Centres of the Land of Elbläg Canal ...geographically ...historically

Centres of the Land of Elbl g Canal
I#AWA ...
...geographically
I awa is a city situated in the I awa Lake District, on
the southern end of the longest Polish lake – Jeziorak.
Wielka !u"awa (82.4 ha) – is the largest island on
Jeziorak Lake, situated within administrative boundaries
of the city. It includes a few resorts as well as relics of
the Old-Prussian castle inhabited in ca. 10–13th century.
There are three other lakes near the city: I awskie, !ab"d#
and Szymbarskie. The I awa Lake District is one of the
most interesting sites in our country in terms of nature. In
addition to a unique lay of the land, it presents a wealth
of fauna and flora, and clean environment (see: Green
Lungs box). A landscape park has therefore been established here, and it is inhabited by rare animals, especially
birds and fish, as well as plants (see: 10).
I awa lies by the national road called “sixteen”; you can
get to the city from the south by voivodship road No. 536,
and from the north – by road No. 521. I awa is a large railway juncion, offering direct connection with such cities as,
among others: Gda$sk, Toru$, Warszawa, Kraków, Wroc aw
and Pozna$.
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Green Lungs
I awa, with its 32,000 inhabitants, lies within the area of the
Polish Green Lungs – areas in the north-eastern part of the
country characterized by clean air, diversity of nature, attractive forest complexes, lakes and grassland.
...historically
The city, lying by the border of of the Prussian tribes
of Pomezania, Pogessania and Sasna regions, received
its name from a Prussian word ilis (‘mud, swamp’). The
area abounds in archaeological monuments, some of
which (!anioch and Gulb castles as well as the watchmound in Laseczno Ma e) have been entered into the
register of monuments. I awa was founded by Teutonic
commander at the beginning of the fourteenth century, it received the city rights at the same time. It is
assumed that I awa was inhabited by 450–500 people
in the Middle Ages; most of them dealt with craft and
trade. The oldest incorporation privileges and documents mention the existence of the local shoemakers’,
clothmakers’ and bakers’ craft unions. Over the years,
the subsequent guilds appeared, including tailors’ one.
Brewing prospered very well in I awa; all residents had
a right to manufacture and sell this popular beverage. Also
fishing and bee-keeping was popular. The demand for fish
was high, not only in the State of the Teutonic Knights, but
also in neighbouring Poland, especially during church lents.
Monotony of the city life was enlivened by fares, which
were an opportunity not only to trade but to feast feasts in
one of the two inns – Pod Czarnym Or em or Bia y !ab%d#.
It was alreadyd in the medieval times that two important
buildings were erected – a Teutonic castle and a church,
whose first pastor was a man called Andreas. There used
to be a school next to the church.
In subsequent years I awa developed slowly due to numerous wars, disasters, epidemics and crop failures. After the
Second Peace of Thorn in 1466 the city was included into the
State of the Teutonic Order; later on – to the Royal Prussia.
In 1706, as reported by the Prussian topographer Johann
Friedrich Goldbeck, I awa “burned completely, except for
the church and three houses.” After the fire, the city was
rebuilt, and yet in the same century a garrison was established within its territory. The number of population was
steadily growing and in 1795 I awa had as many as 1202 inhabitants. Approximately 10% of them were Poles who arived
from neighbouring lands after the last Polish-Teutonic War.
I awa entered the nineteenth century as a second
wealthiest city in Prusy Górne (Upper Prussia). But then
another wave of wars and epidemics started: the population was decimated by cholera. However, the city managed to rise after this blow due to (among many other
aspects) the construction of the Elbl%g Canal, military
barracks, railways and roads. In 1910, the population
reached 10,000. I awa became not only an important
communication junction, but also a dynamic industrial
center. The following enterprises were operating in the
city in the second half of the nineteenth century: a machine factory, an asphalt sheet factory, a soap factory,
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rentals in the city. Jeziorak Lake offers sailing, windsurfing, kite surfing and canoeing opportunities. You can relax
on one of the two public beaches. The I awa Centre of
Sport, Tourism and Recreation (www.sport-ilawa.pl) organizes summer cruises on the lake. The Optimist Class
“Yellow Cup” yacht races for veterans are organised
on Ma y Jeziorak Lake. The idea of the race is unique –
grown-up people compete in the smallest sailboats in
the world. The event attracts crowds of fans, residents
and tourists alike.
You can rent a bike or ride a horse in one of the centres located near the city. Tennis fans can practise their
favourite discipline in a small wood next to the municipal
stadium. The local area is a paradise for fishermen and
divers. I awa offers good conditions for winter sports
as well. Woods and frozen lakes are a great place for
enthusiasts of cross country skiing, skiring, iceboating,
sleigh rides, and even curling, ice diving or ice hockey.
The city sports hall hosts numerous events, including
ballroom dance tournaments.
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9 An Orthodox Church of Jan Teolog
10 Tennis court
11 Youth Hostel
12 Tourist Information
13 Town Hall
14 Na Wprost Gallery
15 Contemporary Art Gallery
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18 Pasja Cinema and Theatre
19 Sports Hall
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29 Da Grasso Pizzeria
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31 Electricity-powered Mill
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36 Hospital
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Thanks to its location, I awa is a major water sports centre. There are many marinas and water sports equipment
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two sawmills, an iron foundry, a vinegar factory and
some breweries. The first newspaper – “Deutsch, Eylauer
Tageblatt” – was established at that time and tourism
began to develop. I awa was incorporated into Poland
only in 1945, and it was completely destroyed as a result of the war.
Wojsk Polskiego
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Emil Adolf von Behring – immunology founder and the first
winner of the Nobel Prize for Medicine (1901) was born near
I awa. Together with a Japanese, Shibasaburo Kitasato, he
developed antitixic sera against diphteria and tetanus and
then popularized his inventions by creating, (for the prize
money) one of the largest serum and vaccine factories in
Europe – Behring-Werke.
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From I"awa to the Nobel Prize
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Centres of the Land of Elbl g Canal
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Centres of the Land of Elbl g Canal
... touristically
I awa is a great place to perfect your history knowledge. You can visit an early medieval castle – in
Wielka &u awa, a Gothic Church of Transfiguration
with a fragment of the city walls – in I awa, the oldest water mill in the region – on I awka River, and the
ancient water towers or neobaroque town hall. Below
you will find a description of some major tourist attractions in the city.
MONUMENTS OF SACRED ARCHITECTURE
Transfiguration Church in I"awa
photo : Joanna Pruszy$ska
Erected in the years 1317–1325 at the highest point of the old city, made
of fired gothic brick (hence the common name “red”); it performed defensive functions additionally to the sacred ones. The first officially mentioned pastor of the church was Andreas; the subsequenent pastors were
Teutonic Knights, although the parish itself was managed by wealthy citizens. Since 1525 the church was used by the Protestants, returning to the
Catholics only in 1952. The church was rebuilt several times, and today
one can see elements of the following styles – Gothic (portals, bronze
bell), Baroque (door fittings), Rococo (altar), neo-Gothic (font). Presently
it is in custody of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate. There
are plans to create a museum in a 300-year-old parsonage situated next
to the church. In the neighbourhood of the church you can see the fragments of the city walls, which were
once part of the moat and I awa’s defensive system. They were built of stone and brick joined by lime mortar.
A neo-Gothic building of today’s Greek Catholic Orthodox Church was erected
in 1899 as part of the city gasworks. Later on it used to serve as a bus garage and
workshop at the bus depot of the municipal transport services. In the 90’s of
the twentieth century the city finally decided that the building should perform
sacral functions. Its current user is a Byzantine-Ukrainian parish.
photo : Joanna Pruszy$ska
An Orthodox Church of Jan Teolog in I"awa
MONUMENTS OF SECULAR ARCHITECTURE
A representative building erected between 1910–1912 in the main street of the
city. The contemporary city council spent a non-trivial sum of 200,000 marks
on building it. During the war, it did not avoid damage, and during the times of the
Polish People’s Republic it was used for trade purposes. It returned to its former
glory in 1995 after heavy repair. Since then, it has been the seat of, among others,
the Mayor, the City Council, tourist information, city guards and registry office.
photo : Joanna Pruszy$ska
City Hall in I"awa
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Centres of the Land of Elbl g Canal
photo : Joanna Pruszy$ska
photo : Joanna Pruszy$ska
Water Towers in I"awa
There are four water towers in I awa – two in vicinity of
the Railway Station, one in 1 Maja Street, and one in Wojska
Polskiego Street. The towers were once used to ensure stable pressure in the pipeline, by levelling temporary increase
in demand for water. Due to their interesting and characteristic body and neo-Gothic style, the towers have been entered in the register of monuments and have become a permanent element of the city panorama.
photo : Joanna Pruszy$ska
Mill on I"awka River
The existence of a mill on I awka was confirmed in I awa incorporation charter
of 1317. The building was destroyed during the wars and was rebuilt only in 1676.
The mill complex consisted of a mill, a dwelling house, a stable and some barns.
The mill was in use already in the 50’s of the previous century, then it was taken over by the state. Presently, this large, red-bricked building is standing empty.
photo : Joanna Pruszy$ska
Railway Station in I"awa
A neo-Gothic building of the Railway Station in I awa was erected in 1900, and the
buildings are situated in rectangular shape. The red bricked building has not been
plastered, only small fragments of the facade were painted white. Whoever is not
in a hurry for the train, they may take a look up, as the main hall ceiling displays
beautiful frescos depicting municipal coats of arms and floral motifs.
Electricity-powered mill in I"awa
The building dates back to the nineteenth century and is situated on the embankment of Ma y Jeziorak Lake, in
Sobieskiego Street. The building was made of red brick, with smal fragments of the facade painted white.
“Pasja” cinema building in I"awa
photo : Joanna Pruszy$ska
Built between 1916 to 1922, initially functioned as a city hall. In the
30’s of the twentieth century it was rebuilt in neoclassical style, and
since the 60’s a cinema has been located there.
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Centres of the Land of Elbl g Canal
Lower Secondary School No. 1 in I"awa
Neo-Gothic building dating back to 1898 and called “the red school” by the I awa residents – as it was a seat of
a municipal school since 1899. In 1945 a temporary military hospital was set up here. In 1946 the primary school was brought back to the building. The school’s name, since 1969, has been the Nicholas Copernicus’ School.
The building was erected on a horseshoe plan and has characteristic windows located on the landing.
photo : Joanna Pruszy$ska
photo : Joanna Pruszy$ska
The unique eighteenth-century
Baroque sculptures depicting Roman
gods adorn a square in Niepodleg o'ci
Street, opposite the city park in I awa.
The figures are made of sandstone and
were originally part of the frontage
of a palace in Kamieniec, near Susz.
photo : Joanna Pruszy$ska
Sculptures of Jupiter, Juno, Hercules and Venus in I"awa
...culturally
Fair or the Ukrainian Culture Afternoon. Another attraction of I awa is the “Pasja” cinema and theatre (see p. 24),
and a film debating club situated there. Additionally, various concerts, festivals and exhibitions are organised in
the city. Worth a look are also local galleries. Ilawa publishes several local newspapers, and broadcasts local TV.
photo : archives of the District Governor's Office in I awa
Most events are organized by I awa Culture Center,
whose great credit is an outstanding website, worth
visiting at least for for the reason of its aesthetic qualities (www.ickilawa.pl). Those craving for good music
are recommended to take part in Fama Rock Festival,
the Festival of Jeziorak Shanties, Old Jazz Meeting –
“Z ota Tarka”. The city has
also got its choir named
Camerata – the winner
of many competitions.
Tourists who are in a bad
mood will be cheered
up by I awa Cabaret
Meetings, theater lovers can attend Theatrical
Impressions, sports fans
can watch the Broken Ball
– a National Basketball
Tournament, and the
more traditional tastes
will be satisfied with the
Feast Afternoon, Folk Art
Old Jazz Meeting Festival
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Centres of the Land of Elbl g Canal
... entertainingly, and practically
The city has a well developed network of hotels, guest
houses and campsites. Each tourist will find something for
themselves.
photo : iStockphoto.com
I awa’s vibrant night life pulsates in many places – such
as: Alcatras, a typical disco, dominated by the sound of
techno and dance club music, Klub Piwnica 13, where the
DJs occasionally play reggae and hip-hop. The club organizes
rock concerts as well. The spiritual nourishment can also
be provided by restaurants. The Yellow Restaurant organises numerous concerts and presents contemporary works
of art. The I awa Culinary Trail successfully operates in the
city; it is a route along which you can eat food thematically
linked to the city and Jeziorak lake.
Beaches near I awa
I # AWA
LODGING
ACTIVITY HOLIDAY
Kormoran Hotel, ul. Chodkiewicza 3, tel.: +48 89 6485963,
recepcja@hotelkormoran.com.pl, www.hotelkormoran.com
Pod Omeg Hotel, ul. Sienkiewicza 24, tel.: +48 89 6484093,
podomega@podomega.pl, www.podomega.pl
Stary Tartak Hotel, ul. Biskupska 5, tel.: +48 89 6401313,
recepcja@starytartak.com.pl, www.starytartak.com.pl
Le$na Recreation Center, ul. Sienkiewicza 9, tel.: +48 89 6488188,
biuro@lesna-ilawa.pl, www.lesna-ilawa.pl
Barakuda Guest House, ul. Chodkiewicza 12, tel.: +48 89 6448150,
barakudailawa@op.pl, www.barakuda.com.pl
Kaper Tavern, ul. Sobieskiego 10, tel.: +48 89 6486373,
tawerna@kaper.pl, www.kaper.pl
Wielka !u"awa Inn, ul. Ostródzka 3, tel.: +48 89 6485001,
info@zajazd.net, www.zajazd.net.
Water equipment rental and yacht chartering
Sports Hall, ul. Niepodleg o'ci 11b, tel.: +48 89 6491604,
hala_sportowa@wp.pl
Interschool Sports Centre, ul. Chodkiewicza 5, tel.:+48 89
6482596, mos_ilawa@poczta.onet.pl www.zagle.ilawa.pl
Biskaje Marina, ul. Malczewskiego 24, tel.: +48 89 6486233,
501580750, 505015515, wb@biskaje.pl, www.biskaje.pl
Perkoz marina, ul. Konstytucji 3 Maja, tel.: +48 89 6480317
Pod Omeg marina, ul. Sienkiewicza 24, tel.: +48 89 6484093,
podomega@podomega.pl, www.podomega.pl
Skarbek marina, ul. Wa$kowicza 12, tel.: +48 89 6486440,
poczta@przystanskarbek.pl, www.przystanskarbek.pl
!aglówka, ul. Sienkiewicza 32, tel.: +48 783010855,
yachtkomis@hoga.pl, www.zaglowka.za.pl, www.yachtkomis.pl
Youth Hostel, ul. Mieros awskiego 10a, tel.: +48 89 6486464
Camping site Bosman, Wyspa Wielka &u awa, tel.: +48 89 6482854,
bosman23@interia.eu, www.jeziorakwyspa.com
Camping site Jeziorak, Wyspa Wielka &u awa, tel.: +48 89 6483160,
www.domekilawamazury.pl
U Zosi Recreation Centre, Wyspa Wielka &u awa, tel.: +48 89
6486987, 505042141
GASTRONOMY
Bistro Gastro Restaurant Bar, ul. Niepodleg o'ci 1i (municipal park),
tel.: +48 89 6486959, 695056827, www.gastro.ilawa.pl
Ryba Fryta Bar, ul. Niepodleg o'ci 3, tel.: +48 89 6484839
Shisha Bar Kebab, ul. Kopernika 4a, tel.: +48 662590185
Pizzeria: Da Grasso, ul. Sobieskiego 1, tel.: +48 89 6486800
Pizzeria: Nil, ul. Sobieskiego 55, tel.: +48 89 6488477
IMD Restaurant, ul. Ostródzka 54, tel.: +48 89 6421359
La Stella Restaurant, ul. Królowej Jadwigi 6 (Galeria Jeziorak),
tel.: +48 89 6787024, www.lastella.pl
Smocza Jama Restaurant, ul. Sobieskiego 1d, tel.: +48 89 6486258,
603388637, www.smocza-jama.pl
Yellow Restaurant, ul. Sobieskiego 2a, tel.: +48 89 6486937
GALLERIES
Na Wprost Gallery, ul. Niepodleg o'ci 8, tel.: +48 607270032,
nawprost@netgaleria.pl, www.nawprost.netgaleria.pl
Contemporary Art Gallery (Galeria Sztuki Wspó"czesnej),
ul. Niepodleg o'ci 4, tel.: +48 89 6482893
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Bike rentals
Le$na Recreation Center, ul. Sienkiewicza 9, tel.: +48 89
6488188, biuro@lesna-ilawa.pl, www.lesna-ilawa.pl
Ozzy Piotr Bobrzyn Rental, tel.: +48 89 6448536, 600894701,
ozzypb@poczta.onet.pl
City Beach, ul. Pla(owa
City Beach, the so called Dzika Pla%a (Wild Beach), ul. Kajki
Society of tennis in I"awa, ul. Sobieskiego 47b/18,
www.ttz-ilawa.blogspot.com; tennis courts: ul. Sienkiewicza 1,
+48 502313589, 512323563
Ambulance, police, fire brigade: call emergency number 112
Polish State Railways PKP, call centre, tel.: +48 22 19436, 42 19436,
22 19757
Polish Motor Transport PKS, call centre, tel.: +48 89 6482021,
www.pks-ilawa.pl
TAXI, tel.: +48 89 6489633, 603042490, 663672695, 664744396
Tourist information, ul. Niepodleg o'ci 13, tel.: +48 89 6485800,
ilawainfo@op.pl, www.it.ilawa.pl; high season: Mon.-Fri.
8.00 a.m.–07.00 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 11.00 a.m.-03.00 p.m., low season:
Mon.-Fri. 8.00 a.m.–05.00 p.m., weekends – closed.
Local Tourist Organisation I"awa Lake District and Drw&ca River basin,
ul. Chodkiewicza 5 (for correspondence, TI point ul. Niepodleg o'ci 13),
tel.: +48 89 6485800, lot@lot.ilawa.pl, www.lot.ilawa.pl
PTTK (Polish Tourist and Sightseeing Association) I"awa Region
Branch, ul. 1 Maja 7b, tel.: +48 89 6492374