Płock is the historic capital of Mazovia and the former capital of Poland. A lot of historic, Gothic architecture has been preserved here, including the cathedral and the castle of Masovian dukes. Another attraction of Płock is the Masovian Museum with the largest collection of Art Nouveau art in Poland.
The stronghold in Płock already existed in the early Middle Ages, and in the 10th century it became one of the royal seats, and in the years 1079-1138 it was the capital of the country. The city was founded at the beginning of the 14th century and developed as an important administrative commercial center. Its importance began to diminish when Warsaw moved to the forefront of Mazovia, and especially when the capital of Poland was moved to it.
Today's Płock is a city that has retained its medieval charm. Its most important monument is the Płock Cathedral, which dates back to the mid-12th century. Despite later reconstructions, Romanesque elements are still visible here. The cathedral houses the Royal Chapel, where the dukes of Mazovia and the rulers of Poland, Władysław Herman and Bolesław Krzywousty are buried.
The 14th century prince's castle was turned into a Benedictine abbey in the following centuries. It houses the Diocesan Museum, where you can see, among others, the chalice of Konrad Mazowiecki, the insignia of the Dukes of Masovia and monuments of liturgical art. Part of the castle is occupied by the Liceum Ogólnokształcące im. March. Małachowski, whose traditions date back to the 12th century. There is a museum at the school showing its history.
The main promenade of Płock, Tumska Street, is built up with tenement houses from various eras, but Art Nouveau and eclectic buildings predominate here. From here, it is close to the market square and the town hall in Płock and the historic Granary with an ethnographic exhibition. The biggest attractions of Płock also include the Masovian Museum, especially its exhibitions devoted to Art Nouveau, which are considered the most valuable in the country.
