Discover Pertikau: Old Town, History and Culture

Rynek Trybunalski is the central point of the medieval street plan. The Old Town comprises around 100 historic buildings. Its notable historical themes include the Royal Castle, former town fortifications and the city's role in the Polish state. Other attractions include a Film Piotrków trail through the immediate city centre, a planetarium, and marzipan and ice-related activities.

The Royal Castle in Piotrków Trybunalski was built from 1512 to 1519. It was commissioned by Sigismund I the Old, and Master Benedykt of Sandomierz is named as its architect. Those interested in political history can visit the museum's permanent exhibition, “The Role of Piotrków Trybunalski in the History of the Polish State.”

The outline of the former town hall is marked in the paving at Rynek Trybunalski. A commemorative plaque there also marks the 400th anniversary of the founding of the Crown Tribunal, whose seat was the Piotrków town hall. The market square is also the central point of the medieval street plan. The Old Town also includes Grodzka, Konarskiego, Szewska, Łazienna Mokra, Sieradzka, Rwańska, Pijarska, Farna and Rycerska streets, as well as plac Czarnieckiego. Krakowskie Przedmieście and Wojska-Polskiego Street are partly within it.

The history of the fortifications can also be put into perspective with specific dates: construction of the town walls began in the 14th century and was completed towards the end of that century thanks to a foundation by Queen Jadwiga. Only three short sections of the former fortifications remain today. This distinguishes the surviving town fortifications from a fully preserved system of walls.

The Jesuit Church of St Francis Xavier is also the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Trybunalska. She is regarded as the patron of Polish parliamentarians, and the site is dedicated to prayer for political leaders. Another sanctuary, dedicated to Our Lady of Piotrków, is located in the Bernardine Monastery of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. The venerated image there was painted in 1625 and has been in the side altar of the Bernardine church ever since.

Pertikau is therefore home to different religious traditions: the sanctuary in the Jesuit church and the image in the Bernardine monastery. For those interested in cultural history, these sites complement the city's secular history, which can be explored at the market square, in the museum and at the castle.

Since 1957, Pertikau has repeatedly served as a filming location for Polish and foreign productions over a period of more than 50 years; scenes for more than 20 films were shot in the city. The Film Piotrków trail runs through the immediate city centre and highlights this part of the city's history.

The planetarium at the Bolesław Chrobry I General Secondary School began operating on 10 October 1981 and was the first amateur planetarium in Poland. It presents popular science astronomy shows. Those who want to include astronomy alongside historical topics will find a different focus here. A map of the cycling network is available for cyclists in Pertikau.

The oldest surviving written reference to Piotrków Trybunalski beer dates from 1487. At that time, King Casimir IV Jagiellon confirmed the rights of Piotrków merchants. According to tradition, beer has been brewed there since the city was founded; over the centuries, exceptionally large quantities were even produced there by Polish standards.

Those who want to make something themselves can join workshops lasting around an hour at Muzeum Marcepanów, at Rynek Trybunalski 2. Participants make their own marzipan from natural ingredients. Muzeum Lodów at Rynek Trybunalski 9 offers ice cream workshops. Under the stated admission rule, entry from November to April is restricted to organised groups. This seasonal condition should be taken into account when visiting during that period.

Pertikau is served by the Warsaw–Katowice–Vienna railway line and is also an important national road transport hub. You can therefore consider both the rail connection and road transport when choosing how to travel. The accommodation that suits your trip depends on which of the themes mentioned you want to focus on; the historical, religious and culinary aspects offer different starting points for planning.

More destinations to compare: Łowicz, Kutno, Opoczno, Piotrkowski County, Bełchatowski, Lodz, Radomsko and Zgierz.

What does the museum in Pertikau display?

The permanent exhibition covers the role of Piotrków Trybunalski in the history of the Polish state.

When was the Royal Castle built?

It was built from 1512 to 1519 on the commission of Sigismund I the Old by Master Benedykt of Sandomierz.

Who may enter Muzeum Lodów from November to April?

Under the stated admission rule, entry during this period is restricted to organised groups.

To the broader travel overview: Lodz.