Discover Reszel: Castle, Churches and City Park
Accommodation in Reszel
Reszel combines striking landmarks with places to take a break in green surroundings. The episcopal castle, two churches with very different histories, remnants of the city walls and historic granaries offer plenty of starting points for a culture-focused trip. If you would rather spend time outdoors, the city park has walking paths, a pond and an amphitheatre.
Castle and Views of Reszel
Reszel's episcopal castle was built between 1350 and 1401. Its tower offers panoramic views of the Old Town. You can climb another tower in the city, too: the tower of St Peter and Paul Parish Church, which is over 50 metres tall, offers views of Reszel and the surrounding area. On the way up, you can see the clock mechanism and the bells, which hang at a height of 32 metres.
The two towers offer different perspectives on the town: the castle affords panoramic views of the Old Town, while the view from the parish church extends beyond the city. Climbing the church tower combines the views with a look at its inner workings. This means you can discover Reszel not only through its buildings themselves, but also through their height and function.
Churches and Historic Buildings
St Peter and Paul Parish Church has a three-aisled interior with furnishings dating from the mid-19th century. Its organ was built in 1829 by Jan Roth of Orneta. The Late Baroque Church of St John the Baptist was built in 1799–1800 on the site of a Gothic church. Today, it is Greek Catholic and dedicated to the Transfiguration of the Lord. The former Jesuit college complex adjoins the north side of the castle and includes this church.
The city walls also make Reszel's history tangible in the townscape: they were built between 1360 and 1370 and are partly preserved in the east and north. One of the city's two Gothic bridges crosses the Sajna River in the northeast. Together with the castle, these buildings reveal different facets of the historic town, though they do not represent the same period or function.
The historic granaries add a different architectural note. They were built around the turn of the 18th and 19th centuries and feature half-timbered construction with plastered brick infill. The Old Rectory, the residence of the Warmian prebendaries, is considered the city's oldest residential building; it was probably built in 1444. The different building styles and dates offer visitors several ways to explore Reszel's history.
City Park and Cultural Programme
For a change of pace from historic buildings to time outdoors, the city park makes a destination in its own right. Its features include walking paths, a pond and an amphitheatre. There is also a playground and an outdoor fitness area at the park exit onto Ulica Podmiejska. This brings together different ways to spend active time in the park, from a walk to exercising on the equipment.
The Municipal Cultural Centre is also part of Reszel's cultural offerings: it stages an annual re-enactment about the trial and execution of a woman. If you would like to include the event in your travel plans, check the dates for your visit. By combining historic buildings, the park and a cultural event, you can take different interests into account when planning your time in Reszel.
Discover more destinations: Jankowice, Łęknica, Biedaszki, Jezewo, Czerniki, Pilec, Barciany, Aptynty.
Return to the main travel overview: Kętrzyński.
