What can be seen in Twardowski's mirror?
Small Węgrów is one of the most popular tourist towns in the region. It is worth coming here for valuable monuments, interesting events and friendly atmosphere. Due to its location at the border Węgrów received municipal rights as early as in 1441 and over the following centuries developed as a center of trade and craft. The town owed its prosperity to caring owners - the Kiszka Family, the Radziwiłł Family and the Krasiński Family. Until mid-seventeenth century Węgrów was the main center of Reformation in Podlachia. The Arian community operated a printing house, a seminary and a school which educated many open-minded citizens. Traces of the struggle for souls, which had once taken place in the town may be found in great churches. Located at the market square the three-nave parish church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Peter and Paul was built in 16th century as a Gothic building. This temple was burnt down in the early 18th century, but the chancel and two slender side towers survived. In the years 1703–1706 the church was reconstructed in Baroque style, probably based on a design by Tylman z Gameren. The works were managed by Karol Ceroni and Jan Reisner. Valuable Baroque furnishings survived in the interior of the temple. The walls and the vault are covered by wonderful polychomies by Michelangelo Palloni. They present scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary and Christ and of numerous Saints and Fathers of the Church. Stunning paintings presenting dogmas denied by the Protestants were to be tools of combat against the Reformation. The sacristy stores many portraits of the owners of Węgrów and church dignitaries. This room also features the legendary Twardowski’s mirror. Apparently, the famous sorcerer used this metal mirror to show King Sigismund Augustus a ghost of his late wife, Barbara Radziwiłł.
The Baroque church of St. Peter of Alcantara and St. Anthony of Padua, which originally was a part of the Reformed Franciscan monastery, is comparable to the parish church in terms of glamor. The temple was erected in the years 1693–1706, probably also based on a design by Tylman z Gameren. The interior is also decorated with rich polychromies by Michelangelo Palloni. On the vault, at the intersection of the transept and the nave is an amazing scene of the Last Judgement, which is one of the finest works of the painter. Eyes are also caught by a richly gold-adorned epitaph of Jan Dobrogost Krasiński located over the entrance to the chapel.
Numerous interesting events are held on the vast market square in Węgrów. In June, lovers of folklore and Polish as well as foreign folk groups are attracted by the Festival of Wedding Ceremonies. Lively performances on the stage are accompanied by a handicraft fair. Not only can visitors buy ready-made products, but they can also observe the process of creating works and even try their hands under the supervision of a master. On the third Sunday of September the Bread Day is held in Węgrów. The aim of the organizers is to present to viewers the rituals relating to the period of the holiday and the harvest festival. Competitions for the best tasting country bread and the most beautiful harvest wreath are accompanied by performances of folk groups and a folk product fair. Węgrów is also worth visiting in the week before Palm Sunday. Palms, Easter eggs and tidbits bought at the Easter Fair will be a great decoration of the Easter table.
