🇵🇱 Bialystok: Poland’s hidden gem
Many people come to Bialystok for only one purpose – to “shop”. Not everyone finds the time and desire to get to know the city. But in vain! There is something to see here besides the market. We have compiled a list of interesting places and attractions that you should definitely include on your next trip to Bialystok.
Branicki Palace
“Polish Versailles” is the second name of the Branicki Palace. It received this name because of its style – late Baroque. The palace was once the residence of Klementy Branicki, who was able to achieve city status for Bialystok.
Later, in 1809, the palace was bought by Russian Emperor Alexander I and transferred to the Ministry of the Imperial Court. Then a women's educational institute was founded there. But to accommodate the students, restructuring was required, which dragged on until 1841.
Today, part of the building is occupied by the Medical University. And around the palace there is a beautiful park with sculptures , ponds and topiary bushes.
Museum of the History of Medicine and Pharmacy
The next interesting place is much closer than you might imagine. The Museum of Medicine is also located in the Branicki Palace, as is the university. This is very convenient and allows you not to waste time searching and moving.
In the museum you can see human organs preserved in alcohol, medicine jars, ancient recipes, medical instruments, and various devices of the 18th–20th centuries.
Small Basilica of the Assumption Cathedral
The Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is considered one of the main attractions of Bialystok, as well as one of the oldest buildings in the city. The church was built in the neo-Gothic style.
It is interesting that initially the cathedral was only an extension to the white church located nearby (it is also called “Old”). Now the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (aka Farny) is the main temple of the city.
An interesting nuance: locals rarely say: “I’m going to the cathedral.” More often you can hear: “I’m going to Faro.”
Ludwig Zamenhof Center
Ludwig Zamenhof is one of the most famous Jews of Bialystok. Why is he so popular? Ludwig created a universal language that became neutral for communication between representatives of different ethnic groups. And we are talking about Esperanto.
Esperanto is the most popular artificial language in history. He did not belong to any nation or state. It’s also easy to learn: there are only 16 rules and no exceptions.
This center was dedicated in memory of the inventor and his scientific works. There you can see exhibits and photographs of Bialystok from the time of Zamenhof. If you don’t know Polish, the information at the stands is duplicated in English.
Akcent ZOO
The zoo is popular not only because it is free. But also because it is located on the territory of the reserve. So all local residents are in comfortable conditions. Animals are clean and well-groomed. Among them you can find brown bears, bison, hawks, pheasants and wolves.
Kosciuszko Market Square
The square is located in the city center. Walking along it, you can see the town hall, which was built in 1745-1761. However, it has never been a municipal building. Currently it houses a museum of Polish art.
There are also many restaurants and cafes on the square where you can relax and try something delicious. If you love Polish cuisine, we recommend checking out Żubrowisko. If you prefer something familiar, then go try pizza at Pizza Dealer.
Cavalery Market
As mentioned at the very beginning, many people go to Bialystok for shopping. And their main destination is the Kavalerisky market. You can find anything here, from clothes to cars. The market is open from 6 am to 4 pm. Sellers have days off only on state and religious holidays.
