Plock - AbsoluteAstronomy.com

Płock AUD is a city in central Poland

Poland

Poland , officially the Republic of Poland , is a country in Central Europe bordered by Germany to the west; the Czech Republic and Slovakia to the south; Ukraine, Belarus and Lithuania to the east; and the Baltic Sea and Kaliningrad Oblast, a Russian exclave, to the north...

, on the Vistula

Vistula

The Vistula is the longest and the most important river in Poland, at 1,047 km in length. The watershed area of the Vistula is , of which lies within Poland ....

river. According to the data provided by GUS on 30 June 2009 there were 126,675 inhabitants. It is located in the Masovian Voivodeship

Masovian Voivodeship

-Administrative division:Masovian Voivodeship is divided into 42 counties : 5 city counties and 37 "land counties"...

(since 1999), having previously been the capital of the Płock Voivodeship (1975–1998). It now is a capital of a Powiat

Powiat

A powiat is the second-level unit of local government and administration in Poland, equivalent to a county, district or prefecture in other countries. The term powiat is most often translated into English as "county", although other terms are also sometimes used...

(county) at the extreme west of the Mazovian Voivodeship. In years: 1079 - 1138 Płock was capital of Poland. Płock is also a historical capital of Mazovia

Mazovia

Mazovia or Masovia is a geographical, historical and cultural region in east-central Poland. It is also a voivodeship in Poland.Its historic capital is Płock, which was the medieval residence of first Dukes of Masovia...

History

Płock was the capital city of Poland during their reign (1079–1138). It was also a seat of several of the Dukes of Masovia

Dukes of Masovia

The Dukes of Masovia were a line of the Piast dynasty who ruled in Masovia. The following is a list of all rulers of the Duchy of Masovia and its parts...

and one of the capitals of that state.

In Nazi times (1941 to 1945) it was named Schröttersburg, after the former Prussian Upper President Friedrich Leopold von Schrötter

Friedrich von Schrötter

Friedrich Leopold Freiherr von Schrötter was a Junker and Prussian government minister.Schrötter was born in Wohnsdorf near Friedland and served in a dragoon regiment during the Seven Years War...

Masovian Blessed Virgin Mary Cathedral
Masovian Blessed Virgin Mary Cathedral
Płock Cathedral, or the Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Masovia, in Płock, is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Poland, an example of Romanesque architecture.- History :...

Duke Capital City of Płock

The Duke Capital City of Płock is the official title of Płock used in ceremonial documents and for preserving traditions. It is the formal legal title included in the preamble

Preamble

A preamble is an introductory and expressionary statement in a document that explains the document's purpose and underlying philosophy. When applied to the opening paragraphs of a statute, it may recite historical facts pertinent to the subject of the statute...

to the City Statute of Płock.
The title is a result of the fact that, from 1079–1138 Płock was the capital of Poland. It performed this function in the times of the Polish monarchs Władysław I Herman and Bolesław III Krzywousty.

Formerly, during the rule of the first monarchs of the Piast

Piast dynasty

The Piast dynasty was the first historical ruling dynasty of Poland. It began with the semi-legendary Piast Kołodziej . The first historical ruler was Duke Mieszko I . The Piasts' royal rule in Poland ended in 1370 with the death of king Casimir the Great...

dynasty, even prior to the Baptism of Poland

Baptism of Poland

The Baptism of Poland was the event in 966 that signified the beginning of the Christianization of Poland, commencing with the baptism of Mieszko I, who was the first ruler of the Polish state. The next significant step in Poland's adoption of Christianity was the establishment of various...

, Płock served as one of the monarchial seats, including that of Prince Mieszko I and King Bolesław I Chrobry, the latter of which raised the original fortifications on Tumskie Hill, overlooking the Vistula River

Vistula

The Vistula is the longest and the most important river in Poland, at 1,047 km in length. The watershed area of the Vistula is , of which lies within Poland ....

. From 1037–1047 Płock was capital of the independent Mazovian state of Masław.

Płock has been the historical capital of Mazovia

Mazovia

(region of Poland

Poland

), the residence of many Mazovian princes, and is the oldest town in the region (town rights

Town privileges

Town privileges or city rights were important features of European towns during most of the second millennium.Judicially, a town was distinguished from the surrounding land by means of a charter from the ruling monarch that defined its privileges and laws. Common privileges were related to trading...

in 1237). It is also the oldest legislated seat of the diocese

Diocese

A diocese is the district or see under the supervision of a bishop. It is divided into parishes.An archdiocese is more significant than a diocese. An archdiocese is presided over by an archbishop whose see may have or had importance due to size or historical significance...

, with the Cathedral

Cathedral

A cathedral is a Christian church that contains the seat of a bishop...

in Płock built in the first half of the 12th century and housing the sarcophaguses of Polish monarchs. The cathedral in Płock is one of the five oldest cathedrals in Poland.

Mariavites

This site is the main seat of the Mariavite

Mariavite Church

The Mariavite Church is an independent Christian church that emerged from the Catholic Church of Poland at the turn of the 20th century. Initially, it was an internal movement leading to a reform of the Polish clergy. After a conflict with Polish bishops, it became a separate and independent...

bishop

Bishop

A bishop is an ordained or consecrated member of the Christian clergy who is generally entrusted with a position of authority and oversight. Within the Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox Churches, in the Assyrian Church of the East, in the Independent Catholic Churches, and in the...

s. Their most important church was built here in the beginning of 20th century - it is called Temple of Mercy and Charity
Temple of Mercy and Charity
The Temple of Mercy and Charity is a Mariavite cathedral in Płock in central Poland. It is located near the Vistula River.-Significance:The Temple is the religious center of the Mariavite Church and contains the tomb of its founder Feliksa Kozłowska, as well as a memorial plaque commemorating its...

and is situated in a pleasant garden on the hill on which the historical centre of Płock is built, near the Vistula river.

Jews

The Jewish presence in Płock dates back many centuries, probably to 1400. In 1938, almost 25% of the population was Jewish, making Płock one of the cities in Poland with the highest proportional Jewish presence. The Jewish population of Płock was destroyed during the Holocaust.

Economy

The main industry is oil

Petroleum

Petroleum or crude oil is a naturally occurring, flammable liquid consisting of a complex mixture of hydrocarbons of various molecular weights and other liquid organic compounds, that are found in geologic formations beneath the Earth's surface. Petroleum is recovered mostly through oil drilling...

refining. The country's largest oil refinery

Oil refinery

An oil refinery or petroleum refinery is an industrial process plant where crude oil is processed and refined into more useful petroleum products, such as gasoline, diesel fuel, asphalt base, heating oil, kerosene, and liquefied petroleum gas...

, (Płock refinery), and parent company, PKN Orlen

PKN Orlen

PKN Orlen is a major European oil refiner, and petrol retailer. The company is Poland's and Central Europe's largest publicly traded firm with major operations in Poland, Czech Republic, Germany, and the Baltic States...

are located here; it is served by a large pipeline

Pipeline transport

Pipeline transport is the transportation of goods through a pipe. Most commonly, liquids and gases are sent, but pneumatic tubes that transport solid capsules using compressed air are also used....

leading from Russia

Russia

Russia or , officially known as both Russia and the Russian Federation , is a country in northern Eurasia. It is a federal semi-presidential republic, comprising 83 federal subjects...

to Germany

Germany

Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...

. There are several industrial activities connected with the refinery, such as servicing and construction. There is also a Levi Strauss & Co.

Levi Strauss & Co.

Levi Strauss & Co. is a privately held American clothing company known worldwide for its Levi's brand of denim jeans. It was founded in 1853 when Levi Strauss came from Buttenheim, Franconia, to San Francisco, California to open a west coast branch of his brothers' New York dry goods business...

factory in Płock.

Education

Szkoła Wyższa im. Pawła Włodkowica
Państwowa Wyższa Szkoła Zawodowa w Płocku
Płock Campus of Warsaw University of Technology
Warsaw University of Technology
The Warsaw University of Technology is one of the leading institutes of technology in Poland, and one of the largest in Central Europe. It employs 2,453 teaching faculty, with 357 professors . The student body numbers 36,156 , mostly full-time. There are 17 faculties covering almost all fields of...
LO im. Marszałka Stanisława Małachowskiego w Płocku - the oldest school in Poland
LO im. Wladysława Jagiełły w Płocku
III LO im. Marii Dąbrowskiej w Płocku

Routes

- Łęczyca - Płock - Ciechanów

Ciechanów

Ciechanów is a town in north-central Poland with 45,900 inhabitants . It is situated in Masovian Voivodeship . It was previously the capital of Ciechanów Voivodeship.-History:The grad numbered approximately 3,000 armed men....

- Ostrów Mazowiecka

Ostrów Mazowiecka

Ostrów Mazowiecka is a town in northeastern Poland with 23,486 inhabitants . Situated in the Masovian Voivodeship , previously in Ostroleka Voivodeship . It is the capital of Ostrów Mazowiecka County....

- Strzelno

Strzelno

Strzelno is a town in the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship, Poland. The town is located south of Inowrocław. According to the June 2005 Census, the population numbered 12,486.-History:...

- Włocławek - Płock - Wyszków

Wyszków

Wyszków is a town in northeastern Poland with 26,500 inhabitants . It is the capital of Wyszków County . Wyszków is situated in the Masovian Voivodeship ; previously it was in Warsaw Voivodeship and Ostrołęka Voivodeship .-Description:The village of Wyszków was first documented in 1203. The town...

- Sokołów Podlaski - Siemiatycze

Siemiatycze

Siemiatycze is a town in north-eastern Poland, with 15,209 inhabitants . It is situated in the Podlaskie Voivodeship ; previously it was in Białystok Voivodeship . It is the capital of Siemiatycze County....

- to Lipno

Lipno

Lipno may refer to:* Lipno, Poland, a town in north-central Poland, seat of Lipno County*Lipno, Gmina Lipno in Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship *Lipno, Świecie County in Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship...

- to Szpetal Górny

Szpetal Górny

Szpetal Górny is a village in the administrative district of Gmina Fabianki, within Włocławek County, Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship, in north-central Poland. It lies approximately south of Fabianki, north-east of Włocławek, and south-east of Toruń....

- to Góra

Góra

Góra is a town in Lower Silesian Voivodeship, south-west Poland.Góra is also the name of many other places in Poland, including:In Greater Poland Voivodeship :*Góra, Jarocin County...

- to Kazuń Nowy

Kazun Nowy

Kazuń Nowy is a village in the administrative district of Gmina Czosnów, within Nowy Dwór Mazowiecki County, Masovian Voivodeship, in east-central Poland. It is situated approximately north-west of Czosnów, south of Nowy Dwór Mazowiecki, and north-west of Warsaw.The village has an approximate...

Buses

KM Płock - Komunikacja Miejska Płock

Bus service covers the entire city, with 41 routes.

PKS Płock - Przedsiębiorstwo Komunikacji Samochodowej w Płocku S.A.

Sport

Wisła Płock - football team (1st league in season 2003/2004)
Wisła Płock - handball team (repeated Polish Champion and repeated winner Cup of Poland)

Płock constituency

Members of Parliament (Sejm

Sejm

The Sejm is the lower house of the Polish parliament. The Sejm is made up of 460 deputies, or Poseł in Polish . It is elected by universal ballot and is presided over by a speaker called the Marshal of the Sejm ....

) elected from Płock constituency

Julia Pitera, PO
Mirosław Koźlakiewicz, PO
Andrzej Nowakowski, PO
Wojciech Jasiński, Pis
Marek Opioła, Pis
Robert Kołakowski, Pis
Dariusz Kaczanowski,Pis
Waldemar Pawlak, PSL
Adam Struzik, PSL
Jolanta Szymanek-Deresz, SLD+SDPL+PD+UP (died in a plane crash 10 April 2010)

Twin towns - sister cities

Płock is twinned

Town twinning

Twin towns and sister cities are two of many terms used to describe the cooperative agreements between towns, cities, and even counties in geographically and politically distinct areas to promote cultural and commercial ties.- Terminology :...

with: Loznica, Serbia

Serbia

Serbia , officially the Republic of Serbia , is a landlocked country located at the crossroads of Central and Southeast Europe, covering the southern part of the Carpathian basin and the central part of the Balkans...

, since 1972 Darmstadt

Darmstadt

Darmstadt is a city in the Bundesland of Hesse in Germany, located in the southern part of the Rhine Main Area.The sandy soils in the Darmstadt area, ill-suited for agriculture in times before industrial fertilisation, prevented any larger settlement from developing, until the city became the seat...

, Germany

Germany

, since 1988 Fort Wayne, United States

United States

The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...

, since 1990 Mažeikiai

Mažeikiai

Mažeikiai is a city in the north-western Lithuania, on the Venta River. It has a population of around 45,300, making it the eighth largest city in Lithuania. The city is the administrative center of Mažeikiai district municipality in Telšiai County. It is the largest city that does not have its...

, Lithuania

Lithuania

Lithuania , officially the Republic of Lithuania is a country in Northern Europe, the biggest of the three Baltic states. It is situated along the southeastern shore of the Baltic Sea, whereby to the west lie Sweden and Denmark...

, since 1994) Navapolatsk

Navapolatsk

Navapolatsk is a city in Vitsebsk Province, Belarus, with a population of 107,458. Founded in 1958, it is located close to the city of Polatsk and the name literally means "New Polatsk".- History :...

, Belarus

Belarus

Belarus , officially the Republic of Belarus, is a landlocked country in Eastern Europe, bordered clockwise by Russia to the northeast, Ukraine to the south, Poland to the west, and Lithuania and Latvia to the northwest. Its capital is Minsk; other major cities include Brest, Grodno , Gomel ,...

, since 1996 Forlì

Forlì

Forlì is a comune and city in Emilia-Romagna, Italy, and is the capital of the province of Forlì-Cesena. The city is situated along the Via Emilia, to the right of the Montone river, and is an important agricultural centre...

, Italy

Italy

Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...

, since 1998 Auxerre

Auxerre

Auxerre is a commune in the Bourgogne region in north-central France, between Paris and Dijon. It is the capital of the Yonne department.Auxerre's population today is about 45,000...

, France

France

The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...

, since 2000 Bălţi

Balti

Balti can refer to:* Balti language, a language spoken in Baltistan in Pakistan and Ladakh in Kashmir* Balti people, Muslims of Ladakhi/Tibetan origin from Baltistan in Pakistan and Ladakh in Kashmir...

, Moldova

Moldova

Moldova , officially the Republic of Moldova is a landlocked state in Eastern Europe, located between Romania to the West and Ukraine to the North, East and South. It declared itself an independent state with the same boundaries as the preceding Moldavian Soviet Socialist Republic in 1991, as part...

, since 2000 Thurrock

Thurrock

Thurrock is a unitary authority with borough status in the English ceremonial county of Essex. It is part of the London commuter belt and an area of regeneration within the Thames Gateway redevelopment zone. The local authority is Thurrock Council....

in United Kingdom

United Kingdom

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...

, since 2004 Mytishchi

Mytishchi

Mytishchi is a city and the administrative center of Mytishchinsky District of Moscow Oblast, Russia, which lies to the northeast of Russia's capital Moscow, on the Yauza River and the Moscow–Yaroslavl railroad. The city is the oblast's largest center for industry and education...

in Russia