Łomy combines a lake with clearly specified dimensions and a series of chapels that differ in form and date. The landscape and village architecture therefore stand side by side as two distinct aspects of the place. Visitors who appreciate both a lake and small historic buildings when choosing where to stay will find a distinctive focus in Łomy.
Lake Łomskie in Łomy
Lake Łomskie, also known as Łomy, is in Łomy, north of Jonkowo. It covers 22.4 hectares and is up to 6 metres deep. Its area and maximum depth provide two different measures of the lake: the first describes its extent, while the second indicates its stated deepest point. Its name also directly links it to the place. The lake and the chapels are therefore among the named features that define Łomy.
Chapels with distinctive forms
A chapel dating from the second half of the 18th century stands on the northern edge of the village. Its square floor plan, high lean-to roof and two niches define its form. A wave-shaped cornice runs between the niches. A lean-to roof has a single sloping roof surface; here, the cornice creates a horizontal division between the two wall openings. The floor plan, roof and façade detail together give the chapel a precisely described form that distinguishes it from the other chapels in Łomy.
The tallest chapel in the village stands in the centre. It has a small bell tower and is near the turn-off to Garzewko. Beside it is a more simply designed chapel with a niche and a gable roof. It was moved from the embankment of a busy village road to its current location; its form and details were faithfully preserved. Unlike the lean-to roof of the chapel on the northern edge of the village, the gable roof has two sloping surfaces. The story of its relocation is another distinctive feature of this chapel.
Other chapels in Łomy are built of exposed red brick. Some have Neo-Gothic features and date from the late 19th or early 20th century. There are also two brick chapels with readily distinguishable details: one has varied architectural features and a metal crucifix in its opening. The other is simply designed, and its roof bears a weather vane marked with the year 1975. Their materials, designs and individual components offer various ways to distinguish the chapels rather than regard them as a uniform group.
Dated buildings and further details
A chapel dating from the early 19th century stands on the road to Jonkowo. Its compact form, gable roof, smooth walls and small niche with a segmental arch define its appearance. A second chapel on the road to Jonkowo stands in front of the forest reserve and dates from 1908. A plaque bearing a date and monogram is set into its base. The two chapels can be distinguished by their dates and designs: the older one stands out for its solid, smooth walls and compact form, while the inscribed plaque is a notable detail of the 1908 chapel.
Numerous wrought-iron crosses on granite plinths also form part of the village landscape of Łomy. Their materials bring together two clearly identifiable elements: the wrought-iron cross and its granite plinth. Along with the chapels’ varied forms, they contribute to the impression of a place whose architectural history cannot be attributed to a single building. Visitors considering Łomy as a destination can therefore take the lake, chapels and crosses into account as distinct aspects of their choice.
Discover more destinations: Nowa Kaletka, Waplewo, Rybaki, Stawiguda, Biedowo, Biesówko, Lipowo Kurkowskie, Purda.
Return to the main travel overview: Olsztyn.
