A medieval castle town in northern Poland with a 14th-century bishops' fortress, baroque cathedral, and well-preserved Gothic walls along the Łyna River.
In Lidzbark Warmiński, you can explore the red-brick Gothic castle where Nicolaus Copernicus calculated planetary movements, walk along 14th-century defensive walls, and step inside the Baroque Grabowski Palace with its ornate ceiling frescoes. The town's medieval streets lead to the High Gate and the Gothic Collegiate church, while summer brings historical reenactments with hundreds of participants recreating the 1807 Battle of Heilsberg.
Visiting the Gothic Castle of Warmian Bishops
The red brick towers of the 14th-century castle rise above the town center. Inside, you'll find defensive towers and the adjoining Baroque Grabowski Palace. Walk through the chambers where Nicolaus Copernicus worked on his astronomical theories between 1503 and 1510, and explore the central courtyard surrounded by two-story cloisters. Look up to see the detailed stone ornaments and pointed arches typical of Gothic architecture.
Walking the Medieval Streets
Follow the original medieval street layout to discover narrow passages leading to the High Gate (Brama Wysoka) and preserved town walls. Step inside the Gothic Collegiate church of Saints Peter and Paul, built in 1315, to see its architectural evolution - from the 1698 baroque additions to the gothic revival elements added in the 1870s. The market square and town hall remain active centers of local life, continuing their centuries-old role.
Cultural Events and Entertainment
From August through November, the town comes alive with events. Watch Polish comedians perform across town during Lidzbark's Evenings of Humour and Satire. Attend charity concerts organized by the Piotr Szwedes's Star Constellation. In summer, join crowds watching over 200 reenactors in period uniforms demonstrate military tactics and camp life during the Battle of Heilsberg recreation.
Gardens and Baroque Architecture
Visit the early 18th-century Baroque-Neoclassical Krasicki Orangery, built under Bishop Teodor Potocki and later home to Ignacy Krasicki from 1770. The surrounding gardens maintain their original Baroque design with geometric flower beds and symmetrical gravel paths. Inside the orangery, examine the preserved architectural details, including decorative moldings and period furnishings.
