Castle of Warmian Bishops in Olsztyn, Gothic castle in Olsztyn, Poland
The Castle of Warmian Bishops in Olsztyn is a brick fortress with four stories and distinctive stepped gables, positioned on a hilltop within a bend of the Łyna River. Its thick walls and structural design reflect medieval fortification techniques of northern Europe.
The fortress was built between 1346 and 1353 by the Teutonic Knights as an administrative hub for cathedral properties. By the 16th century, it became the seat of the Warmian bishops and the center of their authority across the region.
The castle served as the bishop's residence and shaped the identity of the city for centuries. Walking through the courtyard, visitors encounter the thick brick walls that speak of medieval religious authority and power in the region.
The castle now houses the Museum of Warmia and Mazury, with exhibitions on medieval architecture and regional history displayed throughout its rooms. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes as exploring the multi-story structure and courtyard requires walking on uneven surfaces.
A refectory with diamond vaulting from 1520 survives within the castle and demonstrates the sophisticated building techniques that craftsmen employed in northern Poland. This feature often surprises visitors since such architectural details rarely receive attention in typical castle tours.
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