Płock

Płock is a town of 128.210 inhabitants (2003) located at the center of the Poland (Voïvodie de Mazovie), on the the Vistula.

History

Płock is one of the more old cities of Mazovie and Poland. The archaeological excavations showed that well before the adoption of the Christianisme by Poland in 966, Płock was an important center of worship for the pagan tribes Slaves. At the 11th century, Płock is the seat of a castellan (governor of province). In 1009, the Bénédictin S come to be established there and, in 1075, the city becomes the seat of a évêché. In 1037, Miecław, old wine waiter of Mieszko II Lambert, proclaims Duc of Mazovie and fact of Płock its capital before being overcome by Casimir Ier the Restorer in 1047. Of 1079 with 1138, the dukes of Poland (Ladislas Ier Hermann and its successor Boleslas III the Stop-Chest) resident in Płock, by making the political center of Poland. They were buried in the Romance cathedral of the city built between 1130 and 1144 by Alexandre de Malonne. Into 1138, Poland is divided into several duchies and Płock becomes the capital of Mazovie.

In 1237, the city receives the urban Privilège S of Conrad Ier de Mazovie, which enables him to develop economically. The city is devastated on several occasions at the 13th century, by pagan tribes coming from the east. In 1325, the city is set fire to by the king Ladislas Ier the Brief to punish Mazovie to be itself allied with the Teutoniques. Of 1351 with 1370, Płock recognizes the Suzerain be of Casimir III Large the. This one restores the city, equips it with a strengthened enclosure and makes build a Gothic castle . In 1361, it widens the privileges of the city by granting to him the Droit of Magdeburg. After its death, the Piast S of Mazovie take again the control of Płock until in 1495, date on which Płock is incorporated in the kingdom of Poland. At the 16th century, Płock is the second most important city of Poland after Cracow. The city was a point of required passage of several trade route which moved towards Gdańsk, located downstream. That contributed to the great prosperity of the city. At the end of the 16th century, the decline of the city starts, following the competition of Warsaw, very close city which became the new capital of Poland. At the 17th century, the war with the Sweden carries a fatal blow to the city which is destroyed. In 1661, it remains nothing any more but 40 houses saved by the invaders. Whereas the city tries to be raised, it is once again destroyed by the Swedish at the beginning of the 18th century.

In 1793, Płock is annexed by the Prussia (Second division of Poland). In 1807, it becomes a Chef-lieu of department of the Duché of Warsaw created by Napoleon. After the disappearance of the duchy, it becomes the chief town of a Voïvodie in the Royaume of the Congress. It is then incorporated in the Russian Empire.

In September 1939, the city is occupied by the Germany. It is released by the Red Army the September 21st 1945.

Tourism

To see:

the whole of the hill of the Dome with the cathedral (interior), the castle and the canonicats
the museum of Mazovie
the museum diocesan
the museum of the secession

Religion

Płock is sits it of the Église Old woman-Catholic mariavite. At the beginning of the 20th century, Mariavites built the cathedral of the Mercy and Charity, their place of the most important worship.

Economy

Płock is in the center of an industrial and agricultural area. The Refinery S and the Pétrochimie dominate. The company Petrochemia Plock S.A. (since the May 19th 1999, PKN Orlen, the greatest group in Central Europe) milked 75% of the Oil imported by the country. It is here that the company is localized exploiting the Oléoduc Przyjazn (Friendship), one of the main roads of Russian oil towards the Europe. In the area of Płock companies of construction are also installed. The company Textile Levi Strauss was recently established in Płock. The transformation of the food products is another very important activity in the area.

Births

Mécislas Golberg, Anarchistic Thinker , was born in Plock the October 21st 1869.

Sport

The Wisla Plock is the club of Football of the city.

Twinnings

Strong Wayne, (the United States)
Thurrock, (the United Kingdom)

Bonds external

Official site of the city
Plane interactive of the Town of Płock

Simple: Płock

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