Travel Date: 2023/03/24 ~ 04/12
Bydgoszcz: 2023/04/04
On the second day of our trip, we arrived in Bydgoszcz. Yesterday, we visited Poznań, and earlier today, we explored Gniezno. Tomorrow, we're heading to Toruń. The weather is quite cold, with temperatures below freezing in the morning. Today, it even snowed a little, and we didn't see much sunshine. Despite the weather, there were a few nice things to see, especially near the old market square. The buildings in Bydgoszcz mainly date back to the 19th century, giving the city a different architectural style compared to Poznań or Toruń. Each city has its own unique vibe. We visited the old Granaries, Post Office, Churches, and Lloyds Palace.
Bydgoszcz is located in northern Poland, situated at the confluence of the River Vistula and its left-bank tributary, the Brda. As of December 2021, it has a city population of 339,053, making it the eighth-largest city in Poland. Bydgoszcz is the seat of Bydgoszcz County and shares the title of co-capital of the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship with Toruń. The Bydgoszcz–Toruń metropolitan area has a total population of over 850,000. The city is home to Casimir the Great University, the University of Technology and Life Sciences, a conservatory, and the Medical College of Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń. Bydgoszcz also boasts the Pomeranian Philharmonic concert hall, the Opera Nova opera house, and Bydgoszcz Airport. The city is well-connected by rivers and canals, with the Vistula, Oder, and German canals providing access to the Rhine and ultimately the Mediterranean and Black Seas.
Architecturally, Bydgoszcz is a treasure trove, showcasing various styles such as Gothic, Neo-Gothic, Neo-Baroque, Neoclassical, Modernist, and Art Nouveau. Due to its diverse architectural heritage, the city has earned the nickname "Little Berlin." The remarkable granaries on Mill Island and along the riverside are among the most renowned timber-framed landmarks in Poland.
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Main Post Office
The Main Post Office in Bydgoszcz comprises a complex of historical post buildings owned by the Polish Post Services Office in Bydgoszcz. These buildings have been listed on the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship Heritage List. The presence of royal mail institutions in Bydgoszcz dates back to the first half of the 18th century, as evidenced by postal statutes of the Crown General Post in 1733, 1754, and 1766.
The Main Post Office complex is constructed in the "Prussian national style," which was prevalent in the late 19th century and mandated for new official buildings in the German Empire. The old building is made of brick and consists of one storey, an attic, and a basement. It features two wings with slight avant-corps: one runs parallel to the river, while the other covers half the length of Pocztowa Street. Within the courtyard, there is a pentagonal tower that houses a staircase. The newer building has a "U" shape, with a substantial structure facing Jagiellońska Street and a tall tower situated in the northwestern corner. This more recent edifice is larger and taller than the riverside building.
Lloyd's Palace
Lloyd of Bydgoszcz was a significant shipping company based in Bydgoszcz, during the era of the Second Republic of Poland (1918-1939). The company played a crucial role in maritime trade and transportation, particularly in the region of Bydgoszcz and along the Vistula River.
Founded in the late 19th century, Lloyd of Bydgoszcz quickly grew into one of the largest shipping companies in Poland. It operated a fleet of vessels that transported goods and passengers along the Vistula River and connected Bydgoszcz with other cities and ports in Poland and beyond. The company's ships played a vital role in facilitating trade and commerce, contributing to the economic development of the region.
The "Little Palace" in Bydgoszcz, built in 1885-1886, served as the headquarters of Lloyd of Bydgoszcz. Designed in the Dutch Mannerist architectural style by Waldemar Jenisch, the building is an architectural gem, characterized by intricate details and elegant design elements. It stood as a symbol of the company's prosperity and influence in the shipping industry.
Unfortunately, with the outbreak of World War II and the subsequent changes in Poland's political landscape, Lloyd of Bydgoszcz faced numerous challenges. The company's operations were severely impacted, and its fleet of ships suffered losses and damage during the war. The post-war period brought further changes to the shipping industry, leading to the decline of Lloyd of Bydgoszcz and its eventual dissolution.
Today, the "Little Palace" stands as a historical landmark in Bydgoszcz, serving as a reminder of the city's maritime heritage and the once-thriving shipping company that played a vital role in the region's economic development.
The Old Port Granary built in 1835
The three granaries located on Grodzka Street in Bydgoszcz, situated by the picturesque Brda River near the old Market Square, hold the official status of being the city's symbol. Originally constructed during the turn of the 19th century, these granaries served as storage facilities for grain and similar agricultural products. Today, they house exhibitions belonging to the Leon Wyczółkowski District Museum.
Bydgoszcz has managed to preserve a few historical granaries, with only four of them dating back to a time earlier than the 19th century. These granaries are all situated along the riverbanks in the city center, characterized by their half-timbered construction, and presently function as museums.
The three granaries located at 9-11 Grodzka Street, which also serve as the modern logo of Bydgoszcz, were constructed between 1793 and 1800 by the merchant Samuel Gotlieb Engelmann. Originally, the complex on Grodzka Street consisted of five granaries placed in a row. Unfortunately, in 1960, two of these granaries were completely destroyed. However, due to their deep-rooted significance in the urban tradition of Bydgoszcz, many voices in the city advocated for their reconstruction. The preserved granaries were converted into museum exhibitions in 1962, and in 2006, a significant overhaul and modernization of the interior were carried out.
Old castle of Bydgoszcz
During the early Slavic period, a fishing settlement known as Bydgozcya (referred to as "Bydgostia" in Latin) emerged as a stronghold along the Vistula trade routes. The gród (fortress) of Bydgoszcz was constructed between 1037 and 1053 under the reign of Casimir I the Restorer. In the 13th century, Bydgoszcz became the site of a castellany, mentioned in 1238, likely established in the early 12th century during the rule of Bolesław III Wrymouth. During this period, the first church of Bydgoszcz, dedicated to Saint Giles, was built. Unfortunately, the church was demolished by the Germans in the late 19th century.
Bydgoszcz's history saw it embroiled in conflicts during the Polish-Teutonic War (1326-1332). In 1330, the city was captured and destroyed by the Teutonic Knights. It briefly returned under Polish control but was once again occupied by the Teutonic Knights from 1331 to 1337 and annexed to their monastic state as Bromberg. However, in 1337, Bydgoszcz was recaptured by Poland and remained under Polish rule. In 1343, as part of the Treaty of Kalisz, the Teutonic Knights relinquished Bydgoszcz, along with Dobrzyń and the remaining Kuyavia region, to Poland. On April 19, 1346, King Casimir III of Poland granted Bydgoszcz city rights. The king bestowed various privileges, including those related to river trade on the Brda and Vistula rivers, the right to mint coins, and ordered the construction of a castle, which became the seat of the castellan. Bydgoszcz held significant importance as a royal city of Poland, situated in the Inowrocław Voivodeship.
Cathedral of St Martin and St Nicolas
The Cathedral of St Martin and St Nicolas, also known as Fara Church, holds the distinction of being the oldest building in Bydgoszcz. It's a three-aisle late Gothic church that was constructed between 1466 and 1502. The cathedral features remarkable architectural elements and artistic treasures.
One of the notable highlights within the cathedral is a late-Gothic painting called "Madonna with a Rose" or "the Holy Virgin of Beautiful Love," which dates back to the 16th century. This painting is a significant artistic piece that adds to the cultural and historical value of the cathedral.
In addition to the historical elements, the cathedral's interior also features a vibrant 20th-century polychrome. The colorful polychrome work is worthy of admiration and contributes to the overall visual splendor of the church.
The Cathedral of St Martin and St Nicolas, with its rich history, architectural beauty, and artistic treasures, stands as an important religious and cultural landmark in Bydgoszcz.
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