Krynki: Urban Layout and Cultural Heritage

Krynki combines a distinctive historic urban layout with buildings and places whose history spans several centuries. If you want to focus on architecture and local history during your stay, the hexagonal market square, churches and synagogues offer specific points of interest to guide your visit.

The Hexagonal Market Square and Street Scene

The preserved urban layout from the 18th century is considered unique in Poland. At its center is a hexagonal market square, now laid out as a park. Twelve straight streets radiate out from the corners of the square. Together, the shape of the square and the street network form a distinctive feature of Krynki, while the park reflects the central square’s present-day use.

The historic street scene includes Sokólska, Kościelna, Cerkiewna and Garbarska, which have been in use for centuries. The street names are also helpful for locating the buildings: the brick Church of St. Anne stands on Kościelna Street, an Orthodox parish church is on Cerkiewna Street, and a synagogue ruin is on Garbarska Street. The market square, streets and individual buildings each tell different aspects of the town’s history.

Churches from Different Centuries

Two buildings associated with St. Anne should be distinguished. The wooden Church of St. Anne was built in 1522; King Sigismund I had founded it in 1521. The brick parish Church of St. Anne on Kościelna Street, by contrast, was built between 1907 and 1913 to a design by architect Stefan Szyller. This church complex also includes a gate bell tower from the second half of the 18th century and a churchyard from the 18th century.

The churchyard contains tombstones belonging to the de Virion family. The family were among the former owners of Krynki and several estates in the surrounding area. This site thus connects the history of church architecture with the town’s former ownership history.

Another chapter in the town’s architectural history is represented by the brick Orthodox parish Church of the Nativity of the Mother of God at 5 Cerkiewna Street. It dates from 1864. The Orthodox Cemetery Chapel of St. Anthony originated as a wooden church from the first half of the 18th century, originally Greek Catholic and now Orthodox. It was reconstructed between 1989 and 1991. The different construction dates and denominations offer a nuanced perspective on Krynki’s religious heritage.

Synagogues and Jewish Heritage

Krynki’s Jewish history can also be traced through several buildings and places. The brick synagogue ruin on Garbarska Street dates from the 17th century. It was remodeled in the 19th century and destroyed by fire in 1944. It was built on the site of an earlier wooden synagogue.

Another brick synagogue is located at 5 Piłsudskiego Street. It dates from 1850, was partially damaged by fire during the Second World War and rebuilt in 1955. The brick Hasidic synagogue at 10a Czysta Street dates from the second half of the 19th century. The Jewish cemetery dates from the 18th century and lies in the northern part of the town. These places and dates differ considerably; together, they offer insight into Krynki’s long Jewish history.

Cycle Route, Information and Getting There

The “Kresowe Wędrówki” cycling circuit starts and ends in Krynki, following a loop between the eastern and western edges of the Knyszyńska Forest. Check route conditions before setting out. This lets you include the cycling trip in your travel plans as a separate option from exploring the historic urban layout.

A bus route connects Szudziałowo, Krynki, Supraśl, Nowodworce and Białystok. Another service between Sokółka and Kruszyniany goes via Szudziałowo and Krynki. Bus service information was published for 2026; check the timetables before travelling. In Krynki, tourist information is available at the Gminny Ośrodek Kultury. Check opening details in advance.

The Public Library provides the outdoor educational game “In the Footsteps of Many Cultures” 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. Check the file before your trip if you plan to use the material.

Discover more destinations: Nowinka, Suchowola, Krynki, Kruszyniany, Sokółka, Kuźnica, Małowista.

Go to the parent travel overview: Sokółka.