Old Sandomierz
Back in the Middle Ages, it was one of the largest and most prosperous cities in Poland, a residence of princes and kings. In the 1200s the city was seriously damaged by Tatar invasions. The most infamous raid took place in 1259-60 when the Tatars massacred 49 dominican monks in St. Jacob’s church after successfully laying siege to the city. That event has become foundational for many legends such as that of Salve Regina hill (the monks were singing Salve Regina hymn as they were preparing to meet their maker). The legend says that a giant bull raised by the monks ran after the Tatars in the direction of Kraków to avenge its keepers but could not catch up with the horde. Enraged, the bull dug a large mound with its hoofs and carved “Salve Regina” on the hillside with its horns. A great introduction to that early Sandomierz, shrouded in legends, is the Underground Route touring 470 metres of clandestine passages and multi-story cellars once used by cityfolk and merchants.
After destruction wrought by the Tatars, most of the city’s then-wooden architecture was gone with only St. Jacob’s brick walls surviving the fire. The city was subsequently moved to the higher ground above the Wisła river, which earned it a nickname of Little Rome perched on seven hills. Sandomierz was slowly rebuilt with city rights formally reassigned in 1286.
16th century view of Sandomierz
A statue of Blessed Wincenty Kadłubek, 13th century bishop and historian, the patron of Sandomierz (Cathedral in the background)
Sandomierz Castle - today a museum
Old Town Square
Town Hall
Brama Opatowska - 16th century Gothic city gate, the only one surviving in Sandomierz. Awesome panorama from the top!
Striped flint stone (Photo: http://www.krzemien-sandomierz.pl)
Read on:
Sandstone and amber 
I’ve never heard of that striped flint stone and it looks so unique and beautiful! Btw judging from your picture, Sandomierz looks like a very quiet yet beautiful town!
Striped flint is very rare – it can only be found in one place on earth, the Sandomierz area! And yes, it’s a very nice, quiet town =)
Great post on a great blog. As a historian, I appreciate your embrace of the historical aspect of the subjects you explore. The Gothic city gate is quite nice, and the Town Hall is a striking and (to me) unusual building. The basic layout is somewhat similar to Independence Hall in Philadelphia, but of course the architectural styles are completely different. The lighthouse-like clock tower has an odd visual detachment from the rest of the building, at least in my eyes.
Thank you! The Town Hall looks somewhat unusual because it was modified several times. It was originally built in 1349 as a square structure but later expanded in the 16th century to the present rectangular shape. The tower was added in the 17th century – so the look of the Town Hall has been changing over time. Also, I found some great views of Sandomierz in old postcards that I thought I might enjoy: http://www.umsandomierz.pl/index.php/pl/w_obiektywie/galeria_pocztowek_z_sanodmierza_/
Thank you for the explanation.
Beautiful place!
I’m glad you liked it!
This is awesome, I love Poland, but have not heard of Sandomierz. I’ll have to visit next time I’m there!
Please do! It’s a bit off the beaten path but even more worth seeing because of that =)
Well Stary Sacz and Nowy Sacz in Malopolskie are two of my favorite places in the world, so it sounds like it’s right up my alley!
Ummm…I have some of this striped flint stone, actually quite a few samples, from beaches along Lake Michigan’s shores. It is most definitely not unique to that area.
The stone I’m talking about is unique to that area but if you found somethig similar that’s great
http://www.krzemien-sandomierz.pl/en/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5&Itemid=5