Many visitors arrive in Radom without realising that one of central Poland's most fascinating medieval districts lies just a short walk from the city's modern centre. Known as Miasto Kazimierzowskie, this historic quarter tells the story of a royal foundation, centuries of trade and politics, and a community that continues to preserve its remarkable heritage.
Although it is often referred to as Radom's Old Town, Miasto Kazimierzowskie is in fact a carefully planned medieval town established by King Casimir III the Great during the fourteenth century. Today, its streets, churches and surviving defensive walls offer a fascinating glimpse into the city's past while ongoing revitalisation ensures the area remains an important part of Radom's future.
A Royal Vision for a Growing City
The origins of Miasto Kazimierzowskie date back to the middle of the fourteenth century, when King Casimir III the Great decided to relocate Radom's urban centre from the earlier settlement at Piotrówka to a new fortified site.
Designed according to Magdeburg Law, the new town featured a regular street layout centred around a spacious market square. Defensive walls, a moat, and three town gates protected the settlement, while a royal castle and parish church reflected Radom's growing importance within the Kingdom of Poland.
Remarkably, the medieval street plan remains largely unchanged today, making Miasto Kazimierzowskie one of the best preserved examples of medieval urban planning in the Mazowieckie region.
Walking Through Eight Centuries of History
One of the greatest pleasures of exploring Miasto Kazimierzowskie is discovering how much of its medieval character has survived.
The historic Rynek continues to form the heart of the district, surrounded by attractive town houses and public buildings that have witnessed generations of merchants, craftsmen and residents.
A short stroll through the surrounding streets reveals traces of the former fortifications, including preserved sections of the medieval town walls along Wałowa Street. These stone and brick defences once stretched for more than a kilometre, reinforced by towers and protected by a moat that encircled the town.
While much of the original fortification was dismantled during the nineteenth century, the surviving fragments provide an impressive reminder of Radom's strategic importance.
A Centre of Royal Poland
Miasto Kazimierzowskie was far more than a provincial trading town. During the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, Radom became an important royal and political centre, regularly visited by Polish monarchs and hosting sessions of the national parliament.
The city occupies a notable place in Polish constitutional history through the adoption of the Nihil Novi Act in 1505. Approved in Radom, the legislation established that no new laws could be enacted without the consent of the Sejm, marking a significant step in the development of parliamentary governance in Poland.
This royal heritage remains woven into the district, particularly around the site of the former Royal Castle, where surviving architectural elements continue to reflect its medieval origins.
Historic Landmarks Worth Exploring
Several of Radom's most significant historic buildings can be found within Miasto Kazimierzowskie, making the district an ideal destination for anyone interested in architecture, history or photography.
Highlights include:
- The Gothic Church of St John the Baptist, one of Radom's oldest surviving churches.
- The remains of the former Royal Castle within the parish complex.
- Dom Gąski and Dom Esterki, two beautifully preserved Renaissance townhouses that now form part of the Jacek Malczewski Museum.
- The medieval town walls along Wałowa Street.
- The historic Rynek, carefully restored as part of the city's revitalisation programme.
Each landmark contributes another chapter to the story of a district that has evolved continuously for nearly seven centuries.
Preserving the Past for Future Generations
In recent years, Miasto Kazimierzowskie has become the focus of one of Radom's most significant heritage regeneration projects.
Restoration of historic buildings, improvements to public spaces and ongoing archaeological research are helping to safeguard the district while encouraging more residents and visitors to enjoy its unique atmosphere.
Excavations have uncovered medieval foundations, household artefacts and historic street surfaces, offering new insights into everyday life in medieval Radom. At the same time, carefully planned investment is breathing new life into the neighbourhood without losing sight of its historic character.
A Place That Defines Radom
Every city has a place where its story begins, and for Radom that place is Miasto Kazimierzowskie.
Its medieval streets preserve the legacy of King Casimir the Great's vision. Its churches and town houses reflect centuries of prosperity and change, and its surviving fortifications stand as reminders of a city that once played a prominent role in the Kingdom of Poland.
Whether visiting for the first time or rediscovering the city's heritage, Miasto Kazimierzowskie offers an authentic journey through Radom's past while remaining very much part of its present
image credit: Sławomir Milejski, CC BY-SA 4.0
