Ciechanowiec

Introducing Ciechanowiec

Ciechanowiec (che-kha-no-vyets) would be of little importance to travellers if it weren’t for its famous Museum of Agriculture (Muzeum Rolnictwa; 086 277 1328; ul Pałacowa 5; with guide adult/concession 10/5zł, without guide 6/3zł; 8am-4pm Mon-Sat, 9am-6pm Sun May-Sep, 8am-4pm Mon-Sat, 9am-4pm Sun Oct-Apr). Set in the grounds of a former estate, it consists of an early-19th-century palace, stables, coach house and other outbuildings that are now exhibition halls. While these are attractions in their own right, it’s the 40-odd wooden constructions that are the stars here, and collectively they constitute one of the country’s finest skansens. The buildings, from across Mazovia and Podlasie, include the likes of simple peasant cottages, large manor houses, granaries, barns and working mills.

The guided tour takes you through the interior of several wooden houses, and you’ll also be shown exhibitions featuring items such as old agricultural machinery, archaic tractors, primitive steam engines, peasants’ horse-drawn carts and rudimentary tools. There’s also a small botanic garden growing medicinal plants and a veterinary exhibition. The tour takes about two hours. Alternatively, you can do away with the tour and freely roam the grounds, but you cannot enter the buildings.

English- and German-speaking guides (50zł per group) may be available on the spot, but if you want to be sure call the museum in advance and book.

Last updated: Oct 3, 2008