In Bartążek near Olsztyn, archaeologists discovered the remains of an old watchtower

In Bartążek, near Olsztyn, archaeologists have discovered the remains of the former Bertingen watchtower. The discovery is important for understanding the history of the region because it is directly linked to the history of Olsztyn; this is where the city was founded.

According to Michał Kontraktowicz, mayor of the Stawiguda commune, the discovery was made during work at a water treatment plant. These are the remains of a former watchtower or Bertingen castle, mentioned in historical sources.

Preliminary results of archaeological research have shown the existence of fragments of walls, a room and probably a basement vault from the Middle Ages.

"We also discovered a very large number of archaeological artifacts. In addition to numerous fragments of pottery, we also discovered decorated architectural elements, plate glass, a clay net sinker, a medieval shovel, nails (both iron and copper alloy), decorated belt buckles and belt components, knives, forks, scissors, buttons, coins, including a bracteate with a gate dating from 1328-1334, a spur, a crossbow bolt head, everyday tools, and a unique fragment of an amber pendant in the shape of a heart or teardrop," emphasized Damian Swat, head of the archaeological work.

The discovery is important for understanding the history of the region, as it is directly linked to the founding of Olsztyn. It was here that the present-day capital of the voivodeship was established.

The watchtower in Bartążek was founded by the Warmian mayor, Henry von Luther, in 1334. It was from this place - the Bertingen castle - that the locations of the neighboring villages were granted.

"Another important date was 1348. The most important dignitaries of the Warmia Chapter gathered at the castle and decided to found the city of Olsztyn. The site is unique because many researchers searched for it, and its exact location was not confirmed archaeologically. Professor Grzegorz Białuński wrote about the castle's origins, mentioning this location, among others. The archaeological site was previously explored by W. Odojowa and A. Mackiewicz, who confirmed the location of this defensive structure," added Swat.

The mayor of Stawiguda emphasized that all the discoveries show the scale of the wealth of the Bertingen castle in Bartążek.

"As the Stawiguda commune, we will apply for funds to open the site to tourists, and after conservation, the discovered artifacts will be transferred to the Museum of the Archdiocese of Warmia," announced Mayor Kontraktowicz. (PAP)

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