Poland is a Poland is a country in country in Central Central EuropeEurope

Ełk is a town in northeastern Poland. The city Ełk is a town in northeastern Poland. The city lies on the shore of a lake and is surrounded by lies on the shore of a lake and is surrounded by

forests.forests.

Ełk - Ełk - an ecological townan ecological town

Bits of informationBits of information

The president of the town: The president of the town: Tomasz AndrukiewiczTomasz Andrukiewicz

The area of town: 21,07 kmThe area of town: 21,07 km22

Number of citizens: 57129Number of citizens: 57129 Location: 53Location: 53oo 49 49’’ 17 17’’’’ N N

2222oo 21 21’’ 44 44’’’’ E E

The most important events:The most important events: 1425 – the town was founded1425 – the town was founded 1720 – the first public school was founded1720 – the first public school was founded 1868 – the railroad from Ełk to Królewiec was opened1868 – the railroad from Ełk to Królewiec was opened 1898 – the first telephone in the town1898 – the first telephone in the town 1920 – the general voting: Ełk remains within the boundaries of Germany1920 – the general voting: Ełk remains within the boundaries of Germany 1945 – the town became a part of Poland1945 – the town became a part of Poland 1999 – The Pope John Paul II visited the town (about 300000 pilgrims 1999 – The Pope John Paul II visited the town (about 300000 pilgrims

came to Ełk to participate in the event)came to Ełk to participate in the event) 2005 – a concert „The latest Hits” was held on the town’s beach and 40000 2005 – a concert „The latest Hits” was held on the town’s beach and 40000

people joined in the fun (4 mln spectators watched it on TV)people joined in the fun (4 mln spectators watched it on TV) 2009 – The President of Poland Lech Kaczyński visited the town2009 – The President of Poland Lech Kaczyński visited the town

The places and buildings to see:The places and buildings to see:

St. Wojciech’s cathedral (XIX century)St. Wojciech’s cathedral (XIX century) The church of the Holy Heart of Jesus Christ (XIX century)The church of the Holy Heart of Jesus Christ (XIX century) The ruins of an old German castle (XIV century)The ruins of an old German castle (XIV century) Water Tower (1895)Water Tower (1895) The square and the monument of Pope John Paul II The square and the monument of Pope John Paul II The town’s main parkThe town’s main park Musical schoolMusical school Promenade along the lake and the bridgePromenade along the lake and the bridge

one of the four bridges in the town

ruins of an old German castle

Water Tower, the place of the German minority

There are lots of groups working in the town’s Culture Centre: 30 Minutes Theatre

Poets of XXI Century

Ełk’s Dance Theatre

Mazurian Singing and Dancing Group

EŁK

Contemporary Theatre

Film Club KINOMAN

Pottery studio

Photography studio

Art. studio

foreground – Culture Centre

monument of Pope John Paul II

The fountain on the lake

Musical School

The grounds along the lake are suitable for

hiking, rollerskating or cycling.

Ełk is beautiful in winter …

… and in spring

Ełk from bird’s eye viewEłk from bird’s eye view

View on the island with the ruins of the castle

Photographs by Jarosław Strzała

Text by Anna Strzała