LOCATION
The area adjacent to the Vistula Lagoon from the south is a part of Holy Warmia, a land which used to belong to the bishops of Warmia, and is nowadays referred to as Lower Powiśle, the territories managed from Elbląg which competed with Gdansk in time of the Republic of Poland. The area was conquered and colonised by the Teutonic Knights in the 13th century, and after the Reformation divided into Catholic Warmia and Evangelical Elbląg. It was quite strongly affected in time of World War II. Although Braniewo and Elbląg were partially reconstructed, the signs of damage are still visible. Frombork with its cathedral complex has been a tourist gem for ages. Elbląg (Prus. Elbings, Germ. Elbing) 54°09′30″N 19°24′10″E, is the main city of the region and it offers ferry connections with Frombork (in summer).
photo source: own photos.
SIGHTSEEING
Elbląg and Braniewo, the main towns of the area used to be connected by the Lagoon Railway. At present car is the most convenient means of transport down winding, yet picturesque roads. The foregoing facilities are accessible during the day. Only in the case of the Sacred Stone of Prussia, a nearly half an hour’s walk is necessary (a car may be left at a car park of the Green Velo route between Tolkmicko and Chojnowo, access down a dirt road from any village). With its well-developed accommodation facilities Frombork may provide a good alternative for a stay in Elbląg. Sightseeing the area will take us all day. However, if we want to enjoy the beauty of the area as well, we may divide it into two stages: one from Elbląg to the Sacred Stone of Prussia near Tolkmicko, and the other – Braniewo and Frombork.
ATTRACTIONS
Elbląg boasts its old town, interestingly reconstructed within the last quarters of the century, whose centre is marked by Gothic St Nicholas’ Cathedral with a high tower (panorama terrace available from April until October). In the northern part of the old town former St Mary’s Church and the Dominican Monastery has been housing the EL Art Gallery for years. In Tolkmicko, a small lagoon harbour town there is Late Gothic St James’ Church with baroque and neo-Gothic furnishings. The Holy Stone devoted toKurke, a Prussiandeity of fertility and abundance is located around 4 km to the east of the town, by the shore of the Vistula Lagoon (30 m deep into water). Frombork is the historical seat of the bishops of Warmia, and the burial place of Nicholas Copernicus. The cathedral complex consists of the Gothic Basilica of the Assumption of Virgin Mary, the former seat of bishops, and canons. The furnishings of the cathedral is mainly baroque. The admission is against charge. The former belfry (Radziejowski Tower) houses a planetarium, Foucault pendulum as well as a panorama terrace (admission against extra charge). Braniewo, located 6 km from the mouth of the River Pasłęka into the Vistula Lagoon, suffered much damage in 1945. Gothic St Catherine’s Church under reconstruction is the sanctuary of Blessed Regina Protmann. The baroque, pilgrimage Church of the Holy Cross, constructed on a cross ground plan, and a little Calvary are situated in the garden of the local monastery, beyond the town, by the road to Nowa Pasłęka.
INFORMATION SOURCES
Heritage Class: [ C ]Cultural Heritage
Subclass [SR] :BLUE and GREEN believes and religions
WEB PAGES
http://www.braniewo.pl/
http://www.tolkmicko.pl/
