The weather was getting better, so we went on a trip to Płock, a city located about a 50-minute drive from Włocławek. The town was nearly empty, maybe due to the cold. Parking is very convenient, as there are many parking spaces near the castle, costing 3 PLN per hour. We went on to visit the basilica, but we couldn’t see the castle inside. It’s converted into a museum, but unfortunately, it was closed until February 4th, just the exact date we fly back to Taiwan. Well, maybe next time. We also went to explore the city, including the town hall, a monument of a king, and an old city wall.
Płock
Nestled along the scenic banks of the Vistula River, Płock is a city brimming with history, culture, and architectural splendor. Located in central Poland, this historic gem has a legacy stretching back over a millennium.
Płock’s story begins in the 10th century as a fortified settlement strategically located at the crossroads of trade routes. By 1079, it rose to prominence as the capital of Poland under the reign of Władysław I Herman and Bolesław III Wrymouth. The city earned its ceremonial title, Stołeczne Książęce Miasto Płock (Ducal Capital City of Płock), which is still used today in official documents.
One of the city’s most iconic landmarks is Wzgórze Tumskie (Cathedral Hill), home to the Płock Cathedral and the Płock Castle. The cathedral is the final resting place of several Polish monarchs and a testament to the city’s medieval significance.
Płock also holds the distinction of being home to Poland’s oldest school, the Marshal Stanisław Małachowski High School (founded in 1180), which continues to educate students to this day. It's also the seat of one of Poland's oldest dioceses, established in 1075, and the worldwide headquarters of the Mariavite Church.
The city has faced its share of challenges, from medieval invasions to occupations during World War II. During the war, Płock became a center of Polish resistance against Nazi Germany. Its residents endured immense hardships, including deportations and forced labor, yet their spirit remained unbroken.
In 1920, Płock earned national recognition for its heroic defense against Soviet forces during the Polish-Soviet War, receiving the prestigious Cross of Valour.
Płock Cathedral
Located on the picturesque Tumskie Hill overlooking the Vistula River, Płock Cathedral (Katedra Płocka) is not only the spiritual heart of Płock but also a remarkable testament to Poland’s medieval and Renaissance heritage. With a history dating back to the 12th century, the cathedral encapsulates centuries of art, culture, and historical events that shaped the nation.
Płock’s prominence as a religious center began with the founding of its bishopric around 1075. By 1102, the cathedral became a burial site for Władysław I Herman, a significant figure in Polish history. The construction of the Romanesque cathedral we see today was initiated by Prince Bolesław III Wrymouth and Bishop Aleksander of Malonne in 1136. Completed in 1144, this church was consecrated as the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary and stood as a masterpiece of early Romanesque architecture in Poland. A defining feature of the cathedral's early history is its bronze doors, crafted in Magdeburg around 1150. These doors, featuring bas-reliefs that narrate religious stories and the Roman Confession of Faith, were unfortunately relocated to Velikiy Novgorod during the medieval period. However, a faithful replica was created and installed in the 1980s, allowing modern visitors to marvel at their artistry.
The cathedral’s architecture is a stunning blend of Romanesque and Renaissance styles, with subsequent Gothic and Baroque influences evident in its later additions and restorations.
One of the most notable features of Płock Cathedral is the Royal Chapel, which houses the tombs of Władysław I Herman and his son, Bolesław III Wrymouth. These rulers played pivotal roles in Polish history, with Płock serving as the nation’s capital during their reign (1079–1138).
Their remains rest in a marble sarcophagus, a symbol of Poland’s royal heritage. The chapel serves as a powerful reminder of the city’s historical significance during the medieval period.
The cathedral’s interiors are adorned with a rich array of artistic works. In 2018, the Polish government designated Płock Cathedral and Tumskie Hill as a Historic Monument of Poland. This status highlights its cultural, historical, and artistic importance. Tumskie Hill offers breathtaking views of the Vistula River and is home to other historical landmarks, including Płock Castle, which once served as a residence for the Dukes of Masovia.
Płock Castle
Płock Castle, also known as the Castle of the Masovian Dukes, is a stunning Gothic structure located in the heart of Płock, Poland. Built during the reign of Casimir III the Great, it served as a stronghold for the Dukes of Masovia until the 15th century. Perched on a steep hillside overlooking the Vistula River, the castle's impressive architecture and rich history make it a remarkable piece of Poland's medieval heritage.
The origins of the castle date back to the 11th century when a wooden fortress was established on the site. Over time, the stronghold was fortified, with walls and dikes protecting the area. By 1194, a chapel and defensive living quarters were constructed, marking a significant step in the development of the site.
The castle began to take its current form in the late 13th century, under the reign of Casimir III the Great. The stronghold was expanded and reinforced with bricks, and two towers were added. The square-shaped complex featured a clock tower in the northern part, alongside the Szlachecka Tower in the south-west, with its unique octagonal upper half.
Over the centuries, the castle underwent various transformations. In 1532, it suffered damage due to the partial removal of the hillside but was rebuilt shortly after. In 1538, the Masovian dukes moved to a newly built palace outside the castle walls, and the Benedictine order took over the castle. The castle was heavily damaged during the Swedish wars in 1657 and 1705 but was later reconstructed. By the 18th century, the castle had been transformed into a Baroque-style Benedictine Abbey, which lasted until 1781.
After the Partitions of Poland, the Prussian authorities ordered the deconstruction of some of the defensive walls. In the late 19th century, the castle became a center for spiritual seminars. Following World War II, the castle underwent renovation and, since 1973, has housed a museum showcasing the rich history of the region.
Today, Płock Castle serves as a museum, preserving and showcasing the history and architectural significance of the region.
Town Hall
The town hall is known for its tradition of playing a bugle call from the tower. The tune was composed by Fr. Kazimierz Starościński in the 1930s.
According to Bishop Antoni Julian Nowowiejski, a previous town hall structure was demolished in the early 19th century due to its poor condition. This older structure stood near the center of the market area, which featured butchers and a platform for corporal punishment. Bishop Nowowiejski places the start date for the current city hall as 1820, but other sources state it was built between 1824 and 1827. Jakub Kubicki worked on the town hall in 1826–1827.
On 23 September 1831, during the November Uprising, the last Sejm of the Kingdom of Poland was held at the town hall.
City Wall
In the Middle Ages, Płock was protected by a town wall 1.7 kilometers in length. Its construction was initiated in the middle of the 14th century under Casimir the Great. A fragment of the wall, about 15 meters long, has survived at the intersection of Bielska and Antoniego Juliana Nowowiejskiego streets, recalling the once imposing city fortifications. At Zduńska Street, there are some remains of a bastion from the 14th century.
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