Walking Poland - Part 3: Czerwińsk nad Wisłą and Płock

After visiting Lublin, we went back to Warsaw to see our family, spend some more quality time, and visit the surroundings. A day later, we made a day trip to the towns of Czerwińsk nad Wisłą and Płock. 

The first stop was Czerwińsk nad Wisłą, which is an hour away from Warsaw. We went to this particular town because it has one of the oldest ones churches in the country, consecrated in 1161. 

The entire town was literally just the church. It felt like a haunted town. We visited for about 3 hours and we didn't encounter a soul in the entire time. Not even in the streets. 

Czerwińsk nad Wisłą: If you see this sign, you have arrived.

The Polish-Romanesque Abbey Church of the Annunciation of the Virgin in Czerwińsk Nad Wisłą

Icon of Our Lady of Consolation

I couldn't find further information about its stunning organ, but it's definitely Baroque-influenced (I think).

Unfortunately, this church was also damaged in the war, but it has surviving 13th century frescoes that are worth the visit:

Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane

                                          

This altar features three medallions that are relatively easy to recognize. In the center, you'll see the felling of the tree for Noah's Ark (depicted with the tree and figures holding axes). Below, there are scenes from the life of Abraham, including the Sacrifice of Isaac (with Abraham and three angels). To the side, there’s also a space dedicated to the history of the Apostles, including St. Peter and St. Paul.

At the end of this article you'll find more detailed information about this particular fresco:

                              

                   

 

You can clearly see how the new renovations have partially covered the previous structure throughout the church:

        

Also, if you have seen this doorknob somewhere in Germany, please let them know! They're looking for it since 1939 😓:

They ended up replicating it, but are still looking for the original piece.

We finished our visit by checking out the stunning garden in the back of the Abbey and the surrounding nature:

 

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Plock is only 30-40 minutes away from Czerwińsk nad Wisłą, and it's an entirely different story. We started with a stroll through one of its main street, in which we ended up buying floral tea and delicious snacks:

Tumska Street

We also walked through this pathway with views of the Vistula River right before entering the Płock Cathedral:

        Vistula River views from Płock

    

Cute park right next to it

When we arrived, both the museum and the cathedral were closed. Fortunately, we bumped into one of the priests as he was hurrying toward his office. We explained that we were just passing through and really wanted to see the interior of the Cathedral... and he kindly opened it up for us!

                                Bazylika Katedralna Wniebowzięcia NMP (Płock Cathedral Basilica)

I can't complain, I have seen amazing organs from the minute I arrived in Poland

The highlight of this Basilica is the replica of the double doors. The original doors were crafted at a bell foundry in Germany and delivered to the cathedral, but for some unknown reason, they  ended up in Russia since the 13th century, specifically at the Sophia Cathedral in Veliky Novgorod. The reason behind this remains a mystery:

                                                                         

IIf you happen to know someone in Russia who could help return these doors to their rightful owner, I’m sure Płock would be incredibly grateful. They’re known as "The Kursunskiy" in Russia.

We ended up our day trip with a delicious royal coffee at Lady Bałwanki in Grodzka street, and more outdoors action at the Stary Rynek Plaza:

 

                                                                                          

Hopefully you can visit these 2 cities, but maybe start the other way around so you can enjoy the peace and tranquility at Czerwińsk nad Wisłą after a fun day at Płock.

Happy planning!