Discover Krynki

A town layout with six sides

The surviving 18th-century town layout is considered unique in the country. At its centre is a hexagonal market square, now laid out as a park. Twelve straight streets radiate outwards from its corners. This clear arrangement makes Krynki a special destination for anyone interested not just in individual sights but also in the shape of a town.

Sokólska, Kościelna, Cerkiewna and Garbarska are among the historic streets that have been in use for centuries. Their names also appear in the town’s architectural heritage: the brick parish church of St Anne stands on Kościelna Street, the Orthodox parish church of the Nativity of the Mother of God on Cerkiewna Street, and the synagogue ruin on Garbarska Street. This makes it possible to connect different historic sites with their specific streets without conflating the individual buildings.

Churches from different centuries

The wooden Church of St Anne was founded by King Sigismund I in 1521 and built in 1522. It is distinct from the brick parish church of St Anne on Kościelna Street, which was built between 1907 and 1913 to a design by Stefan Szyller. The church complex also includes a gate bell tower from the second half of the 18th century; the churchyard also dates from the 18th century. It contains tombstones belonging to the de Virion family, former owners of Krynki and several estates in the surrounding area.

The brick Orthodox parish church of the Nativity of the Mother of God, dating from 1864, stands at 5 Cerkiewna Street. The Orthodox cemetery chapel of St Anthony has a different history: originally a Greek Catholic wooden church from the first half of the 18th century, it is now Orthodox. The chapel was reconstructed between 1989 and 1991. The different dates of origin and religious identities make these sacred buildings a distinct focus for visitors interested in cultural history.

Synagogues and remembrance

Jewish history is also present at several distinct sites. The brick synagogue at 5 Piłsudskiego Street dates from 1850. During the Second World War, it was partially damaged by fire and rebuilt in 1955. The brick synagogue ruin on Garbarska Street is a different building: it dates from the 17th century, was altered in the 19th century and destroyed by fire in 1944. It was built on the site of an earlier wooden synagogue. Another brick Hasidic synagogue at 10a Czysta Street dates from the second half of the 19th century. The Jewish cemetery, dating from the 18th century, is located in the northern part of the town.

Bike ride and orientation

For an active addition to the cultural programme, the “Kresowe Wędrówki” cycling loop starts and ends in Krynki. This circular route runs between the eastern and western edges of the Knyszyńska Forest. For those who would rather explore the town’s history than go for a bike ride, the Public Library has the “In the Footsteps of Many Cultures” outdoor game available as downloadable archive material for educational and promotional purposes. It was created as part of a joint project involving a school, a foundation and local partners. Tourist information is available at the Gminny Ośrodek Kultury.

The bus service may also help with travel planning and choosing where to stay: one route connects Szudziałowo, Krynki, Supraśl, Nowodworce and Białystok. The route between Sokółka and Kruszyniany goes via Szudziałowo and Krynki. Depending on whether you mainly want to explore the town layout and its architectural history or plan a bike ride, these destinations can inform your search for a holiday apartment in Krynki.

In the town guide: Kuźnica, Małowista, Krynki, Nowinka, Suchowola, Sokółka, Kruszyniany.

Back to the main travel guide: Sokółka.