Secrets of the First Piasts (archaeological micro-expedition searching for the origins of statehood)

Did Mieszko I really have the name Mieszko? Did the baptism of the princely court definitely take place in 966? When did the Piasts emerge from the mists of history? Many seemingly simple questions about the beginnings of the “state of Mieszko” remain unanswered. During this micro-expedition we will show you the origins of statehood quite differently from textbooks — and the basis of this story is archaeological sources.

REGISTRATION: ZAPISY

PROGRAM:

DAY 1 — 18.04.2026 (SATURDAY)

• Meeting: 18.04.2026, 6:30 AM at the parking lot in front of the Palace of Culture and Science in Warsaw (from the Kinoteka side). Departure at 6:40 AM towards Gniezno. Planned return: 19.04.2026 around 9:00 PM to the parking lot in front of the Palace of Culture and Science.
• GNIEZNO — the first capital of Poland, the legendary settlement of Lech. On the hill we will try to reconstruct the appearance of the Gniezno hill in times before Mieszko and Bolesław the Brave; we will consider whether this place was a sacred hill in pre-Christian times. Visit to the Gniezno Archcathedral with the famous Romanesque doors.
• THE STRONGHOLD IN GIECZ — visiting the remains of one of the monumental Piast settlements, whose origins are dated to the 960s. We will discuss what we know from historical and archaeological sources about the beginnings of the Polish state.
• OSTRÓW LEDNICKI — visiting the remains of the palace and chapel from Mieszko I’s times on the island (crossing by ferry). We will talk about the debate regarding the place and circumstances of the prince’s and his court’s baptism, attempt to reconstruct the baptismal ritual, tell about the beliefs of the early Slavs as well as bridges, offerings to gods and the latest discoveries of archaeologists studying the bottom of Lake Lednica. There will be a presentation of a warrior’s equipment from the Early Middle Ages.
• Accommodation: *** hotel “Pietrak” in Wągrowiec, double rooms; dinner.
• In the evening a lecture with a slide show: “Archaeological Eldorado – about the latest archaeological discoveries in Poland”.

DAY 2 — 19.04.2026 (SUNDAY)

• Breakfast and check-out from the hotel.
• ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM IN BISKUPIN — visiting the reconstructed fortified settlement; a story about the 1933 discoveries, archaeologists’ methodology, dating methods, the phenomenon of the Bronze Age, the urnfield culture, the beginnings of the Iron Age, daily life of inhabitants and the impact of climate changes on prehistoric communities.
• INOWROCŁAW — visit to the Romanesque church of the Blessed Virgin Mary; discussion of mysterious stone reliefs and researchers’ debates about their origin.
• KRUSZWICA — photo stop at the “Mouse Tower” on Lake Gopło; then by the Romanesque temple with a visible solar sign on the facade.
• LUNCH (optional, paid additionally approximately 60 zł/person).
• WIETRZYCHOWICE — visiting the archaeological reserve with a megalithic cemetery associated with the Funnel Beaker culture (the first farmers). We will discuss the construction of Kuyavian tombs, burial beliefs and customs and the cultural “revolution” from about 5,500 years ago.

PRICE: 660 zł/person + cost of entrance tickets to visited sites (regular tickets: 69 zł/person, reduced tickets: 55 zł/person) + possible lunch costs.

REGISTRATION: ZAPISY

We cordially invite you!!!