Discover Biała Podlaska: castle complex, icons and city history

Castle complex with a five-pointed layout

The Zespół Zamkowy Radziwiłłów is the remnant of a former castle. It was laid out in the shape of a five-pointed star and had five bastions surrounded by moats and earthworks. The layout can therefore be understood as a cohesive complex: the star describes its ground plan, while the five bastions complement it as individual elements. For travellers interested in historic architectural forms, this layout provides a tangible starting point for exploring the former castle. It stands out clearly from the later townhouses and individual building façades that shape the cityscape elsewhere in town.

City history in squares and buildings

An eagle and the year 1628 can be seen on the former Akademia Bialska on ulica Warszawska. The date marks the year the school was founded and connects a visible feature on the building with the city's educational history. Plac Wolności offers a different perspective on the historic cityscape: the square was once the market square and is lined with townhouses dating from the 18th and 19th centuries. While the school's founding year is the focus at the Akademia, the surrounding buildings shape the impression of the square.

Another distinct highlight is the Basilian monastery complex, dating from the 18th century. It consists of the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (pw. Narodzenia NMP), a monastery, and a gate with an enclosure. The church, monastery and entrance with its enclosure make the complex an example of sacred architecture. Biała Podlaska thus offers a range of historical themes: educational heritage, townhouses and a monastic ensemble can each be explored on their own.

Museum, icons and art

In 2020, newly designed permanent exhibitions on city history, archaeology, art and ethnography opened to visitors at the Muzeum Południowego Podlasia. These four subjects offer different perspectives on history and culture. If you are planning a museum visit, please check the latest visitor information in advance.

The museum has a collection of nearly 1,700 icons, one of the largest in Poland. The first gallery in the icon exhibition displays icons depicting Christ and the Mother of God. Works by Bazyli Albiczuk are also presented at the museum. These subjects offer art enthusiasts several specific points of interest: the size of the icon collection, the religious figures depicted and the works of the named artist. Before your visit, also check whether the described icon display is currently on view.

The six-storey entrance tower, also known as the watchtower, is now home to the Muzeum Południowego Podlasia. It is another historic building in the city and, as a type of tower, stands alongside the other forms described here: the star-shaped castle complex, townhouses and the monastery complex. For planning your museum visit, we recommend checking the latest visitor information.

Explore Biała Podlaska by bike

The city's cycle paths are considered a tourist asset. Routes run near Park Radziwiłłowski and along ulica Zamkowa by Małpi Gaj. These details provide two reference points for planning your own route, without specifying a particular distance or connection. Check local route information before setting off, as the cycle network may change.

Whether you are mainly interested in architectural history, museum collections or exploring by bike, Biała Podlaska offers a range of themes that you can take into account when planning your stay.

Discover more destinations: Grabanów, Pratulin, Horbów, Terespol, Rokitno, Mokrany Nowe, Czosnówka, Sławatycze

See the overview of the wider region: Bialski.