Tag: The History Museum

Tag: The History Museum

Top 10 Things To Do in Kołobrzeg

What to see, what to do

Things To Do in Kołobrzeg – Updated 16 January 2023.

Discover Kołobrzeg

There’s a lot to see and do in the city. Here’s our list of the Top 10 things to do in Kołobrzeg. Click on the links for further information or to book a tour & buy tickets.

1. The Lighthouse

The most notable landmark in Kołobrzeg is the lighthouse at the entrance to the harbour, which you can climb for panoramic views. The base of the lighthouse houses a mineral rock museum.

Kołobrzeg lighthouse

2. The Kołobrzeg Pier

The Kołobrzeg Pier is the second largest pier in the region at 220m in length and 9m in width. A jetty positioned on the end of the pier enables small ships to sail for sightseeing excursions.

3. Museum of Polish Weapons

For enthusiasts of militaria, the Museum of Polish Weapons is a must. Exhibits include collections of swords, armour, halberds and more modern military technology from the early Middle Ages to present day. There is also a huge display of cannonballs and a panoramic display of the destruction of the city in 1945.

Further information.

4. Bolesław

Just 4km from Kołobrzeg is a tree named Bolesław, which is over 800 years old.. It’s the oldest oak tree in Poland.

5. Cathedral

The historically important cathedral in Kołobrzeg dates from the 14th century and was rebuilt after being badly damaged in 1945. One of the most impressive elements of the structure are its very tall and narrow stained glass windows. The cathedral was built in the Gothic style with five naves and two colossal conjoined towers, which occupy the entire width of the building. In the central nave, you’re find a unique Gothic wooden chandelier dating from 1523. Other objects in the cathedral are even older such as the bronze baptismal font dating from 1355. You’ll find the building at ul Katedralna.

6. History Museum

You’ll find the History Museum housed in Braunschweig Palace, the sister institution to the Polish Arms Museum. Exhibits include metrology (weights and scales) and old postcards of the city.

Further information.

7. Amber Museum

There’s no comparison with the Amber Museum in Gdańsk; however there’s still a good selection of, ‘the gold of the north’ on display. If the weather isn’t good, its an interesting indoor distraction to kill an hour or two!

8. Amphitheatre

Created after World War I and renovated a few times since then, Kołobrzeg’s large amphitheatre hosts around 35 concerts each year including the Sunrise electronic music festival.

Further information.

Kołobrzeg Town Hall

9. Town Hall

You’ll find the Town Hall just east of the Cathedral. During the summer, the area in front of the main entrance is very popular, there’s plenty of beer gardens. The Town Hall itself is a neo-Gothic structure and one wing of the building houses a modern art gallery.

10. Lontowa Tower

Also known as the, Powder Tower or Fuse Tower, the 15th century Lontowa Tower is part of the original city walls.

FAQ

Q: What is the best time of year to visit Kołobrzeg?
A: The best time to visit Kołobrzeg is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is warm and sunny, and the beaches and outdoor activities are in full swing.

Q: Is Kołobrzeg a good place for families?
A: Yes, Kołobrzeg is a great place for families. The city has a variety of activities and attractions that will appeal to children and adults alike, such as the beach, parks, museums, and boat trips.

Q: Is there public transportation in Kołobrzeg?
A: Yes, there is a good public transportation system in Kołobrzeg. The city has buses and trams that connect the different parts of the city. Taxis are also readily available.

Q: What is the main language spoken in Kołobrzeg?
A: The main language spoken in Kołobrzeg is Polish, but many locals speak at least some English, especially in the tourist industry.

Q: What is the currency used in Kołobrzeg?
A: The currency used in Kołobrzeg is the Polish złoty (PLN). Credit cards are widely accepted in most shops and restaurants, but it’s always good to have cash on hand, as smaller establishments might not accept cards.

Q: Are there any vegetarian or vegan options in the restaurants in Kołobrzeg?
A: Yes, there are vegetarian and vegan options available in many of the restaurants in Kołobrzeg. Some restaurants offer a dedicated vegetarian menu, while others may have a few options on their regular menu.

Top 10 things to do in Bialystok

What to see, what to do

Top 10 things to do – updated 15 January 2023.

There’s a lot to see and do in the city and surrounding area. Here’s our list of the Top 10 things to do in Bialystok. Click on the links for further information or to book a tour & buy ticket.

1. Branicki Palace

Built for a man who wanted to be the King of Poland, the Branicki Palace and gardens is a good way to kill a few hours whilst you are in Bialystok. It’s a beautiful palace with impressive gardens, complete with pavilions, sculptures and outbuildings. The gardens are free and are open all year. It is possible to see the interior of the palace, some parts can be accessed for free, other areas require that you purchase a ticket. The palace contains the Museum of the History of Medicine.

Bialystok is part of an area known as the ‘Green Lungs of Poland’ for the quality of its air, and this sprawling, ‘Planty Park’ that occupies over 35 acres near Branicki Palace is the perfect place to enjoy it.

Further information.

2. Girl with a Water Can Mural

Top 10 things to do in Białystok

Painted on the side of the four-storey high building at al Józefa Piłsudskiego 11/4 is a mural of a little girl appearing to water an actual tree and this has become a Bialystok icon. The official name for the art is The Legend of Giants, it was pained by Natalia Rak in 2013.

Further information.

3. The History Museum

There are a number of good museums in the city such as The History Museum, which showcases the history of Bialystok and Podlasie. A light show featuring a large model of Bialystok in its late 18th-century heyday is the highlight of this museum, which is an annex of the Podlasie Museum, which can be found at the Town Hall.

Further information.

4. Cytron Synagogue

Before World War II, Bialystok had 60 synagogues serving a population of over 40,000 Jews, or about half of the city’s population. Only three synagogue buildings survived the war, one of which was the Cytron Synagogue where the few hundred Bialystok Jews who survived the Holocaust worshipped after the war. Today it is a branch of the Podlasie Museum and is used as an art gallery and for special exhibitions.

Further information.

5. Rynek Kościuszki

The main market square and focal point of the city, the Rynek has been rebuilt several times and has an unusual trapezoidal shape. The square houses the Town Hall, which is home to the Podlasie Museum.

6. Ludwik Zamenhof Centre

A cultural institution founded to celebrate the organisation of the 94th World Congress of Esperanto that was held from 25 July to 1 August 2009 in Bialystok. The Zamenhof Centre offers the visitors a permanent exhibition, ‘Bialystok of Young Zamenhof’ and various temporary exhibitions, concerts, film projections, and theatre performances.

Further information.

7. Bialystok Cathedral

Białystok Cathedral

Dating from 1905, the grand neo-Gothic brick Roman Catholic cathedral in Bialystok is attached to a late-Renaissance parish church dating from 1627 and an 18th-century baroque presbytery. The actual name for the cathedral is The Metropolitan Archcathedral Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Further information.

8. Museum of the History of Medicine & Pharmacy

Housed within the Branicki Palace, this museum features historical medical exhibits.

Further information.

9. Orthodox Church of the Holy Spirit

The largest Orthodox church in Poland, which is topped with a cross weighing an impressive 1500kg. The large cross represents Christ, while 12 smaller crosses around it represent the apostles.

Further information.

10. St Nicholas’ Orthodox Church

A Byzantine style church built in 1846 with a central cupola.

Further information.

FAQ

Q: What is the population of Białystok?
A: As of 2021, the population of Białystok is approximately 297,000 people.

Q: What is the currency used in Białystok?
A: The official currency in Białystok and all of Poland is the Polish złoty (PLN).

Q: What is the best time to visit Białystok?
A: The best time to visit Białystok depends on your preference. Summer months from June to August are generally considered to be the best time to visit, as the weather is warm and pleasant and there are many outdoor activities and festivals to enjoy.

Q: What is the weather like in Białystok?
A: Białystok has a temperate continental climate, with warm summers and cold winters. The average temperature in the summer is around 21°C (70°F) and in winter is around -3°C (27°F).

Q: What is the official language in Białystok?
A: The official language in Białystok and all of Poland is Polish.

Q: What is the main mode of transportation in Białystok?
A: The main mode of transportation in Białystok is by bus and tram, but also have a railway station connecting the city with other cities in Poland. Taxis are widely available and relatively inexpensive, and there are also several bike rental companies in the city.

Q: How do I get to Białystok from the airport?
A: The Białystok-Sokółka Airport (BZG) is located about 25km from the city center. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a shuttle bus to the city center. There is also a train service that connects the airport to the main railway station in Białystok.

Q: Are there any good places to eat in Białystok?
A: Białystok offers a wide variety of dining options, from traditional Polish cuisine to international cuisine. Some popular restaurants in the city include Karczma Bida Pod Lipami, Karczma Zielona, and Restauracja Pod Arkadami.