Gietrzwałd Council Approves General Plan Amid Pilgrim Protests

On 30 July 2026 the Gietrzwałd municipal council voted to adopt the General Plan (Plan Ogólny) for the gmina, a document required for all Polish municipalities. The plan, which allocates over 200 ha for industrial and commercial use around the historic pilgrimage village, was adopted despite strong opposition from a group of outsiders calling themselves “defenders of Gietrzwałd.”

Protesters argued the plan threatens the sanctuary linked to the 1877 Marian apparitions and would degrade the village’s religious and touristic character. Mayor Jan Kasprowicz highlighted that the plan cost the gmina 155 thousand zloty and that refusal would place the full amount on the municipal budget. Residents also complained about pilgrim behavior, such as illegal parking and traffic violations. The council, however, proceeded with the adoption and announced further work on development paths for tourism and the local economy.