Naguszewo: Archaeological Traces and Local History

Naguszewo combines archaeological traces and a layered local history with church heritage in nearby Rumian.

Archaeological Traces and Church Art

Associated with Naguszewo are the archaeological burial mound “Kurhan Naguszewo” and an archaeological settlement site, site 1. They represent two distinct types of archaeological evidence: a burial mound and signs of a settlement. Together, they give Naguszewo a tangible historical connection that differs from the religious landmarks in nearby Rumian.

In Rumian stands the Baroque wooden Church of St Barbara, built in 1714 and protected as a historic monument. Its furnishings include three altars: a late Renaissance Holy Cross altar, a Baroque altar, and a high altar from the 18th century. The various stylistic and chronological details can be seen within a single church building. The organ adds another historical layer: Paul B. Voelkner built it in 1909, and its exterior is Neo-Baroque.

The area around the church also has its own distinctive features. Ancient small-leaved lime trees surround the building and are designated natural monuments. The largest tree has a trunk circumference of 423 cm. Thus, in Rumian, the old trees stand alongside the church architecture as natural landmarks in their own right.

Local History Spanning Several Centuries

The historical connection between Naguszewo and the parish church in Rumian goes back a long way. A bishop’s visitation in 1706 recorded several people from Naguszewo who had pledged between 10 and 50 florins toward the construction of the parish church in Rumian. A historical account also states that Naguszewo has belonged to the parish in Rumian since 1850. The two accounts provide different points of reference in time for the church connection.

A local historical account reports that Naguszewo became part of the Kingdom of Poland during the Thirteen Years’ War, from 1454 to 1466, while nearby Groszki remained in the Teutonic Order’s state. The boundary between the two present-day villages was therefore a state border. This history makes the area between the villages a subject in its own right, distinct from Rumian’s architectural and church history.

There is also a recorded historical account of a land grant: on 9 January 1609, Bishop Wawrzyniec Gembicki confirmed in Lubawa the renewal of the land grant for Naguszewo in the form of a charter of settlement. In connection with this, the Nagoszewski family was granted 30 włóki of land for hereditary cultivation. The grant also included fishing rights on Lake Rumiańskie. These details add land use and historical rights to the local history.

Activities and Choosing Where to Stay

Alongside its historical features, the village also has more recent facilities. In 2022, an open-air activity zone was created in Naguszewo, with outdoor fitness equipment, a rest area, and landscaped green spaces. Naguszewo also had a natural-grass sports field in 2022. These details illustrate different aspects of the village: historical traces and more recent activity facilities exist side by side, without sharing the same focus.

County road 185039N connects Naguszewo and Rumian. When choosing a holiday apartment, you can therefore consider whether to focus your stay on Naguszewo’s archaeological heritage or also include the church and natural monuments in nearby Rumian. The connection between the villages and their distinct historical themes provide a practical guide.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Działdowo, Uzdowo, Rybno, Murawki, Grądy, Kopaniarze, Nowa Wies, Lidzbark.

For the higher-level travel overview: Soldau.