|
 Lublin is a big city with an eventful history and great development potential due to its border location. It is an important centre of industry and learning with many international trade links, especially with Poland's neighbouring countries. Lublin's origins date back to the 10th century, when a stronghold was built here to protect the country from eastern invasions. The Crown Tribunal, the highest law court of Malopolska, was established here in the 16th century. Frequent conventions of Polish and Lithuanian officials were held in Lublin, and eventually, after many years of personal union, the Union of Lublin was signed here in 1569, uniting both countries into a single political entity. The historical part of the city occupies a rather small area stretching between Krakow Gate and the castle. The 15th century Old Town Hall used to be the seat of the Crown Tribunal. The restoration of the market square is under way and the Renaissance houses once owned by rich burghers who made their fortunes from trade are slowly being returned to their former sumptuousness. Two magnificent churches with beautiful interior decorations also stand in this part of the city. The Dominican Church, formerly Gothic, was later rebuilt in the Renaissance style after a fire. It contains valuable frescoes, Renaissance tombstones, sculptures, and paintings. The interior of the Baroque cathedral is embellished with frescoes all over the walls and vault, a splendid high altarpiece, fine paintings, and sculptures. Atop the hill stands a large castle, which, however, has nothing in common with the original defensive structure, erected on this site in the 14th century. The present building was put up in the 19th century. It served as prison for many years and now houses the Lublin Museum. The only remaining element of the former castle is the round tower. One gem in the castle you shouldn't miss is the 14th century castle chapel.
Both the vault and the walls of the chapel are entirely covered with amazing Russo-Byzantine frescoes, considered the finest medieval wall paintings in Poland and among the best in Europe. Three important tourist centres are located west of Lublin (30-50 km). Naleczow is a well-known spa specialising in treatment of heart conditions. Pulawy is now an industrial centre, but in the past it was a seat of old Polish aristocratic families. A magnificent park-and-palace residence can still be admired. Very popular with visitors and artists is Kazimierz Dolny, a picturesque town with much charm and atmosphere, largely due to its beautiful market square lined with Renaissance houses, a parish church, and the castle ruins on high hill. |
|
Up