Klebark Wielki on Lake Klebarskie

Klebark Wielki was founded in 1357 and belonged to the Warmia Cathedral Chapter. Between 1519 and 1521, Nicolaus Copernicus settled colonists there as administrator of the chapter’s estates. The church was built shortly after 1400; a second, brick church was consecrated by Bishop Marcin Kromer in 1581. Other dated features include stained-glass windows made by Wilhelm Mayr in Koblenz around 1888, and a two-storey chapel dating from 1892.

The founding in 1357 and the settlement of colonists between 1519 and 1521 represent two different milestones in the history of the place. During the later settlement, Nicolaus Copernicus acted in his role as administrator of the estates of the Warmia Cathedral Chapter. This links him to Klebark Wielki through a specific activity and period.

This distinction is useful for orientation: the founding describes the village’s beginnings, while the settlement refers to a later event under the administration of the cathedral chapter. The dates therefore do not refer to a single event, but to different historical aspects of the place. If you choose travel destinations based on local history, these dates offer a chronological point of reference beyond the church’s architectural history.

The church in Klebark Wielki was built shortly after 1400. As the second brick church in the village, it was consecrated by Bishop Marcin Kromer in 1581. On 8 September 2002, the church was elevated to the status of an Archdiocesan Shrine of the Holy Cross. The construction, consecration, and later ecclesiastical designation are separate milestones and should not be read as a single date.

Next to the church are the building of the former Hospital of the Holy Spirit and a two-storey chapel dated to 1892. Another detail concerns the stained-glass windows: Wilhelm Mayr made them in Koblenz around 1888. Thus, the church’s history encompasses not only dates relating to its construction and consecration, but also nearby buildings and a named craftsperson.

The dates relate to different subjects: 1357 to the founding of the village, 1519 to 1521 to the settlement of colonists, and shortly after 1400 and 1581 to the history of the church. Around 1888 refers to the stained-glass windows, 1892 to the chapel, and 2002 to the ecclesiastical designation. This chronological overview makes it easier to distinguish local history from individual architectural and artistic features.

If you are considering Klebark Wielki as a travel destination, these themes can help you decide whether local and church history suit your interests. The information presents several historical layers: from the village’s founding and a specific settlement to nearby buildings and features of the church.

Discover more destinations: Nowe Kawkowo, Dorotowo, Naterki, Siła, Giławy, Łajs, Włodowo and Biesal.

Where is Klebark Wielki?

Klebark Wielki lies on the north shore of Lake Klebarskie.

What is Nicolaus Copernicus’s connection to the place?

Between 1519 and 1521, as administrator of the estates of the Warmia Cathedral Chapter, he settled colonists in Klebark Wielki.

Which historical features are associated with the church?

The church was built shortly after 1400 and consecrated in 1581 by Bishop Marcin Kromer as the second brick church in the village. On 8 September 2002, it was elevated to the status of an Archdiocesan Shrine of the Holy Cross.

To the main travel overview: Olsztyński.