The article describes seventeenth century history of one of the buildings in Tykocin – alumnat.
It is the traditional name of an old almshouse for veterans, which was founded by Christopher
Wiesiołowski in year 1633. It is a four-wing building with an internal courtyard. In the southeastern
corner of the alumnat there is a half-round apse. Two towers were the defensive advantage of the
building.
In the 17th century the alumnat held several functions. It was founded as a charitable institution
for 12 noble war veterans, who were wounded defending Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, or
were unable to earn for living due to their old age. Because of its defensive qualities and being
located in the nearness of the bridge on the Narew River, the alumnat was used as one of defending
points during Polish-Swedish war, called “the flood”. At that time the alumnat was obstructing
access to the Tykocin fortress. After the war the alumnat became a temporary shelter not only for
veterans, but also for people who had lost their homes during the war. In alumnatic apse there was
a Roman Catholic chapel. In year 1660 the Tykocin’s church was destroyed in a fire. After this
incident the chapel in alumnat was used as a temporary church for Tykocin’s community.