Landmarks

The Pyramid in Rapa

In a forest between Węgorzewo and Gołdap rises the only structure of its kind in Poland: a pyramid 15.9 m tall on a square base of 10.4 × 10.4 m. It was built in 1811 (according to some accounts in 1808 or even 1795) as the family tomb of the Prussian barons von Farenheid. Recent research suggests, however, that it originally had a simpler task: serving as an estate ice house.

Egypt in Masuria

The Farenheids, fascinated by their travels, modelled it on the Egyptian pyramids, which were to provide conditions for mummification. The inner vault was cut at the same angle as in the Egyptian pyramids — 51°52′ — while the outer walls slope at 68–70°. A foundation of fieldstone was meant to neutralise negative energies. The architect is unknown by name; the design has even been attributed to Bertel Thorvaldsen, but there is no conclusive evidence for that.

Seven people in the tomb

DNA research established that 7 people were buried in the pyramid — including the builder Friedrich Heinrich von Farenheid, his wife and their 3-year-old daughter. After years of neglect the burials were desecrated. Only revitalisation secured the structure; today the pyramid is closed to interior visits.

In practice

You can approach the pyramid free of charge at any time and look inside through small windows. It stands by the village of Rapa in the Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship, reached on local roads from Węgorzewo or Gołdap. Combine the visit with a trip around the Masurian lakes.