Biala Piska: City of Three Towers and Cultural History
Accommodation in Biala Piska
Those interested in cultural history and distinctive buildings can explore Biala Piska through its towers, churches and historic sites. The town is known as the “City of Three Towers”; visitors are particularly encouraged to see these towers. Its landmarks include the water tower, the town hall tower and the bell tower of the Baroque Church of St. Andrew Bobola. Together, they give a visit to the town a specific historical focus.
Water Tower, Town Hall and Church
The water tower is a technical heritage monument dating from 1928 and stands 34 metres tall. It is a tourist attraction, with changing exhibitions to visit inside. The tower offers sweeping views across the town. Those interested in architecture and exhibitions can explore both through this building.
The town hall also combines an older history with a striking tower: the building dates from 1772 to 1777, and its octagonal corner tower is 30 metres tall. The town hall is located at Plac Mickiewicza 25.
The Church of St. Andrew Bobola was built between 1756 and 1763. Its main altar dates from the 17th century. The bell tower was added in 1932; the design is attributed to K. F. Schlink. A memorial plaque in front of the Baroque church also commemorates miners from the Wujek Mine who lost their lives at the beginning of martial law. A visit to the church brings together its construction period of 1756–1763, the addition of the tower in 1932 and the memorial plaque to the miners from the Wujek Mine.
Town Layout and Places of Remembrance
A protected part of the town layout can be described by its boundaries: to the southeast, the Biała River and a pond mark the boundary; to the northwest, it is defined by the frontage along Żeromskiego Street. Warszawska Street bounds the area to the north, and Ogrodowa Street to the south. Biala Piska also has a 19th-century town park.
A war cemetery on Konopnicka Street contains the graves of Russian soldiers from the First World War and Soviet soldiers from 1945. The monuments distinguish the remembrance of these groups through their design: one depicts a hammer and sickle and bears an inscription stating that Soviet soldiers fell there in 1945. A second bears an Orthodox cross and is dedicated to Russian soldiers who fell in the First World War. The cemetery adds a separate place of remembrance, explicitly dedicated to the fallen, to the town’s architectural history.
History Beyond the Town
Biala Piska was known for its large livestock markets, which were linked to its location on a trade route. A later event also forms part of the town’s history: in 2025, the Powiatowe Dożynki (County Harvest Festival) took place here. The programme included a thanksgiving service for the harvest, the blessing of harvest wreaths, a harvest procession and performances by folk groups from Lithuania, Rozogi and Ełk.
In the wider municipality, the historic Ułański Trail passes by Second World War bunkers. Cycling, hiking and horse-riding routes are available there year-round. These are distinct opportunities for a stay in the municipality: history enthusiasts can explore the trail and bunkers, while active visitors can make use of the cycling, hiking and horse-riding options. The route to the bunkers and the routes mentioned should not be understood as one combined trail.
The Biala Piska railway station complex includes a site on Kolejowa Street; the station building dates from around the turn of the 20th century. Those interested in how the townscape developed will find another historic building here, alongside the town hall, church and water tower. You can also visit the other town pages at this destination level: Okartowo, Ublik, Pogobie Średnie, Pianki, Maldanin, Kaliszki, Jaśkowo and Wiartel.
For the broader travel overview: Piski.
