Under the wing of the Archangel
This district town with nearly 23 thousand residents is an important center of the food and processing industry. Few places in modern Płońsk indicate that it was an important town as early as 1155. It received municipal rights in 1400 from the Duke of Mazovia Siemowit IV. The oldest part of Płońsk is the stronghold of 11th-13th centuries called Łysa Góra (Bald Mountain) (ul. 19 Stycznia). Then, a Duke’s Manor was built on a hill on the Płonka River that is still visible. In the early 15th century the manor was replaced by a brick castle destroyed during the Swedish Deluge. Having granted Płońsk municipal rights the Duke Siemowit IV with his wife Aleksandra founded a church and a monastery of Carmelites. The temple was partially rebuilt in 17th century and today it is a Gothic and Baroque building. The north chapel features a late Gothic crucifix from the late 16th century. The tombstone of the Napoleon's Colonel Charles Savary killed in battle under Kołoząb nad Wkrą in 1806 is also worth attention. The tombstone was made on the back of a marble, Turkish fountain. As late as 1932 the whole structure was sawn through and the fountain was adapted as a lavatory.
The patron of the temple, St. Michael Archangel, is also the patron of the town. Every year a solemn Mass begins the Patron’s Day celebration that takes place in the second half of September. On this occasion a historic fest, a concert of a popular star and countless games and contests are held in Płońsk.
The ‘P’ Gallery is housed in the former monastery building. Temporary exhibitions are organized in these sixteenth-century walls, under a beautiful cross-barrel vault. The program of the gallery is very diverse; both amateur and professional works from home and abroad are exhibited.
Before the Second World War Płońsk was a place of residence of a large Jewish Community. In 1886 in the house at pl. 15 Sierpnia 21a David Ben Gurion was born. The future co-founder of Israel and twice its Prime Minister spent the first 21 years of his life in Płońsk. When visiting the memorial room arranged in Ben Gurion's family house one can see many photos from his youth and also read texts describing the socio-political situation in Płońsk at the turn of the century, which come from Ben Gurion's radio broadcasts. Materials on the later period of the Prime Minister's life tell about his work for the development of Israel.
The Municipal Culture Center is an important animator of cultural life in Płońsk. Branches of this institution are both ‘P’ Gallery and Ben Gurion’s Memorial Room. A small exhibition of works by Zbigniew Jaskierski, a promising colorist painter whose career was interrupted by death in a plane crash in 1969 was arrranged in the building of the Culture Center. The Folklore Festival ‘Kupalnocka’ is held in Płońsk at the turn of June and July. It begins with a street parade featuring folk bands from all over the world, majorettes and a Youth Brass Band. Viewers can't resist dancing, especially since a complete set of rhythms is presented - from folk to modern rhythms.
An international brass band parade passes through Płońsk on the last Saturday of August. Bands from all over Europe participate in this event. During the parade they present their skills both individually and collectively. The resonant, vibrant music is accompanied by demonstrations of a drill parade.
Miejskie Centrum Kultury (Municipal Culture Center)
ul. Płocka 50, phone: (23) 662-27-02
Galeria „P” ('P' Gallery)
ul. Płocka 19, phone: (23) 662-80-35
www.mckplonsk.pl