Monastery

On the border of Greater Poland and Kuyavia lies the town of Mogilno. It was granted town privileges in 1398 by Władysław Jagiełło, although it had belonged to the “Black Monks” (the Benedictines) since the 11th century. The monks were brought to Mogilno, which was at that time a castlesettlement, by Casimir the Restorer. The long history of the abbey was not to be obliterated by its subsequent vicissitudes. A bit of luck led to the situation whereby this exceptional architectural complex has both its original Romanesque interiors (one of only a few in Poland), the monastery’s medieval layout with its central garth and Baroque church décor as well as unique Rococo woodcarving. Apart from the post-Benedictine monastery complex it is also worth visiting other sights in the town. Especially interesting is the 16th century St James the Elder parish church . The crest of the town of Mogilno was imprinted in the Middle Ages on one of the Gothic bricks in its walls. Currently the church is a part of the Saint James' Trail and the Piast Trail. There is also a real treat for lovers of industrial revolution architecture – the 19th-century railway station with its rail infrastructure (water tower, warehouses and signal boxes).