Kwidzyn attractions. The castle with the largest latrine in the world and the cathedral
Kwidzyn is the historical capital of Pomezania and at the same time an interesting city in Dolny Powiśle. It was here in the thirteenth century that the Pomesanian bishops built a powerful castle, to which they later added an equally powerful cathedral. Today, the magnificent brick complex delights tourists and boasts the largest latrine in the world, i.e. the gdansk, to which I can see a porch over 50 meters long!
Experiences in Kwidzyn
The city boasts nice buildings and interesting places, but it is especially worth seeing the beautiful cathedral and castle complex in Kwidzyn, from the Middle Ages. These Gothic buildings lie on the Trail of Gothic Castles. The picturesque Liwa flowing through Kwidzyn and the nearby queen of Polish rivers, the Vistula River, as well as the surrounding lakes with swimming pools, e.g. Lake Dzierzgoń, are unique tourist attractions. Check out the best attractions in Kwidzyn!
Kwidzyn Castle
As I mentioned, a powerful gothic brick castle was built here in the 13th century. Interestingly, it did not belong to the Teutonic Knights, but to the Pomesanian bishops. Therefore, a huge cathedral was soon added to it. This is a unique solution that you will not find in other castles of the region. I also mentioned the largest outhouse in the world. Gdanisko in Kwidzyn separates a porch with a length of over 50 meters from the castle. Waste from it used to fall directly into the river flowing down below. Today, a road runs here, and the porch was used for an interesting exhibition about Mennonites. The remaining fragments of the chapel's castle are also open to the public.
Address: ul. Katedralna 1
Kwidzyn Cathedral
The temple is also visited for a fee, but as part of a separate ticket, which must be purchased at the ticket office located near the entrance to the temple. Not on the side of the castle, but on the opposite side. You will only get inside the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist with a guide who tells you about this place and its history with great passion. Here you will see the Crypt of the Grand Masters of the Teutonic Order, which was discovered in 2008.
It is true that at that time another grave was sought, namely the blessed Dorota of Mątów. This Catholic stigmatic died in Kwidzyn as a hermit. There is a version that it was walled up in the church tower, but this is not confirmed by sources. She ended her life in a modest hermitage, but most likely outside the cathedral. It was revered by King Władysław Jagiełło, but its remains have been searched for unsuccessfully since the 17th century.
The cathedral is also famous for its beautiful frescoes that create a kind of Bible of the Poor. Illegible residents, thanks to the ornaments, could learn the truths of faith. The paintings are literal in places, and symbolic in other fragments. We saw a similar pictorial bible in tiny Małujowice near Brzeg.
Address: ul. Katedralna
Market Square in Kwidzyn
It is a modest square, where only a fragment of the old town hall tower attracts attention. But the image of the square is already dominated by the shape of the castle and cathedral complex.
Miłosna Complex in Kwidzyn
Miłosna is a complex of the former royal stud farm, famous for its herds of stallions, built in 1907-10. It includes historic stables, a historic horse riding hall and the newly built Osada Miłosna riding hall. The traditions of horse breeding in Kwidzyn date back to the 18th century, although it was initially done near the castle. Later, the herd was moved here, where more green areas were available. It is worth coming here with children, because not only horses enjoy the local walk, but also other animals as part of the mini zoo, which is available free of charge. There is also a restaurant on site.
Address: Miłosna
Love Dendrological Garden
In addition to the stables, there is another pleasant place to walk. It is a dendrological garden and an arboretum of Love. In addition to flower meadows, a multitude of flowers and old trees, there are also prepared picnic areas.
Address: Miłosna
Our video about Kwidzyn
I encourage you to see our film about a majestic castle, a mysterious cathedral and a love corner.
History of Kwidzyn
Kwidzyn is the historical capital of Pomezania. Already in 1233, the Teutonic Order located its first base on the Vistula island in the area of Pomezania, and the town located on the right of Chełmno was most likely moved to the edge of the Iława Lake District in 1234. From the middle of the 13th century, the city belonged to the Pomesanian bishops, and later it was the seat of the bishopric chapter. At that time, a powerful castle was built here, to which the cathedral was later added.
Location Kwidzyn
This interesting town is located in northern Poland, in Dolny Powiśle, in the Pomeranian Voivodeship. Located on route No. 55, between Malbork and Grudziądz, it is an interesting link between the towns and the Gothic strongholds.
Other strongholds of the Gothic Castle Route
It is worth coming to the castle in Kwidzyn, because it lies in the heart of the Teutonic castles. Close to Gniew, Rogoźno, the castle in Sztum, and even the pearls of the Trail, i.e. the medieval castle in Malbork.
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What's worth seeing in the area?
You don't have to travel far to find more interesting places. Within a radius of 100 kilometers, there are many attractions waiting for you that will certainly enrich your stay Your trip with additional memories.
- Grudziądz, distance: 29.4 km
- Malbork Castle, distance: 34.5 km
- Iława, distance: 45 km
- Chełmno, distance: 54.2 km
- Elbląg, distance: 56.3 km
- Ostróda, distance: 68.4 km
- Gdansk, distance: 70.4 km
- Kashubia, distance: 81.7 km
- Bydgoszcz, distance: 91.6 km
- Bory Tucholskie National Park, distance: 93 km
