Biala Piska

Towers and architectural history

Biała Piska is known as the “City of Three Towers,” and visitors are especially encouraged to see them. The water tower is a technical monument dating from 1928 and stands 34 metres tall. From there, you can enjoy a sweeping view of the town panorama. Changing exhibitions can be viewed inside. The views and exhibitions are two distinct aspects of this striking building.

The town hall also shapes the historic streetscape: its octagonal corner tower is 30 metres high, and the building is dated to 1772–1777. The town hall is located at Plac Mickiewicza 25. This address provides a specific reference point as you explore the town’s architectural history.

The Church of St. Andrew Bobola was built between 1756 and 1763. The Baroque church has a main altar dating from the 17th century. The church tower was added in 1932; its design is attributed to K. F. Schlink. Those interested in religious architecture will find several details from different periods here: the church’s construction, the older altar, and the tower added later. A memorial plaque in front of the church commemorates miners from the Wujek mine who lost their lives at the beginning of martial law.

Memorial sites and the townscape

A war cemetery on Konopnicka Street contains the graves of Russian soldiers from the First World War and Soviet soldiers from 1945. The monuments differ in their design and dedication: one features a hammer and sickle and bears an inscription commemorating the Soviet soldiers who fell in 1945. A second monument bears an Orthodox cross and is dedicated to Russian soldiers who fell in the First World War. The site thus reflects different historical connections that you can consider separately during a visit.

The townscape also includes a town park dating from the 19th century. Part of the protected urban layout is bounded to the southeast by the Biała River and a pond. Its other boundaries are the building frontage of Żeromskiego Street to the northwest, Warszawska Street to the north, and Ogrodowa Street to the south. This precise description shows that the protected area should not simply be equated with the entire town.

History and trails in the municipality

Biała Piska was known for its large cattle markets, which were connected to its location on a trade route. The 2025 programme for the Powiatowe Dożynki offers a glimpse into more recent local events: it included a thanksgiving service for the harvest, the blessing of harvest crowns, a harvest procession, and performances by folk groups from Lithuania, Rozogi, and Ełk. This information refers to the 2025 event.

There are also opportunities for active excursions beyond the town: the wider municipality offers year-round cycling, hiking, and horseback riding trails. The historic Ułański Trail passes bunkers from the Second World War. You can give these two themes different emphasis when planning: you may be interested in trails and outdoor activities, or you may want to focus on the historical significance of the Ułański Trail and the bunkers. No specific trail length or connection to the buildings in town is implied.

When choosing accommodation, you can consider whether you are visiting Biała Piska mainly for its architectural and local history, or whether you would also like to set aside time for trails in the wider municipality. The historic buildings, cemetery, and excursion options appeal to different interests; no shared route or distance between them is implied. Biała Piska railway station dates from around the turn of the 20th century; the railway complex also includes the site on Kolejowa Street.

Other places: Okartowo, Bełcząc, Maldanin, Wierzba, Pianki, Orzysz, Kamieńskie, Iznota.

For the wider travel overview: Piski.