The town has existed since at least the
10th century. In the Middle Ages it was one of the most important castles
defending northern Masovia against the attacks of Prussians and Lithuanians.
According to a legend, the town initially was known as Tusk. After a flood
destroyed half of the city it was renamed to Pułtusk (Pół- or puł- being a
Polish prefix for a half). However, scientists assume that the town got its
name after a small river named Pełta.
Since the 11th century the town belonged to
the bishops of Płock. Thanks to a ford on the river
