While climbing the tower at St. Mary’s Church would have to wait, there was another opportunity in Gdansk to gain a bird’s eye view of the city. The Old Town Hall is at the epicenter of Gdansk. Its tower was said to offer a stunning view not to be missed. There was only one problem. The tower was closed for a couple of more weeks because the busy season had not yet arrived. The only tower we would be climbing in Gdansk was at St Mary’s Church, but that would have to wait until our last full day in the city. We were headed into the rural hinterland of northern Poland in search of the Wolf’s Lair and sites associated with the Battle of Tannenberg. Neither my travel companion nor I figured there would any other towering opportunities during our trip to Poland. This part of the journey would allow us time to visit other interesting places we might find along the way. We had no idea that this part of the journey would offer us the opportunity to climb not one, but two towers in the town of Reszel.
Inspiring view – Looking out from the tower at Reszel Castle
Security & Scenery – Multiple Perspectives
Rezsel was on the way to the Wolf’s Lair, Hitler’s headquarters on the Eastern Front. It is unfortunate to associate a town so resonant in history with a historical figure who promulgated so much hatred. Rezsel was the definition of beauty and elegance, a town that rose above the surrounding landscape while still being harmonious with it. A patchwork of forest and fields surrounded the town. The landscape looked enchanting. Rezsel managed its own magic act. There was an element of fantasy about the place. The pastel-colored houses, cobbled streets, and slanting red roofs were all in symmetry. The town was a postcard creator’s dream, its surroundings a landscape painter’s aspiration.
A gentle breeze was blowing through the narrow streets as we entered Reszel. The visionary delights that drew us to the town soon came into view. While visiting the Wolf’s Lair was a memorable experience, Reszel will linger with my friend and I much longer. It was an astonishing find, courtesy of tourist information on Warmia I found the night before while searching online. Like all tourist literature, the promotional materials made Rezsel sound wonderful. In this case, Reszel not only met those expectations, but it also managed to exceed them. What was not to like about a quiet provincial town with a castle that offered rooms for the night, animals wandering around the courtyard, and the most terrifying torture museum I have ever seen?
Reszel Castle was constructed upon a prominent hilltop overlooking the Sajna River in the mid-14th century by the Teutonic Knights. The Knights could not have picked a more secure or scenic spot in the area. They did not have tourism in mind, but they might as well have. The castle was not in the best shape, but what it lacked in aesthetics, it more than made up for by allowing visitors to wander at their leisure. This led us to a multi-story climb of the castle’s tower. There was a fine viewpoint available at the top, where we took stunning photos, particularly of the town’s greatest architectural wonder, the Gothic St. Peter and Paul’s Church. When we decided to make the church our next stop, little did we know that there would be another tower to climb.
Multiple perspectives – Reszel Castle as seen from St Peter and Paul’s Church
True Believers – Defenders of the Faith
St. Peter and St. Paul’s Church was reminiscent of the churches we had seen in Gdansk. In other words, it was a giant brick edifice. The church loomed over everything else in Reszel, including the castle. Walking around the exterior of the church I find it impossible to escape from the long shadows it cast, even in the morning. The architecture was as forbidding as it was inviting. It reflected the persona of the Teutonic Knights as monastic warriors. Their faith and military endeavors were inseparable from one another. To some the Knights were homicidal maniacs, but no one can doubt that they were true believers. The size of their churches shows just how seriously they took religion. It was at the center of their existence.
I was surprised to find the main door to the church unlocked. The interior turned out to be just as dramatic as the exterior. Spacious and awe inspiring, tranquility pervaded the place. Silence heightened the senses. This was one of those places where you become acutely aware of the sound made by your own footsteps. I could only imagine what the church must be like during busier times. We did not have to wait long to find out as a small group soon entered the church with a guide. Meanwhile, my friend called me over to the right back corner of the sanctuary. He had discovered an entrance to the bell tower. This adventure would be entirely self-guided.
We began the long trek onwards and upwards by traversing spiral stone steps. These soon changed into wooden switchback steps. By the time we stood face to face with the church bell, my friend decided he was done. Beads of sweat were dripping off my brow. By the point, we must have traversed ten flights of stairs. How many more could there possibly be? I was determined to find out. I began to wonder whether the tower was accessible. As I headed up the final flight of steps, I could see the sky. There was only one problem, a window straight above the stairs was in the way. Fortunately, there was a latch that I managed to turn. The window unlocked. I pushed it open and to one side. I then climbed out onto a viewing platform.
Onwards & upwards – Climbing the Bell Tower at Saint Peter and Paul’s Church in Reszel
A New Perspective – Visions of Reszel
The wind was howling. At ground level, there had been a gentle breeze. Atop the tower, there was a stiff gale. I steadied myself and then took in an expansive, 360-degree view. I could see the countryside stretching off to the horizon. The land was a vibrant, fluorescent green. My perspective was phenomenal. This part of Poland is one that few foreign tourists ever see. Pastoral, verdant and intensely naturalistic. The village of Reszel and the castle made up the other half of this visual. Architecture and nature melded together into an unforgettable image, one just as high and mighty as St. Peter and St. Paul’s Church. The loftiest aspirations of the Teutonic Knights had been satisfied and so were mine.
Click here for: Stairways To Heaven In Gdansk & Eger – Scaling The Heights (Northern Poland & Berlin #50)