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Sorkwity is located by the road Olsztyn – Mragowo, by the stream connecting Gieladzike and Lampacke lakes. Some German geographers claim that is the most beautiful part of Mazury.
Sorkwity was given the brothers Christian and Otton von Oelsen by the Grand Master of Teutonic Knights' Order Winrych von Kniprode in 1379. In the middle of the 15th century, the property was bought by the family of von Schlieben. Then, in the years 1593 – 1607, the church by Gieladzkie Lake was built. It has the quadrangle gothic-like tower built between 1701-1712.
The decoration of the church is the wealthily ornamented altar from 1715, the preacher's pulpit from 1694 by Rig of Krolewiec, the baroque seat from the early 18th C. and the sculptured confessional.
In front of the church, there is pastor Kruger's tomb made of sandstone (the pastor died in 1737), and the monument in memory of Frederyk Goerke (1750 – 1822), born in Sorkwity, the founder of military healthcare in Prussian army. Sorkwity estate was the property of wealthy German families, however in the years 1750 -1804 it was owned by the Polish family of Bronikowski. In 1804, Sorkwity was bought by Baron Ernest Frederyk Gottlob von Mirbach of Kurland. In the years 1922-1945 the landlord was Bernard von Paleske.
The Palace was build by the family of von Mirbach in the years 1850 – 1856. It bases on U-shape and consists of many self-diffusing blocks varried in height. There is the octagonal tower in a predominant position, in the north-eastern corner. There is the coach-house built in north-western part, resembling a castle tower with two small turrets in the corners of it.
The palace was on the route of Russian army in 1914. It was fired. Only some walls remained reportedly. It was rebuilt in the years 1922 -1923, and survived the World War II in a good condition. Some equipment was stolen only.
The palace and the nearby park have been in private hands for a couple of years. There are a hotel and a restaurant.
Sorkwity is the starting point of the Krytynia waterway, the most popular waterway in Mazury (over 100 km). It leads to Mazury Great Lakes. The 19th C. railway bridge is also worth seeing.
Sorkwity Commune
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