Churches & monasteries

Wooden Church in Ostrykół

The Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross in Ostrykół is one of the most distinctive wooden monuments in Masuria. It stands in a village by the Ełk River, in Prostki commune near Ełk. The present church was built in 1667 after the earlier Evangelical church was destroyed.

A Masurian church from 1667

The church is a log-built structure on a fieldstone base. It has three aisles, with the side spaces formed by galleries supported on pillars. A post-built tower adjoins the main body.

Altar, organ and galleries

The main highlight is the Baroque high altar from 1683, with distinctive twisted columns. The church also preserves a 1690 pulpit, a ten-stop organ from 1799, side galleries and a 1839 crucifix. Look for the historic deer antlers on the choir and a candlestick shaped like a deer’s head. A plaque by the entrance commemorates local residents who died in the First World War.

Visiting information

This is an active filial church of St Anthony of Padua parish in Prostki, so no regular sightseeing hours have been confirmed. According to the current parish information, Sunday Mass in Ostrykół is at 8:00; check the service schedule and interior access before travelling. Parish contact: 52A 1 Maja Street, 19-335 Prostki, phone +48 880 299 629. There is no ticketing information.