Pasłęk

Pasłęk, formerly known as Prussian Holland, is a town in the Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship with a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages, when it was the site of a stronghold of the Prussian Pogezanian tribe. The first written records of the settlement come from 1267, and it was granted town rights in 1297. Located on the Warmian Plain, the town is known for its intensive Olęder (Dutch-style) settlement, which began with the arrival of the Dutch to drain the wetlands. Over the centuries, Pasłęk changed hands multiple times, from the Teutonic Order to the Duchy of Prussia, and its history is marked by events such as the Battle of Grunwald and numerous wars with Poland and Sweden. In the 19th century, the town developed industrially, and after World War II, it became part of Poland, having suffered significant destruction due to wartime actions. From an architectural perspective, Pasłęk boasts well-preserved monuments, including the 14th-century Gothic Church of St. Bartholomew, the Teutonic Castle built around 1320, and town walls dating from the 13th to 15th centuries. Also noteworthy are the Neo-Gothic Church of St. Joseph, now a Greek Catholic church, and the Renaissance Church of St. George, which is shared by the Evangelical and Orthodox communities. Pasłęk also offers interesting tourist infrastructure, such as the Ecological Park with recreational areas and a memorial chamber in the castle. Culturally, Pasłęk is home to active religious communities, including Catholic, Protestant, and Greek Catholic churches. The town is also the base of the sports club Polonia Pasłęk, which has a rich history and offers various sports sections. Among local curiosities, it is worth mentioning that Pasłęk’s taxi drivers inspired the film "Wielki Szu" (The Great Gambler), and geological surveys from the 1950s revealed uranium minerals in the area. Pasłęk is a partner town to municipalities in Germany and France, highlighting its regional significance and openness to international cooperation. In conclusion, with its rich history, monuments, and culture, Pasłęk is an important part of the Warmian-Masurian landscape.