For our freedom and yours
The town situated on the high bank of the Pilica River received municipal rights in early 14th century. During 15th and 16th centuries Warka was a well-known trade and craftsmanship center. The name of the town the probably refers to the beer which was brewed there and already in the Middle Ages was known outside the boundaries of Mazovia. Although the army under the command of Stefan Czarnecki fought a victorious Battle of Warka with the Swedes the town, damaged during the Swedish Deluge, never returned to its former glory. Today less than 12 thousand people inhabit this important center of food industry. The Warka brewery continues the centuries-old tradition.
A square-shaped market square with classicistic City Hall of the first half of 19th century delimits the center of the town. Picturesquely situated on the riverside slope the parish church of St. Nicholas was constructed in 17th century. Further reconstructions deprived the building of style features. Interesting late Renaissance furnishings survived inside the church. The cemetery opposite the parish church is the burial place of Piotr Wysocki. The leader of cadets who started the November Uprising was born in Warka on 10th September 1797. After the Uprising he was exiled to Siberia from where he returned to hometown after nearly a quarter of a century.
The second historic church of Warka is the Franciscan church. The baroque temple of Our Lady of Scapular was built in the years 1652-1746. Once inside, one may be fascinated by the Baroque altars and a rococo pulpit. In the basement of the temple Dukes of Mazovia Trojden and Ziemowit III and wife of Duke Janusz I, Danuta Anna are buried.
In the eastern part of the town, in the Winiary district, a palace constructed in late17th century based on the design by Augustyn Locci is located. Under its roof, on 4th March 1747 Kazimierz Pułaski, a future participant in the Confederation of Bar and one of the leaders of fighting for the independence of the United States was born. The monument of the hero stands in front of the palace. The building houses a museum collecting memorabilia related to Pułaski and other Poles who fought on the other side of the Atlantic.. Stylish furniture and carpets are decorations of the exhibition. On the first floor the museum hosts temporary exhibitions. The institution also organizes numerous concerts, exhibitions and lectures. A well-kept landscape park surrounds the palace and encourages visitors to walk.
On the first Sunday of July the museum and W.A.R.K.A Association organize a historical and cultural picnic ‘Cheer Pułaski’. During the event streets of the town witness a colorful parade featuring Kazimierz Pułaski accompanied by his lifeguard. The ambition of the organizers of the picnic is to promote American culture; so the event cannot lack a big beat orchestra, old cruisers and colorfully disguised groups of children and youth. The guests of the fest can expect numerous competitions and tournaments and in the evening a concert of country music.
Muzeum im. Kazimierza Pułaskiego (Kazimierz Pułaski Museum)
ul. Pułaskiego 24, phone: (48) 667-22-64
www.muzeumpulaski.pl
