Plock the 2d capital of Poland and the begining of the end of Piast dynasty

 

The royal crypt

Plock, the second capital of Poland. The city is 100 km away from the current one. A city in the area of which the Vistula river, already described by the Romans, is indeed as wide as the sea is a forgotten city, that, although renovated, somehow cannot attract tourists from outside Poland, although its museum has the most valuable artifacts from the history of the country. The capital was moved here from Gniezno during the reign of Wladislaus Herman, after the overthrow of his brother Boleslaus the Bold, although this one resided in Krakow during his reign. The foundation of this city is indeed a perfect story for a movie. A story about a family from hell, power, and fall And new research only supports the darkest theories.

Marta one of the oldest representatives of the crocodile family in the world

What is worth visiting in Plock? Interestingly, it is worth visiting the zoo while Marta is still alive. The zoo is beautifully situated on the Vistula backwaters, which is why it is often flooded. It is an old facility, so the runs are not always beautiful. Marta definitely deserves a better board. Gold, not a piece of paper. Who is Marta? Marta is someone you can read about on Wikipedia. A female alligator that was probably hatched in 1930 (the year is unknown) in the now-defunct Reptile Jungle Zoo in the United States. She has appeared in several films. She lived with a male Pedro for a short time, but she turned out to be a despot. She perceives the world a little differently; maybe she was brought up by people, because she loves them, but not the representatives of her species. She is one of the longest-lived reptiles of its type in the world and one of the two longest-lived crocodile families in Europe. This year, Marta will be 92, if she is not older. Marta is competing for the title of oldest representative of the Crocodilae family with Muja, who is from Belgrade.

Dexter always discover that be a father is very difficult thing.

This reptile was the only animal in the zoo to have survived bombing during two wars. His leg was amputated as a result of gangrene, but he survived that too, although his living conditions are rather poor. They took over the title after the death of Saturn, who lived in Moscow, and came from Hitler's headquarters in Berlin. Plock is also one of three zoos in Europe where snow leopards successfully breed. Though Dexter looks the same every time he gives birth, as if to say, "God, what have I done ?!" One cannot forget about the breeding success of the very rare Goral or the wonderful young Siberian tigers. Perhaps the rocky slope on which the zoo is built reminds cats that they are in the mountains. There are many rare representatives of birds here. And in 2021, the first wild donkey was born. This is a huge success, because, contrary to appearances, donkeys are the most devastated wild species, and unfortunately, the wild ones do not want to breed in enclosures.

Siberian tigers

From the Zoo, let's move to Cathedral Island, where we can easily leave the car and go on foot. An abbey was built in the former royal castle during the Feudal Fragmentation of Poland. Today, it is a diocesan museum. The most valuable specimens are the medieval psalter and the Plock Bible. There is a collection of paintings by artists such as Blake, Baciarelli, and Caracci. However, the most valuable treasure is undoubtedly the Romanesque epergne and the reliquary of Saint Sigismund. This man, like King Arthur, lived to see numerous poems and operas. The head of this masterpiece of medieval art is adorned with the ducal crown of Konrad of Masovia. It is a valuable monument not only because not many Romanesque art objects have been preserved but also because it is the only preserved ducal crown in Poland, from medieval times as well. It is also worth paying attention to the ''Sun of Plock'', which does not equal the legendary ''Sun of Prague'', but is also set with almost a hundred diamonds, or to a monstrance with a pelican feeding his children from his heart. This belief was also mentioned by Aidan Turner while he was playing Leonardo da Vinci. Today we know that this pelican's head movement has nothing to do with sharing their heart and that the food is simply stored in a huge will, but pelicans were therefore considered a model of parenting and a symbol of devotion until the end of the Renaissance. In this way, reference was made to the sacrifice of Christ.

A monstrance, a pelican feeding its chicks with its heart. Details

The Konrad of Masovia Pater and the Calix are also excellent examples of Romanesque art. Konrad is primarily remembered as the one who brought the Teutonic Knights, paving the way for them to create a dangerous state. However, the first prince to do so was Henry the Bearded, and Konrad, alone in the fight against Pomeranians, the Balts, and Lithuanians, had no other choice if he wanted to stop the notoriously cruel robbers of his district. So at that time there was no indication that the order might be planning something like that in the Feudal Fragmentation of Poland, although their creation of Transylvania should give both gentlemen food for thought. But more about him is in the note about Torun. He has a great personality for the movie, and what's so funny is that his prophecy came true because his descendant united the country.

 

A characteristic feature of countries that were not part of the Soviet Union but were associated with them after the IIWW is now a teaching of history in which the power of countries is not mentioned. God forbid about those who were able to show the Germans where they belonged, which, contrary to appearances, is not difficult to do, despite the fact that nowadays everyone blindly desires German captivity.

 

In the cathedral, it is worth paying attention to the door. After those from Gniezno, it is the only monument of this type in Poland. Unfortunately, there is only a copy in Poland, but those in Gniezno are original. The doors popularly called by Poles : '' Plock doors" in book nomenclature are known as Magdeburg doors or Novgorod Magdeburg doors.

Made of bronze, they show 26 panels from the history of the Old and New Testaments, and they served as the bible for the poor. Contrary to the Poles' claims, the Russians did not take them to Russia. The door was lost during the invasion of Poland by the Lithuanian king Mindaugas.Later found a place in St. Sophia in Novgorod (when Lithuania became part of Russia). They make us realize that Romanesque was not such an inept period in art. Both doors came today, if we could call them that, from the same factory. There is a royal crypt next to the door. In which the last rulers from before the Feudal Fragmentation of Poland were buried, as well as all the princes of Masovia who claimed the throne during the reign of King Jogaila.

'' Sun of Plock''

It is worth paying attention to the rare representation of the Seraphins in Latin churches. They are the most powerful celestial beings and the ones who are closest to God, as well as the green chapel, where we can see a commemorative plaque of the last king of Poland. His brother was the bishop of Plock and was buried here. The cathedral is a mix of Romanesque and Gothic, but the styles are easy to distinguish here. While walking by the river, we come across benches with various figures. Foreign tourists should pay attention to the bench with the figure of an old, little, hunched man. This is the first Polish prime minister after the fall of socialism - Tadeusz Mazowiecki, who came from Plock.

The bench and the statue of Tadeusz Mazowiecki

In the Masovian Museum, we will see a portrait of Mihrimah, the legendary daughter of Suleyman Magnificent and Hurrem Sultan, made famous by the Magnificent Century series. After her mother's death, when the sultan became depressed, Mihrimah acted as Valide Sultan on behalf of her father and then briefly on behalf of Selim II. The title can be confusing, as valide means mother. Mihrimah started the era of the so-called Taglub-i-nisvan, the rule of powerful women who had power equal to that of the sultans, and even, as in the case of Kosem, placed them on the throne. At that time, European queens could only dream of such power. Only Elisabeth Tudor can be compared with them. They are the first feminists in history, who, unlike European women, had their own lives and property but could not enter into an affair so as not to undermine the succession to the throne of their sons. Mihrimah did not have this problem. When the era of the cruel Kosem began, the nobility began to murmur about the introduction to the throne of her descendants or one of the daughters of Selim II. To this day, she is one of the richest and most influential women in history, whose lists can be found in the archives of England, France, and Poland.

Novgorod Magdeburg doors aka Plock doors

There is a moving clock on the town hall tower. The building is impressive and was designed by the Italian architect Domemico Merlini. At 12 and 18 o'clock, moving figures emerge. Wladislaus Herman is the rightful heir to his son Boleslaus' throne, but did he really do it? Now a little bit should be told about the history of the bloody dynasty.

Former castle, now a diocesan museum

Boleslaus, the Generous or the Bold, and Wladislaus Herman. Two brothers, sons of Casimir the Restorer and Anna, granddaughters of Yaroslav the Wise, quite recently returned to their country from exile. They will not be a loving family. The name Wladislaus appears for the first time in the history of the country. It seems that my father chose this name in honour of a friend of the King of Hungary, with whom he made friends while in exile. The Hungarian king would name his son Casimir. Boleslaus is an outstanding figure, and probably that is why he is hated by the freedom-loving nobility. The problem is that the nobility confuses freedom with anarchy. The story of the king is the beginning of what can be seen to this day. Poles hate wise, strong rulers; they prefer puppets because then you can do whatever you want. It is not without reason that the phrase "Poland stands on nierząd" is used in that country. It's a game of words. The word'' nierząd'' means venality, prostitution, but also not the ability to wield.

The crown of Konrad of Masovia

Boleslaus is the first king to crown himself without the emperor's consent and to rule with a strong hand. The Germans do not like it, so they will do whatever it takes to overthrow him. They will take advantage of the death of Bishop Stanislaus, who is as politicized as hardly anyone. How he was hated can be proved by the legend of when he ordered slutty noblewomen to feed puppies. This legend was written by one very unbelievable source and has no confirmation in history. Coming from Hungary, Gall Anonymous, who is still a mystery to this day and some even claim that he did not exist, could not bear such an insult to the emperor and does everything he can to slander the rulers who do not follow in the footsteps of the Germans, and above all, he must lick the new ruler Boleslaus Wrymouth, for whom he writes the book and who is a descendant of the usurper. 

eperge, a gift of Konrad of Masovia, on the left is possible to see the prince. Romanesque

The king tries to rebuild the country and is in debt to the church. His nickname, "Generous," derives from the fact that he lends money that he does not have. Bishops are starting to demand repayments, and we are in the age of disputes between the church and the rulers over investiture. Saint Stanislaus, whom he beheaded, was in fact not so holy, and he can easily be compared with people like Richelieu or Mazzarin. He was a very politicized man, and his death was the result of many years of investiture disputes, which did not end here with Canossa. However, Boleslaus has byzantine blood in him and is not going to kneel. At some point, he gets fed up with the bishop, and although he is a saint, it is surprising that the king did not behead him so quickly. The fact is that the bishop instigated uprisings against the king. Herman might indeed have been afraid that he would end up like a brother, but in other wise he had Sieciech.

A.Caracci

The nobleman Sieciech will take advantage of the situation, leading to the overthrow of the king. This remarkable man knows perfectly well that real power is hidden. He is also one of the first people in history to strive to overthrow a dynasty. At the same time, he knows how to wait. Sieciech knows that the time has not yet come for him, so he is helped in overthrowing the ruler by none other than Wladislaus Herman. Future ruler of the country. Herman is widely regarded as a political pawn in the hands of Sieciech, but new research suggests that both men are engaged in a dirty game that Herman, or rather his son, has won. It is worth remembering this man because his descendants will have an influence on politics in Poland as early as the 19th century. Whatever he knew about Herman, Sieciech was so important that he could afford to be a lover of the king's third wife. German Princess Judith Maria (not Judith as in the mother of Prince Boleslaus), Henry IV's sister. Many people thought her daughters were Sieciech's children. There must have been something to the rumors, because the brothers would quickly rid themselves of their sisters, and we would not even know their names for centuries. They are forgotten in Poland and Germany, no one wants even to hear about the last emperor's nieces. Herman's first wedding was probably in the Slavic rite, and when he ascended the throne, his wife was dismissed. From this relationship, Zbigniew was born. That name is paganism. Despite the Christianization of the country, if it was indeed a wedding according to the pagan rite, it would confirm the theory that the Baptism of Poland had a symbolic meaning, and that the old cults lived among people for a long time. Some historians argue that this is why Boleslaus was elected successor, as the bishops would undermine the legitimacy of the authority, but Herman clearly divided the country between the two brothers. Thus, starting a breakdown of the neighborhoods. However, let's face it, the second wife of the ruler, Judith from Bohemia, an ambitious woman with the blood of Valdemar I (Vladimir I the Great) himself and of Princess Anna Porphyrogenita, the daughter of Basileus himself, certainly did everything to discredit her husband's firstborn son. Later, we have Judith of Swabia, sister of Henry IV Hohenstauf. a woman who wreaked havoc on everything in her path Like her brother, she thinks just about herself, and like every tyrant, she must fall.

Poniatowski's chapel

 It is an undeniable fact that the king who goes into exile is killed in an assassination attempt. Polish chronicles will accuse the Hungarians of this, but the Hungarians did not have too many reasons to get rid of the king, who, even if he was proud not to dismount in front of King Bela, who welcomed him, supported his son in the fight against the emperor. The border chronicles are more careful. If anyone has an interest in the death of the previous king, it is only Wladyslaw Herman, his third wife, Judith of Swabia, and the emperor. Herman will follow an even more evil plan. It is hard to believe that only Sieciech and Judith of Swabia were standing behind him. The legal heir to the throne, Prince Mieszko, son of Boleslus, returns to Poland, only to die. Herman did not want anyone to seize his country someday. And it is obvious that the first known Polish chronicler writing for his son will not spit on his principal's father. Herman Nevertheless, he realizes that murdering the family does not lead to anything good. Sieciech issues all documents on behalf of the king; he actually rules the country, but Herman seems to be trying to get out of the control of the magnate who put him on the throne. His wealth was built on trading  his own compatriots as slaves to Byzantium. He has no qualms. His family could be described as a medieval mafia.

Romanesque. Calix of Konrad of Masovia, probably was prepaired as a gift to  Khan.

It starts to clash, and Sieciech knows how to sow hatred in the family. He manages to kidnap the princes. He manages to expel Zbigniew, who is fleeing to Saxony, he also manages to bring him back with the Czech army, when power slips out of his control, causing an uprising in Silesia. On one point, the brothers agree that if they are to survive, Sieciech must go. This is the one time they will work together. Initially, Herman will not really support his sons, but Sieciech asks, "Is it not a game? These are dark ages. There might as well have been a civil war between the three factions. Sons, Sieciech and Herman, and at the same time it could have been the king's tactical play. Prince Boleslav did not hesitate to use the Pomeranians or the Vikings of Wolin in the fights. Herman even sacrificed his first wife for power, who took the name Cristine after baptism. But despite everything, he broke his conventions out of love for Zbigniew's mother. It cannot be forgotten that Herman will divide the country into two districts that will be ruled by his sons, which means that he by no means sees himself as the ruler only in Boleslav, but also considers his firstborn son. They will rule while the father is alive. Both are too ambitious, and Boleslav has inherited from his uncle peculiar fits of rage. Zbigniew marched against Masovia, where he took control of Plock, while Boleslaus was directed to the south, where he could conquer Lesser Poland. However, Wladislaus I predicted the maneuvers of his sons and directed his forces to Masovia. The definitive battle between both armies took place near Plock. Wladyslaw I was defeated and forced to exile Sieciech from the country. Martin I, Archbishop of Gniezno, also played a major role in the disagreements between Herman and his sons.

Orginal sin. Romanesque

Judith  is certainly on the side of Sieciech, but suddenly she becomes unneeded, and the magnate's henchmen leave. Reason. When it came to brother's uprising, at the same time, her nephew overthrew Henry. Judith disappears from the history. She returns to Germany with  daughters and they stay at a monastery. Nobody wants this woman, and her daughters will be married off to ordinary nobles. Judith became a problem for Germans as well; at the end of the Polish story, she fled to her lover. The Palatine left Poland around 1100–1101 and went to Germany. He returned to Poland a few years later, but he was not involved in politics. He has been blinded because he was too powerful. Sieciech chose the cross and the axe as his coat of arms. From now on, the family will be called Cross-Ax(es). Monuments bearing this sign can be found all over Poland. It perfectly reflects the character of the founder of the family. But why was Zbigniew blinded? Was Boleslaus really Wrymouth? The research carried out during the renovation of the crypt seems to confirm the second theory. At least no remains of a person who can be considered deformed have been found. It is now believed that the prince's nickname referred to his perjury to his brother, whom he had ordered to kill anyway by undermining his father's will, in a brutal way. Prince Zbigniew died in mysterious circumstances long after he was blinded, which, in light of the newly discovered sources, could not have been the cause of his death.

The cathedral

Boleslaus was excommunicated for this, and that's why a nickname was given to him to mark him as a perjurer. Herman's documents clearly spoke of co-ruling the country. However, power took over again. There was something else mentioned in foreign chronicles. Zbigniew could become more popular. The Poles got rid of the emperor, and Boleslaus reportedly pledged to pay tribute to the Czech ruler. Kosmas, - Czech historian, wrote: "Two males caught in one sack cannot be together". This sarcastic joke sums up the whole situation. The Polish chronicles are silent about what happened between the brothers. From a psychological point of view. Boleslav, brought up by his stepmother,Judith of Schwabia, was soaked by the woman. The fact is, he swore before God in church, at large ceremonies, that when his brother would return to Poland, he would never hurt him. Zbigniew gave him his lands and formally resigned his title to the throne. Perhaps it was fear. Boleslav suffered the most during Sieciech's exploits. With his death, the only thing that had united the brothers also disappeared. Gouging out the eyes was quite common punishment at that time for high treason, but fratricide after an oath to God. It discredits him internationally. Especially when it is done officially, when it is an accident... other story.Of course, there's not much that  you can do to your country's ruler for that.Firstly he still gives you meals even if you are a bishop. 

The cathedral interior

The prince will build a few churches for the show, but the fame brings news. The pilgrimage to Hungary became famous for the fact that the prince ate meat when he was about to fast. There, he founded the Somogyar Monastery and, fortunately, met a monk skilled in writing. He was not a German, although he said he was. The chronicler will write down the history of Poland, but the last fragments will be as the prince wishes. Good Boleslaus and bad Zbigniew will remain like that for ages. An anointed heir and usurper, but times have changed, and the myth can now be debunked. Or maybe Boleslaus did not know anything about Zbigniew's death, and his wife did it. Remorse does not let you forget about yourself. The ruler, unfortunately, has many sons who live to adulthood. He remembers what the fight for the crown led to. The last will began Feudal Fragmentation of Poland. The duke doesn't want a war between his sons. They won't listen. Wladislaus the Exile is the last ruler to be equal to his father, his grandfather, and mostly to Boleslaus the Generous. He is not liked for that. The nobility will have more and more say. A few centuries of bloodshed ensued, defining the dynasty as "bloody." Contrary to popular belief, Boleslaw Wrymouth wasn't a Nordic man but had very dark black hair, just like his son Wladislaus Exile. This is due to the family's relationship with Kievan Rus and, thus, Byzantium. The rulers of that decade were indeed men of an ancient or southern type of beauty. Boleslaus's grandmother was the daughter of Valdemar (Vladimir) I the Great himself, the husband of the legendary Anna Porphyrogenita, who contributed to the baptism of Russia. It is uncertain whether Boleslaus left a will. Salomea, the prince's second wife and mother of two sons, was an ambitious woman, and by no means did Wladislaus love his stepmother . Some theories suggest that she forged the will to protect her children, who were infants at the time of the ruler's death (the youngest will be born right after Boleslaus Wrymouth's funeral). 

Seraphims

It is a joke of fate that, several decades later, Pomeranians and Mindaugas invade the country. They will take Herman and Czech Judith's bodies only to dismember and profane them. They thought that she's Judith of Swabia. Herman, Generous, Wrymouth, and Excile were considered very handsome men of not ordinary beauty. Certainly, after all, the strong genes of the Vikings (Valdemar was a Viking after his mother) and southern beauty thanks to marriages with Greeks made them stand out, and their story would be a great story for a movie with Hollywood and UK stars if only someone heard about them and wanted to explore this confusing story.

Wild donkeys, it's a miracle he was born in a zoo. This devastated species is by no means willing to reproduce in captivity.

Unfortunately, it is not possible to find good tourist publications about Plock even in polish language. The worst is that many Poles do not even know that it was once the capital.Almost no one is aware that Benedict the Pole's expedition to the Great Khan set out from Plock long before Marco Polo, and that it made it there and back. Although a scientific book on the subject was published on the occasion of the publication of Peter Berling's novels , the edition was small, and it did not sell. Konrad of Masovia sponsored the trip with his senior brother, Lestek the White. 

Vistula reaches its greatest width in the Plock region.

International site about the place:

The catherdal( just polish language) https://www.katedraplock.pl/index.php

Diocesan museum( just polish language) http://mdplock.pl/

Mazovian muzeum: https://muzeumplock.eu/en/

Zoo Plock: https://www.zoo.plock.pl/

Poland: the greatest castle of the country which soon will dissapear

This willow with a white branch is still regarded by many as sitting witches

 In 1420, the bishop of Krakow, Wojciech Jastrzebiec, fell into conflict with King Ladislaus Jagiello( Jogaila) and the Teutonic Order. During the negotiations after the war with the Order and the Battle of Grunwald, he committed a number of irregularities to the detriment of the country. He was probably a spy paid by the order. owever, because not everything went as order planned, they were dissatisfied with the collaboration as well.

Fearing for his fate, he decided to build a fortress. These amazing ruins, left to fate, cost 8 tonnes of silver, which was a huge sum at that time. It was also one of the biggest castles in Poland and throughout Europe. a typical gothic castle on an island surrounded by a moat created by the Riglewka Creek's waters.

The original castle was made up of two parallel, three-story residential buildings surrounded by defensive walls measuring 21 x 25 m.An entrance gate led to the narrow, paved courtyard created by them. There was a polygonal turret in the corner. The castle in this form was a characteristic example of a knight's seat from the first half of the 15th century. In the second half of the same century, it was surrounded by the outer perimeter of low walls (38 x 41 m), creating a zwinger approximately 7 metres wide. A new foregate was also erected. A three-story, four-sided tower decorated with blendes was built on its walls at the beginning of the 16th century, and a foregate reinforced with buttresses was built in front of it.In the north-eastern part of the zwinger, a new building was erected, probably a storehouse, partially protruding beyond the line of the outer wall. At the beginning of the 17th century, two residential buildings were connected with a narrow wing, thus reducing the area of the courtyard.

Mysterious, forgotten, magnificent castle

  

The later owners of the castle were the Szczawinski family. According to legend, the daughter of Jan Szczawinski did not want to marry the husband chosen by her parents. For disobedience, she was taken to the castle and imprisoned in the gatehouse. It is said that her ghost has been wandering around the area to this day. She was imprisoned in the gatehouse after she tried to escape from the nearby Besiekiery. Here she ended her life. The castle, which was destroyed during the wars with the Swedes, was still listed as a "national antiquity" in the nineteenth century. We can say that it already existed on the list of monuments, but at that point, the story ended. Unfortunately, over time, people began to break down bricks. The place is supposedly privately owned, but the bricks continue to disappear, and nobody really cares about the castle, although it could revive a place forgotten by the world. A ghost would certainly help bring this place to life.

 

Although the place is on the list of monuments, it is separated by a barbed-wire wall and, in fact, only visible in GPS, which is worse than the traditional information. There are no road signs to the town and the castle. 

After all, "it is a strategic form of defence of the country" in some parts of the world.

Terrible roads and no signs. This, which is successful in other countries, even on a single abandoned wall, will never be possible here because of the traditional attitude of not seeing the potential of a place and hatred of tourists. After all, that creature walks, asks questions, and, God forbid, speaks in another language. Better to let the people of the village live on welfare than to commit civilization, with the owners of the castle at the start who could earn the money if he just wanted to, aside from the fact that you can now get money for the rescue of such facilities from domestic and foreign institutions.Somehow, the wall around one of the houses is made of old bricks. A powerful and, without a doubt, the most expensive fortress in Poland will soon disappear. Besides,castle  is the district of the city of Kolo(english  "wheel''), which is famous throughout the country for its traditions. From a tradition of carelessness and specific mentality. If something breaks, there is no point in fixing it, maybe it will return to its place on its own. 

''Remember when you are driving through the wheel not to break the wheel ''.

a drawning of the castle from the  time when some was still remembered about it

Poland: medieval castle and the vikings

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These are the ruins of a knight's castle built by the voivode of Leczyca, though in some stories we can read that the castle was built by order of Casimir III the Great. In the Middle Ages, the tiny town of Leczyca was one of the most important and largest cities in Poland, but fate, as it often does in history, has turned the tables.It was a fortress on the border with the territories of the Teutonic Order state, so it cannot be ruled out.It was in fact built by royal order. It is no secret that in the Middle Ages, the Teutonic Order dominated these areas and did whatever it wanted, often invading Russia, Poland, and even Sweden. The castle was originally owned by the Sokolowski family of the Pomian coat of arms. The stronghold's enigmatic name is linked to a legend about a voivode and a demon, both of whom are still present in castle Leczyca. According to the legend, the knight  made a bet with the devil Boruta that he would build a castle from scratch without using an'' ax''.  He did so, but he was unaware that one of the builders on whose behalf he was working was known as "Siekierka"—a diminutive of the word for "ax." The knight lost the castle and his soul, and that's why the castle and the adjoining village were named ''Besiekiery'''It simply means "without an ax" in old polish. Another theory refers to one of the terms, demon bias.

the fact that the tower with the window stands is a miracle, because it is 18 meters high and is not secured

   

 Archaeological excavations in 1963 and 71,  confirmed a completely different legend about the origin of the name of the place. The truth is that in the Middle Ages, Vikings were stationed here, which is confirmed by a mound discovered in nearby Lutomersk. The town probably owes its name to the Berserkers, extraordinary warriors who, after taking intoxicants, fought in bear skins. From the beginning, the castle was unlucky. For some time, it was the residence of the son of Istvan Batory, I-Andras, who was the nephew of the Polish king Istvan Batory. After the tragic death of the cardinal, Sophie Bathory moved here with her husband, Gyorgy Rakoczy. It is a joke that the man who took part in the first attempted partition of Poland under John Casimir II Waza had to settle in that country. The next owner of the castle, Szymon Szczawinski made the biggest reconstruction of the building. In 1731 there was a fire, as a result of which the castle was rebuilt and the walls were plastered, giving it the character of a baroque residence. The remnants of this reconstruction can be seen to this day in the disfigured plaster. Certainly it was no longer the baroque era, but this one did not really exist here and  took the form of a distorted baroque called: ''sarmatian style'', classicism arrived with a delay and did not replace the baroque for good. In the nineteenth century, it fell into disrepair and became a free building material for the surrounding houses. The castle is associated with the old legend of the ghost called, of course'' White Lady'' like 90% of ghosts in Poland. It is possible to see her in the empty window  of the gate tower, suddenly disappearing as she appears wading in the ruins. 

It is believed that the White Lady is the spirit of Szczawinski's daughter, who did not want to marry the candidate chosen by her parents, because she gave her heart to another man, a very poor man. As punishment, she was taken first to Besiekiery and later to the castle in Boryslawice Zamkowe, the biggest castle ruins in Poland, and imprisoned in the gatehouse. She tried to escape through the window, but it ended tragically, and later she was moved to the greatest stronghold, where she died.

 

The tower with the window is still standing despite the laws of physics because it is 18 meters high and still unlocked.Maybe a ghost or demon really protects it. The castle is currently privately owned, and its natural location on the island has been restored by cleaning the river flowing around it. Unfortunately, due to COVID, the owner was forced to close the facility, and the state is not interested in the monument. It does exist on the GPS map, but it is worse with road signs. For example, knight tournaments that attracted tourists were held here. The plans were to further strengthen the walls and create a museum. It is sad that the castle with such an interesting history will disappear, because it will disappear if the country doesn't inform people about the place, and the place must be closed

Poland, Konin: The Frederic Chopin park and mini-zoo. The story of interesting place changed into the ruin

 

Despite the conditions Przewalski's horses still exist here and even reproduce. Interesting when someome will discover that this fences aren't suitable for animal protection and take care of throwing bread and other moldy debrids. And the cribs indeed, but even durning pandemy for some dirty mean nobility. 

The park named after Frederic Chopin in Konin was established in 1825 as municipal parks in the plan of an English garden with a forest connection. It was a place where until   the middle of the 20th century, residents had to show up on a Sunday walk on Sundays. A beautiful wooden arbour was the decoration of the park, and there was a bridge and places to rest on the lake located in the complex. There was also an old wooden amifitear in secession style and later a  mini-zoo, peacocks were walking slowly around the facility.In 1974, the mimi zoo was established and has now lost its zoo rights,but as it happens in such cases the animals remain. Contrary to what you can read on the website of the park to be honest site of city hall but not a park , the european bisons never reached there, but spend few weeks durning their journey, as well The milu deer in fact sika was the most unfortunate animal that would throw hisself over the fence, remaining alone for the rest of its life, because the reproductive plans were discontinued. 

Beautiful golden pheasants is difficult to find

The greatest pride was the facility's participation in the reintroduction of Przewalski's horses, which are still here today and, surprisingly, reproduce in spite of everything. Old types of creasted hens are also interesting, but unfortunately, because the breeds live together, they cross. These are rare breeds that are no longer bred because they hate so many eggs, although they look amazing. Exist here as well  goose swan, a very rare bird that also breeds here. 

Dirty feeders are coccidia, and a lot of coccidia mean death, but does anyone upstairs even heard that word. 

 

 Perhaps some of the officials mistook the bison with the yak, well they both have horns, considering who is in charge of it. This is where the old, age-old problem of post-comustic countries which  apart from the Czech Republic, Hungary, Russia and Romania which slowly joining to this small  group, are completely unable to break loose and earn money on what they have. The animals suddenly live in ruins and although a new gate to the park has been built, with beautiful cast figures of deer in the rut, the beauty is ending on that, funny thing- there's no longer any deer. What is currently happening in the objects? Not much, but for shure shouldn't  look what it looks like .Unfortunately, the animal crofts haven't been properly renovated since the 1980s. This is realy possible to see and is dangerous as well for animals, not that much for people who just clean their refrigerators by chewing the food over the fence.Despite the signs, the prohibition of feeding is a standard. 

Ostriches still are but...

Unfortunately, animals often get sick after this abundant bread diet, because many Homo sapiens do not understand that the road from grain to bread is very long. Croft and animal houses just need to be changed for the good of animals and  the people.It is also necessary to eliminate too easy access to animals from the other side at least by adding a second fence. Renovations consist of patching holes with boards, and the animal booths, although still painted, are a sign of the times. The bridge over the pond has also disappeared and the area has been fenced. The bridge, like the wooden amphitheater, was burned down,  after the park ranger lost his job in order to save money various bums bagin exist here by the whole days and nights. 

Emu lost his parther in the mysterious way, but when we look at the fence.

 A beautiful wooden amphitheater dissapeared but we have concrete  reprehensible construction was placed, decorated with awful  graffiti. The feeders are dirty and the wooden ones are harmful because of the splinters and of course  not hygienic, because isn't possible to wash it especially in warm days so much loved by every bacterias. Another problem is the lack of directions signs, so people don't know that behind an old collapsing building and a squeezed gate, you can see birds and ponies. Although the objects  is reported to a security company, from time to time you can read that the homeless stole an emu and ate it. 

Owner of fallow deer's harem is as well white buck, thanks that many calf are white. Still no one see that is possible to changed that place in something great thanks animals ''sentenced ''to this place.

Of course is possible that someone do it for fun, but it doesn't change that someone stole and later bones was found. It is not difficult, because the padlocks are from the site where people walks, every human can touch it.  Chain and delicate padlock, begs for a youngster who wants to impress or a drunk idiot to cut it.A pair of roe mysteriously disappeared and it is still unknown how the milu deer died.At last  the fallow deer who were bitten by dogs that same year. A year later, four peacocks, a falcon and a buzzard were stolen from the Mini-Zoo!Over time, people became afraid to go to the park because of theft. The biggest problem is as well that place haven't toiletes but of course is many trees and brushes. 

The mini-zoo has increible collection of breds of crested hens, but because all of them exist in one aviary bird mix each other. All are very old breeds from the baroque age

This is due to the fact that there are no people employed to feed animals on a permanent basis, and this is mainly done by people who work off debts to the city, and in fact only one gentleman found himself in it, but he himself cannot do it for everyone. Boxes just need to be changed for the benefit of animals and people. At the beginning of the 90s, the park was restored by Longin Majdecki. An outstanding nature architect who was involved in the restoration of the royal gardens in Warsaw, gardens and parks near famous palaces and several gardens  in Germany. While the facility looks beautiful on the Town Hall website, the beauty ends at the gate and the animal aviaries aren't huge at all. Despite this, Przewalski's fallow deer and horses persist.It will be good if smeone responsibility for that will  go to any zoo even in Poland - other than that  one in Poznań, where the animals run away from it  and discover  that something is wrong and object needs change. A minimum entrance fee would certainly improve things, although there are subsidies for renovation of this objects. Of course animals won't tell that their have miserable life so problem gone. The best example here is Toruń, where the rulers have really managed to make a beautiful well-kept mini-zoo nad bothanical garden in the old forgoten park. 

Endangered swan goose exist here and like Przewalski's decided to reproduce, but unfortunetly thanks feeding by the fence , often are ill. 

The facility is a perfect example of what happens when irresponsible people start managing something they have no idea how to do it. It's no secret that in post-comunist countries, apart from the Czech Republic, there is still a form of old party system and, what is worse, family connections. Contrary to appearances, the people of the old system didn't leave, but at most they moved, and in smaller towns and some suddenly became right-wing. The greatest damage as well done the system of points from orgin. Thanks which  people from the worst lowlands earning extra points at university for their origins and practically almost thanks it end study and always getting a job without much effort. Well, a person cut off from the plow can be dressed and educated, but he will still proudly boast that the best physiological matters are done behind the barn, and reproduction on hay. These people will never have the perspective of managing anything, and they can be meet as the directors from parks to schools. 

Leucistic ducks are as well something very rare, that genetic sick isn't so popular in the birds world. 

Only the Czechs discovered the prosperity of capitalism, and the Russians with China found a kind of golden mean, but they all assumed at least partially that tourism is good business. What about the park in Konin which could ge good touristic atraction.  First of all, it's hard to even say who is taking care of the object today, because different institutions are displayed when we write  this term into the search engine, of course, it's good for breaking responsibility. 

Lonley yak is the biggest atraction, although he'd be more happy with the partner and with better crib. Guy often dissapears because of gifts throwing by the people. 

There is a parking, but what if cars are kept there mainly by a company that has its own. The locals complain about the lack of tourists and the city's decline, rampant unemployment, but how can they attract others to the city if they don't advertise their monuments. Even the county museum has a bad side. The park has none. Famous parish church as well hasn''t advert, old synagouge which could be great place for gallery closed, 1st road sign in the Europe which was afore statue of slavic god has just short  blackboard with inform.It seems that only the nearby Lichen with the tallest copy of St. Peter's Basilica understood that advertising in another language is as well great advert. And Chopin,man  famous for his pedantic,  probably turns in his grave, knowing that the object named after him looks like this. 

This pony has amazing colours of coat. Really it's very rare to find roan horse like that. 

This is not about liquidating the mini-zoo it'll be stupidy because  the nearest zoo's are 100 km. This is theasiest way, although it means always the death of the animals, This note is scream for restoring it to a state of normality. Maybe it won't be XXI age, but even end of XX will good.Then it could be a meeting and recreation place again, and people and animals felt safe.There is money for it, only jungle buddies would get less for themselves.  

One more kick and fence will fly and then..Toruń thinks in other way. 

International site about place: any site of the place

How to get there: towards the river Warta, along Tadeusz Kościuszko st, opposite to Koninpex.

London: The Wallace Collection- amazing museum which dissapeared from the guides

 

`The swing`` is most famous rococo painting and symbol of age and fall of french dynasty. The seemingly innocent picture shows a woman on a swing. However, when someone learns the story of three people, things are different. Everybody is happy. The lover who is in fact bishop  pushes women towards the hidden in the bushes husband,  who doesn`t see nothing bad in that, but really looks with pleasure on pair, all for profit. 

The Wallace Collection is one of my favorite museums in London. In the past, it was a must-see during the Grand Tour, and the place was visited by crown heads and princes. Franz Ferdinand was here shortly before he died. This museum has some of the most famous works of art in its collection, including the legendary ''The Swing'', a symbol of Rococo and the fall of the French monarchy. This place is a temple for those who are interested in the time of Louis XV, because it is here that we can find the most mementos of the king and Madame de Pompadour. The museum building was commissioned by the 2nd Marquess of Hertford. In 1870, the property was taken over by Richard Wallace, the illegitimate son of Richard Seymour-Conway, 4th Marquess of Hertford, and Agnes Jackson. He was never officially recognized by his father, but that did not prevent him from inheriting his art collection in 1871. The object got its name from him; he bought the Herftod residence from his cousin, who became the 5th Marquis. Richard Wallace grew up mainly in Paris and died there too. He used to bring masterpieces of French art to his residence with passion.  

   During the siege of Paris by the Prussian army and the actions of the Paris Commune, Wallace organized help for the victims of the fighting. Thanks to these activities, he obtained nobility and the title of baronet in 1871. Not long before that, he married his longtime lover, Julia Castlenau (1819-1897) with whom he already had a 30-year-old illegitimate son, Edmond Richard. In 1872, Sir Richard moved to London. He brought with him part of his collection, which, on display at the Bethnal, Green Museum, aroused considerable interest. He also collected many works of art, mainly miniatures and gold ornaments, as well as a collection of European weapons and Renaissance copies of decorative art. Unlike my father, who loved 18th-century French painting, After the death of his son in 1887, Sir Richard returned to Paris, where he died three years later. He was buried in the Père-Lachaise cemetery. He handed over the property to his wife. After her death in 1897, Lady Wallace's secretary, Sir John Murray Scott, placed the collection at Hertford House, thus creating the famous Wallace Collection.  Between 1897 and 1900, the former private residence was converted into a public museum.  On the 1st floor, galleries replaced the stabling, coachhouses, smoking room, and some private rooms. Interior changed. We find here the masterpieces of art by Gainsborough, Canaletto, Reynolds, Oudry, Rembrandt, Velazquez, and the first behaviorist and animal painter, Landseer, known from all books on art. A huge collection of porcelain and one of the largest collections of weapons in Europe, including those from India and the Golden Porta.

 

Is it here that the furniture belonging to ''Roi du Soleil'' , Louis XV, and Madamme de Pompadour survived, which would have been lost during the French Revolution and the Spring of Nations. The paintings The Laughing Cavalier and Francesca da Rimini, more famous in the world than the authors Perseus and Andromeda (Titian), are kept here. The mistress of Cesare Borgia and the mother of his beloved son, Girolamo Fiametta, appear in the paintings, most likely posing again. There is  very good restaurant in the bulding.          

International site about the place: https://www.wallacecollection.org/

Poland: Łodź Israel Poznanski palace- musem of cultures and city

 

 

Łodź is a very mysterious city in Poland. During the Second World War, it was the only city that hadn't been destroyed. It had advantages and disadvantages because no one invested in this city for many years. Due to the lack of investment, it is still better to not enter some places today. But this was also the reason why, after the war, the city was a seat of government. It was even planned to transfer the capital here. The current president of the city is doing a lot for the city, but it's still a drop in the sea. Łodź is the second-largest city in Poland. Most well-known for producing world-famous animated films. To this day, there is a film school and a film studio with one of the best scores in Poland. Several world-famous directors and actors graduated from the local film school. On the opera stage, we will often see the famous Russian ballets or world-famous operas. Although many places are derelict, we will find pearls in this place. Łodź ,was a city of manufacturers, and during XIX and the inter-war period, it developed like London, unfortunately with a dark side of terrible poverty but also amazing fortunes.

 

                                           

 

After the war, new political systems damaged all.The Polish adaptation of the well-known Austrian and Italian series about German Shepherd Police Officer Komisaar Rex is shot here. The Israel Poznański Palace is the most beautiful residence in the city, often compared to the Hofburg. This decided, among other things, the location of the series. It was described in many books and was also the backdrop for many historical films. Today, it is still under renovation. In one part, there is the museum of the interiors of the Poznański family; in the second, - Museum of Three Cultures. Museum showing the common life and history of coexistence between Poles, Jews, and Orthodox Christians in this city. All these people together created this city, mostly as workers. It also presents their cultural customs. There were times when people of different religions could coexist. Place which is very much needed today.

                                        



The most famous interior is the dining room, which is entirely covered in mahogany and contains antique sculptures as well as statues of factory workers from Poznanski manufactures. There is also a symbolic fresco depicting Israel Poznaski's funeral, in honour of whom this city was founded. The second-famous creator of the city is Karl Scheibler. Scheibler was of German descent. At that time, he was the richest man on the continent. Without their amazing factories, it won't be possible. The room was already legendary at the beginning of construction. According to legend, Israel Poznaski wanted to cover the walls in gold rubles but couldn't decide whether to use the tsar's face or the eagle's. These are, of course, untrue legends. The famous staircase is entirely lined with ebony. The truth about the building, however, is a little different. Originally, it was supposed to be the home of a family foundation; unfortunately, the government did not agree to the foundation, and so the building became a residence. That's why the rooms are so huge. The truth is that Israel Poznaski died before the building was completed. Anecdotes attributed to Israel are actually about his son. This location has appeared in a number of well-known films. A mirror room where famous pianist Artur Rubinstein performed. He's an Oscar winner. He has his own room where souvenirs of him are shown. Here we can find his Oscar statue, his memories, and his piano.

 

The museum has collections of famous residents of the city, such as Julian Tuwin, Wladyslaw Reymont, or Jan Karski, the famous spy who did the first report about what the Germans were doing with Jews. His wife was a famous international dancer.  The Poznański family operated on a similar system as the Getty family. They generally lived on assets without cash, and in addition, they led a life beyond their means. It soon began to be felt and ended like always.

In the palace, we can find various artistic styles. When the architect objected to the mix of styles, Poznaski allegedly replied, "I pay; this is my house; I can afford everything." 
The effect is that this is one of the most beautiful residences that can be visited in Poland. His children really were terrible at making money, and the property was sold very soon. 
Opposite are the buildings of the Manufacture, a huge complex that is today one of the largest shopping centres in Poland. Next, we will get to the rest of the Jewish ghetto from the Second World War. Its liquidation was one of the worst events in history. The Germans simply set it on fire after closing the gate. All the people were burned. The Palace was the setting for many international films, including the sadly forgotten film "Persona non grata," about Sempo Sugihara, the Japanese consul who saved several thousand lives at the consulate in Kaunas during World War II: Jews, Poles in the underground, and descendants of White Guards. Although we can see many well-known Polish actors in the film, it has never even been released on DVD there and showed on TV just once, many years later.

International site about the place: https://muzeum-lodz.pl/en/