The lower basement was designed for prison for Russian prisoners of war.
Although the object did not suffer directly from warfare, the collections of the former museum were devastated and plundered. Restoration work continued for many years. In 1963, the castle was taken over by the Warmian Museum in Olsztyn, it was recognized as a historical monument. Today it is a branch of the Museum of Warmia and Mazury.
Visiting Castle
Currently, the Bishop’s Castle in Lidzbark Warmiński is a famous monument of the city, which tourists eagerly visit. In the dungeons of the castle, you can see the former arsenal and lapidarium as well as various exhibition halls.
The ground floor of the castle is a zone with collections of Gothic art, portraits, and documents related to the ancient history of the castle. In the refectory, there is a bishop’s Legendorf tombstone from 1494. There are also various souvenirs from the Warmian bishops, e.g., chasubles and church costumes.
The first floor of the building was adapted to a Polish art gallery from the 19th, and 20th centuries, moreover you can admire the beautiful works of such artists as Julian Fałat and Józef Mehofer. Besides, when visiting Lidzbark fortress, you must also see a collection of icons and paintings by contemporary Polish painters.
The interiors of the Lidzbark stronghold hosted such outstanding guests as Nicolaus Copernicus, Pope Pius II, Napoleon Bonaparte, Jan Olbracht Waza, Jan Dantyszek, Marcin Kromer and Ignacy Krasicki. Also, today, numerous guests and tourists from all over the world come here to see the best-preserved castle of the former Teutonic state, which was never in possession of the Order.
Opening Hours
October 1 – April 30
- Monday – closed to visitors
Other days of the week:
- from Tuesday to Sunday from 9.00-16.00
May 1 – September 30
- closed Monday
- Tuesday 10.00 – 18.00
- Wednesday 09.00 – 17.00
- Thursday 09.00 – 17.00
- Friday 09.00 – 17.00
- Saturday 10.00 – 18.00
- Sunday 09.00 – 17.00
Ticket Prices
- Regular ticket: PLN 17
- Reduced ticket: PLN 12
Guide tour (must be booked in advance)
For groups up to 10 people / over 10 people:
- in Polish: 40 PLN / 60 PLN
- in a foreign language: 80 PLN / 120 PLN
Hotel
Hotel in Masuria was built-in adapted and modernized buildings of the outer bailey, next to the Castle of Warmian Bishops.Podzamcze was neglected for years and fell into ruin. One of the wings is a baroque palace that once served as a court.
At the cost of 60 million, the castle was transformed into a four-star hotel with 124 rooms and a large SPA center. The authors of the reconstruction design are Olsztyn architects Katarzyna and Grzegorz Dżus.
Modernization designers managed to bring out the values of historic walls and details, which they connected in combination with discreet modern solutions. From the reception through the extensive glazing, you can see the entire courtyard of the castle – and in the distance – the Bishop’s Castle.
Would you like to know what is happening at night in the castle? Then come and spend a few nights here. Enjoy the luxury, calm, and space in a stylish interior.
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Bartosz
Bartosz is a travel writer, photographer & founder/editor of theuniquepoland who tells stories of adventure, history and current affairs. He writes mainly about travel, with special focus on Poland. He loves travelling, discover new unknown and inspire others.
