The best traffic-free bike rides around Lidzbark Warmiński

The Bernardine Monastery (a branch of the Franciscans) in Stoczek Klasztorny is one of the most important places related to the history of the Church in Poland. In the years 1953–1954, it was the place of internment for Primate Stefan Wyszyński, the head of the Catholic Church in Poland in the mid-20th century, by the communist authorities. Currently, the monastery houses a museum dedicated to his stay and the preserved internment cell. The physical conditions that Wyszyński had in this prison were significantly better than those of other opposition activists. I don't understand why this insignificant 2-year period of imprisonment is the object of such veneration. A place worth visiting. Especially since the sanctuary and monastery are currently under the care of the Marian Fathers (Congregation of Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary), who have served there since 1959.

In this village founded on November 18, 1349 by the Bishop of Warmia, there are around 330 inhabitants. The place is surprising, because it also houses the sanctuary of Our Lady of Peace. Before the construction of the imposing church, there was only a modest chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The title of minor basilica was awarded to the church by Pope John Paul II on May 19, 1987.

This imposing castle once belonged to the Teutonic Order. Over the centuries and through successive successions, it became the property of the princes, and later the bishops of Varnia. For about seven years, the castle served as the residence of the famous astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus. The residence was then owned by his uncle Lukáš Vatzenrode. Between 1858 and 1932, the palace was used as an orphanage and a hospital. World War II brought its own changes, transforming the castle into a prison for Soviet soldiers. Part of the immense palace is occupied by a 4-star hotel. The other part is a museum. The residence also has a spa. Here, you can combine business with pleasure. Enjoy your visit and have a wonderful stay!

Stoczek Warmiński - the first place of imprisonment of Primate Stefan Wyszyński (September 25, 1953 - October 6, 1954)

The Bishops' Castle in Lidzbark Warmiński, dating back to the 14th century, has great artistic and historical value on a global scale and has been recognized as a historical monument. There is the Museum of Warmia and Mazury. The outer bailey has been adapted into a four-star hotel. The castle is surrounded by a moat with numerous footbridges and bridges, with a climate reminiscent of the famous Venice, which should be especially appreciated by couples in love.

Beautifully restored Ordensburg with a hotel section. The castle can be visited. Simple, small museum and definitely worth seeing if you have the time. Features a beautiful courtyard and premises.

At the latest since the beginning of the 17th century there was a Marienkapelle with a statue of Mary near Springborn, which was visited by pilgrims. Bishop Szyszkowski had a round stone church built on the site of the chapel in 1639-1641 as a votive offering after the end of the First Polish-Swedish War. The church was handed over to the St. Bernards from Wartenburg. Initially, the monks lived in wooden buildings until 1666, when Bishop Jan Wydżga donated the stone monastery buildings. From 1708 onwards, under Bishop Zaluski, a cloister with four corner chapels was built around the church, based on the example of Saint Linde. The construction was completed under Bishop Teodor Andrzej Potocki. During his tenure, the monastery was expanded, which as a four-wing complex with an inner courtyard adjoins the cloister to the east. In 1716 Bishop Potocki dedicated the church to "Mary, the Queen of Peace" (Regina Pacis). The pilgrimage site experienced its heyday in the 1740s and 1750s, when it almost equaled Heiligenlinde in popularity. After the secularization of the religious orders in Prussia, the state took over the church and monastery (the last religious died in 1826). During the tenure of Bishop Andreas Stanislaus von Hatten (1838-1841), however, the church and monastery were returned to the Diocese of Warmia. In 1870 Bishop Philipp Krementz handed over the monastery to Lazarists from the Rhineland. As a result of the Kulturkampf, they had to withdraw three years later. In 1909 the cloister tracts were increased by one floor, in 1913 the cloister received an extension on the garden side. In 1926 the complex was handed over to the Franciscans. From October 1953 to October 1954 the primate of Poland, Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński, was interned in the monastery by the communists. He occupied rooms on the first floor of the monastery and was attended by a priest and a nun. After Radio Free Europe made the primate's whereabouts public, he was taken to Prudnik in Upper Silesia. In 1987, Pope John Paul II gave the church the rank of minor basilica (Wikipedia).

Impressive facility with potential to visit!