This land lies between Kashubia and Zuławy at the basin of two rivers which flow into the Vistula: the Wierżya and the Wda. In this area, there are at least 200 lakes of various sizes, so it’s worth resting a while in this quiet, densely wooded spot. It’s also worth visiting the most notable tourist attractions, which can be found in the region’s towns.
Our tour starts at Tczew, one of the oldest settlements in Gdansk Pomerania. In Tczew is one of the longest bridges in Poland over the Vistula. The town has always had a close connection with the river, which fulfilled a role as the main method of communication, so it is here that the Museum of the Vistula was established as the only one in the country. Should you arrive in this town, you should visit the Parish Church of the Holy Cross (Kosciol farny Podwyzszenia Krzyza Swiętego), which is the oldest monument here. A characteristic building, which is striking in the town panorama, is the 40 metre high Pressure Tower.
Leading to the south, it’s worth stopping at Gorzedziej. The St. Wojciech Sanctuary (Sanktuarium Sw. Wojciecha)is here, who according to legend, stopped here on his way to Prussia. In 1995, the remains of St. Wojciech were brought here from the Cathedral at Gnieżnieńsko.
There are many important places worth visiting in Kociewie. One of the most famous and well worth visiting the temples is the Cistercian Abbey in Pelplin. It’s worth visiting this monumental building, which includes a Gothic, Rennaissance basilica church, one of the most splendid exhibits of architecture in northern Poland, surrounded by four 8-sided corner towers with an exceptionally beautiful Gothic north portal. The temple is famed for its priceless cultural treasures. No visit would be complete without seeing the nearby Diocesan Museum, which houses even more ecclesiastical works of art, the most important of which is the Gutenberg Bible from 1453. This one and only example in Poland is unique world-wide.
An important attraction in this region is the castle at Gniew. This was the most powerful fort of the Teutonic Knights on the left banks of the Vistula River. In later times the castle was owned by King John III Sobieski with Queen Marie-Casimire. At the moment, the castle is known as one of the main centres of the traditional branch of Polish history. Year after year there are more and more open-air events organised here. In summer, the Brotherhood of Knights organises tournaments here demonstrating battles of knights on horseback and on foot and contests making use of weapons from the Middle Ages. In the streets there is constant commotion, below the castle there are bonfires and in the castle courtyard there are feasts. In addition to this, there are numerous concerts and galas.
It’s worth stopping for a walk in Wirty, where there is the biggest and oldest arboretum. About 100 different types of coniferous and 150 deciduous species of shrub grow here. Wirty is currently one of the most interesting places of its kind in Poland.
Starogard Gdanski doesn’t have many monuments, but instead it is the home of the Regional Museum of Kociewie, for those who’d like a more in-depth insight into the region.
Kociewie is a wonderful place for tourists who want to escape from the hustle and bustle of big cities and relax off the beaten track.