Płock - Czerwinsk

Today we followed the Vistula further along its course as it winds its way to the Baltic Sea. This great river has been the reason the towns and villages we have visited came into existence. Through the river they grew, became wealthy, were fought over and thrived. 

The Vistula River and Plock Castle  and Cathedral in the background. 

We started out by looking for the Modlin Castle ruins. This castle was ordered to be built by Napoleon at the confluence of the Vistula and the Narew rivers. It was later expanded by the Russians in 1830 to accommodate 26,000 men and destroyed during WWII! It seems to be a recently neglected army base by the looks of the rusted weaponary still lying about. 

It wasn't long before we were on our way further along the Vistula to Czerwińsk nad Wisla, the home of an ancient church complex. Czerwinsk was settled by monks in the 12th century, brought in by the King to hurry the conversion of this part of Poland to Christianity. Today the monastery welcomes visitors to look around the property including the very ornate Small Basillica. 

The monastery church at Czerwińsk nad Wisla.

Beautiful mosaic on the outside of the church. 

The township at the bottom of the hill was interesting, with obvious attempts currently at renewal, but it is obvious that this predominately timber building village has seen a lot of history! 

Ancient timber houses around the village of Czerwińsk nad Wisla. 

Our major destination today was the city of Płock. Płock is the oldest urban settlement in this part of Poland, and in the 11th century it became the seat of Polish Kings. So a little pedigree on its side! It flourished with Baltic-bound trade route and important prince-bishops followed the royals into the town. Mid 17th century the Swedes invaded and the Płock felt the full impact with the Bishop's very valuable  library and archives being taken to Sweden where they remain to this day!

The Stare Miasto (Old Town) was relaxing and worth the visit. Its building frontages obviously  don't match those of the much larger cities but, still, they had a charm and attractiveness which was being enjoyed by many. The cobbled stone side streets were the location of many more restaurants and bars being enjoyed by visitors. 

The market square in Płock. 

Stylish merchant houses surround the market square. 

The attractive square in Płock. 

Some buildings have yet to face the renovator!

Attractive sculptures are dotted around the city. Does this resemble a peanut farmer from Queensland?

At the cathedral we came across our first wedding for the day - normally on Saturdays we come across two or rhree weddings. The cathedral was commenced in the 11th century but has been changed  considerably over the centuries. The twelfth century bronze doors are considered to be the high point of interest - given the story of how they went missing for six centuries and only rediscovered in 1970.

Płock's cathedral. 

The cathedral's beautiful stain glass and the panels of the ancient bronze doors. 

Wedding wine and glasses at the ready at the rear of the cathedral awaiting the bride and groom. 

Late in the day we drove on a few kilometres to our over night stop in the village of  Soczewka. 

And one last photo from today: