Clash of arms and sounds of music

Ciechanów is one of the oldest Mazovian towns. It received municipal rights in 13th century, but archaeologists found traces of the settlement which go back 600 years before. Located at the northern end of Mazovia the town developed as a trading settlement, but at the same time it was exposed to invasions of Pomeranians, Prussians, Yotvingians and then the Teutonic Knights. Swedish and Napoleonic armies swept through the town. It was not spared by the horrors of the First and Second World Wars. Despite a turbulent history many interesting relics of the past are still preserved in Ciechanów.

Red walls of the Castle of the Dukes of Mazovia rise in the meadows at the Łydynia River. The Castle was erected in 15th century by the order of Duke Janusz I. A major problem for the builders was the slushy, swampy land in the valley of the river. To prevent settling of the building wooden piles were used. The rectangular outer wall and two round towers survived till the present day. The southeastern tower once served as a prison, while the western one, called the arsenal, was used for defense. The castle constitutes a branch of the Museum of the Dukes of Mazovia, but during renovations it is closed to the public. However, as in the case of any self-respecting stronghold, an indispensable feature of Ciechanów is the smell of gunpowder, the clash of arms and knight’s feasts. It is for this reason that Medieval Encounters are held every year on the first Saturday of September in the castle meadows. Numerous knight’s tournaments demonstrate the military capacity of the knights and arouse many emotions. In addition, medieval craft is presented during the event. Wool spinning and weaving in the loom are demonstrated. Falconer’s shows, performances titled ‘Rebellion of Mazovia’ and ‘Funeral of Duke Miecław' as well as horse tournaments also produce strong emotions.

A theater festival ‘Dionysia’ is held in the picturesque scenery of the Castle of the Dukes of Mazovia in the first decade of September. Theatre troupes that search for new means of expression participate in the Festival. Many of the performances also take place in the town streets. Moreover, outdoor events and concerts for several thousand people are also organized.

The castle is situated almost in the center of Ciechanów. A rectangular market square, located near the castle, is dominated by a Neo-Gothic Town Hall building from the mid-nineteenth century, which was probably designed by Enrico Marconi.  
The Mazovian Gentry Museum located in a brick house built in 1924 at ul. Warszawska 61a is worth visiting. The three floors of the building feature a number of interesting exhibitions. Enthusiasts of archaeology might be interested in the reconstruction of a Neolithic tomb and bronze and silver jewelry, some of which is two thousand five hundred years old. Folk pottery and sculpture exhibitions present the rich folk tradition of the region. There is also an exhibition of agricultural machinery, equipment and vehicles from 19th and 20th centuries. A hundred and a few dozen miniature farm objects and equipment, carefully reproduced by Mr. Kazimierz Bobiński, constitute a peculiarity of this exhibition. The Museum also boasts interesting Judaica, which are mementos of the pre-war Jewish community of Ciechanów. The Museum also features a natural science exhibition. Children always stop for a while at showcases with insects and at exhibitions dedicated to birds and mammals from the nearby meadows, marshes and forests. Every month (except for the summer vacation) the Museum organizes meetings with known artists and scientists.

Towers of two churches dominate over the downtown. Both Late Gothic buildings were erected in 16th century. The Church of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary originally belonged to the Augustinian Order. The Order contributed to the development of culture and raised the level of education in Ciechanów. The brothers ran a school known throughout Mazovia. The rich monastery library was looted by Swedes during the Swedish Deluge. The church itself was seriously damaged at that time. Most of the Late Baroque equipment comes from 18th century. Polychromies decorating the interior were made in 1920 by Władysław Drapiewski. The Parish Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church was also frequently the scene of historical events. In the early 18th century a few nobles were killed during a regional assembly that was held in this temple. One hundred years later almost all the equipment of the church was burned by Napoleon’s soldiers. During the First World War the church was used by Germans as a military hospital. However, a few 16th and 17th century epitaphs survived on the walls of the Parish Church. Also plaques commemorating important moments in the history of the city were placed in the church. North of the church on the high bank of the Łydynia River there is an early medieval gord from 10th-12th, called Farska Góra. A neo-Gothic bell tower was built in 1889. The tower offers a nice view of the Łydynia valley.

Culture and Art Center is an important cultural animator in Ciechanów. Interesting temporary exhibitions are presented in gallery ‘C’. The Center is also a co-organizer of many interesting cyclic events. International Choral Meetings are held in Ciechanów in the first decade of June. ‘Kupalnocka’ Folklore Meetings are held not only in Ciechanów, but also in Płońsk, Glinojeck and Serock. Some of the bands come from very remote and exotic corners of the world. November Meetings with Blues ‘Blues na dołku’ have a much more intimate atmosphere. This event, which enjoys a nationwide reputation, takes place on the last Saturday before St. Andrew’s Day.

Muzeum Szlachty Mazowieckiej (Mazovian Gentry Museum)
ul. Warszawska 61a, phone/fax (23) 672 55 87, 672 94 58
www.muzeumciechanow.pl

Centrum Kultury i Sztuki (Culture and Art Center)
ul. Strażacka 5, phone: (23) 672 42 96
www.ckisz.ciechanow.net.pl
www.um.ciechanow.pl