HISTORY
Lidzbark Warmiński, a home town to around 18 thousand people, lies on the Copernicus Route, at the site where the Symsarna River flows into the Łyna. The town is situated 48 kilometres away from the capital of the Warmia and Mazury Province, Olsztyn, and about 30 kilometres from Poland's northern border. The beautiful river valley in which the town rests is surrounded by picturesque moraine hills with rich vegetation and wildlife. The unpolluted natural environment is a haven for wild game and fowl. The admirable landscapes around the town are evocative of mountainous regions rather than lowlands. Of unique beauty is the gorge of the Symsarna river, with a charming landscape park crossed by a 2.5 km long trail. Historically, for over four centuries Lidzbark Warmiński was the capital of Warmia, the domain of the bishops of the Warmian Diocese. Owing to its location, high class architectural and historic monuments as much as the illustrious personages that had once resided in it, Lidzbark Warmiński has received the title of honour - the Pearl of Warmia. Among the most famous residents of the town were Nicolas Copernicus (Bishop's nephew, stayed in Lidzbark between 1503 and 1510) and Ignacy Krasicki (Bishop of Warmia, lived here from 1767 to 1795). In the Polish literature and history Krasicki is remembered as a writer, a poet, an art lover and a great friend of the last Polish king. In Lidzbark he created the castle gardens and founded the Summer Mansion. Both Copernicus and Krasicki resided at the Lidzbark castle, a true jewel among Polish monuments of architecture. The main building was raised on a 48.5 metre square plan in 1348 - 1400. The main part of the castle consists of four wings enclosing a courtyard with a two-storey gallery (no other Gothic gallery in Poland has been preserved in such a magnificent state to our times). The north eastern corner of the castle is dominated by a protruding octagonal tower on a rectangular base. The other three corners are crowned with smaller rectangular turrets. The castle is accessed through a gate in the south wing, enclosed in a high lancet arch. For centuries, the castle was a seat of the Warmian bishops (the last bishop residing in Lidzbark was the poet Ignacy Krasicki). The grand days of the castle came to an end in 1772, when Warmia was annexed by Prussia. Twice in the 20th centuries (1925-1939 and 1872-1985) the castle was thoroughly renovated. In 1927 a museum was established in the castle. Since 1st January 1963 the museum is a branch of the Museum of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn. The castle premises are a magnificent architectural background for permanent and temporary exhibitions and for cultural events. A visit to Lidzbark Warminski would not be complete if we missed such sights as:
- former urban fortifications - fragments of the town walls and the High Gate,
- the Summer Mansion (known as the Orange House), extended by the orders of Ignacy Krasicki,
- three churches,
- several townhouses and shrines. Lidzbark Warmiński welcomes visitors all year round. Every winter the slopes of Góra Krzyżowa (134 m above sea level) attract lovers of winter sports. The Centre of Winter Sports manages four ski runs and two ski lifts. All the ski runs are certified. If needed, they are artificially lit and snowed. Among other facilities, the centre has a ski jump, a sledge run and a ski carousel for children. In summer the mountain slopes turn into a cycling rally cross for mountain bikers. Come to Lidzbark Warminski to meet its friendly inhabitants. Enjoy the town's unique natural surroundings. Relax in the peace and quiet they offer.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
The Museum of Warmia, 1 Zamkowy Ave. tel. 089 767 21 11

Museum - (open daily except Mondays; in the season from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.; outside season from 10.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m.).
Exhibitions - permanent museum exhibitions:
1. Outstanding Residents of the Castle
2. Tinware and Bellfoundry form 15th to 20th Century,
3. Post-medieval Wood-craft from Warmia and Ducal Prussia,
4. Medieval Art in Warmia and Teutonic Prussia: Living Heritage,
5. Stonework
6. Armouries.
EVENTS - in the summer season: Days of Lidzbark Warmiński, the Lidzbark Feasts of Humour and Satire

CULTURE
The Community Centre of Lidzbark, 4 Słowackiego St. tel. 089 767 26 88, e-mail: ldk@imac.use.pl

ACCOMODATION
The "Pod Kłobukiem" Hotel, 4 Olsztyńska St. tel. 089 767 32 91B
The "Przy Bramie" Hotel, 18 Konstytucji 3 Maja St. tel. 089 767 20 99
The "Gościniec Myśliwski" Hotel , 2b Spółdzielców St. tel. 089 767 52 59

RESTAURANTS
"Pod Kłobukiem", 4 Olsztyńska St. 089 767 32 91
"Etna", 22 Wyszyńskiego St. tel. 089 767 37 91
"Gościniec Myśliwski" , 2b Spółdzielców St. tel. 089 767 52 59

The Town Office
5 Ratuszowa St., phone: 089 767 22 31
www.lidzbarkwarminski.pl