Bialystok
BiaÅ‚ystok is northeastern Poland’s largest city and the capital of the Podlaskie Province. Sitting close to the borders with Belarus, Lithuania, and Russia, Bialystok is a very culturally diverse city and home to the inventor of the universal language Esperanto. The city is surrounded by numerous natural and historical sites. Among these is the UNESCO listed BiaÅ‚owieski National Park, the habitat of the European bison. Please visit the official BiaÅ‚ystok travel portal for more information.
Białystok: a multi-cultural melting pot
For centuries, the town’s inhabitants have been forming a lively mosaic of religions and languages. Like nowhere else in the world, the domes of Orthodox churches harmoniously co-exist with Roman Catholic church spires. Living next to one another, Poles, Ruthenians, Jews, Tartars, and the Romani peoples inspired Ludwik Zamenhof, the inventor of the universal language, Esperanto. The Branicki Palace, one of the most stunning Baroque residences in Central Europe, is considered the gem of the town’s historical heritage. The gardens which surround the palace are among the best-preserved garden complexes in Poland. BiaÅ‚ystok’s setting brings to mind ancient Rome, as it, too, was founded on seven hills. The city hosts many music festivals, just like the outdoor event called “Pozytywne Wibracje” (“Good Vibrations”).
There is plenty to see and do in this majestic Polish city.
Bialystok
Branicki Palace
This sprawling palace complex in the late Baroque architectural style was developed in the 18th century by Jan Klemens Branicki, a military commander who had aspired to the throne of Poland. Here you can take guided tours around the mansion and its grounds including the hall, chapel, cellars, pavilions, fountains, sculptures, and gardens, and find out why BiaÅ‚ystok came to be known as the “Versailles of Podlasie” at the time of Branicki Palace’s construction. Now home to the Medical University of BiaÅ‚ystok, the splendor of this historic location remains unmatched anywhere else in the city.
Ludwik Zamenhof Centre
The museum honors the creator of the universal language Esperanto. It is a story of his life and the language itself. Center presents the history of the city that has been shaped by coexistence of many nationalities, religions, cultures, customs and traditions. Such a multicultural environment became an inspiration and a good ground for Ludwik Zamenhof to begin his work. He hoped the language facilitated communication and cooperation between all different groups. The Centre has an Esperanto library and also holds concerts, film screenings, theater performances, and lectures, and workshops.
Białystok Puppet Theatre
Built in 1953, this theater was the first in Poland to have a stage built specifically for puppetry. And this is no Punch and Judy affair: the BiaÅ‚ystok Puppet Theatre is a reputable institution known for hosting national and international puppetry festivals. Although it does put on children’s shows, usually based on popular fairy tales and fables. It also holds adult-oriented and experimental performances, including literary adaptations of works by esteemed authors like Nikolai Gogol and Thomas Bernhard. You can even tour the “Puppets’ Cellar”, a small, atmospheric space beneath the main stage in which displays puppets, masks, costumes, and scenery from past productions.
Planty Park
BiaÅ‚ystok is part of an area known as the “Green Lungs of Poland” for the quality of its air. And the sprawling park that occupies over 35 acres near Branicki Palace is the perfect place to enjoy it. Taking a stroll along the park’s avenues and boulevards, you will come across manicured hedges and shrubs, well-tended flowerbeds, sculptures, ponds, and a four-level rose garden. A playground is also in place for kids. Concerts are held in the summer next to the magnificent fountain on Valentine Avenue, which is illuminated at night.
Aleksander Wegierko Theater
Bialystok’s premier theater honors Aleksander Wegierko, who created it in 1940. He arrived in the city as the head of a group of Warsaw actors who had fled Poland’s capital. They escaped persecution by the Germans. He established the first permanent company at the theater that stages performances here ever since then. Today it caters to all expectations, from discerning, artistically minded theater-goers to children and lovers of humor and entertainment. Original works are performed as well as classical drama and modern works by Polish and foreign playwrights.
Historical Museum in Białystok
Beautiful building in Art Nouveau style is home to archives that tell the story of Bialystok and Podlasie. It traces the city multicultural heritage long back in time. This Historical Museum houses the only in Poland collection of items related to the Tatar settlement of the Polish-Lithuanian-Belarussian region. The exhibition also presents the history of Jewish Community living in Bialystok for ages and who suffered immensely under German occupation during World War II. Tallitot (prayer shawls) andmezuzot (parchments inscribed with verses from the Torah) are on display. Also of note is a model of Białystok as it was in the 18th century.
Kosciuszko Market Square
This public space, with the town hall at one end and the cathedral at another, is the true heart of BiaÅ‚ystok. With cafés and restaurants, pubs and bars, it is a bustling area of commerce and communication for the people of the city. Rows of houses line the square, some of which are decorated with the portraits of famous individuals from the region. You can see Duchess Anna of Siemiatycze - the Enlightenment reformer and Adrian Krzyzanowski - the mathematician, physicist and historian. Occasionally markets will spring up here that evoke those held in past centuries when Jewish merchants set up stalls to sell their wares.