Świętno

Świętno, formerly known as the German Schwenten, is a village in the Greater Poland Voivodeship, within the Wolsztyn County, situated on the border of the Sławskie Lakeland and the Kargowa Basin. The area of the village, primarily composed of ancient valley sands and gravels, reaches an elevation of about 60 meters above sea level and is surrounded by dunes and forests. The history of Świętno dates back to the Middle Ages, although there is no definitive evidence of its early existence, at least until the 1670s. During the era of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, the village belonged to the Bieliński family and later to the Counts of Nassau. The most significant event in the village's history was the period of the Republic of Świętno, which existed from January 5 to August 10, 1919, and was recognized by the international community. During this brief existence, the village had its own government, parliament, and armed forces, and it engaged in trade with both Poland and Germany. After World War II, Świętno was incorporated into Poland, and its former German inhabitants were displaced. Among the tourist attractions, the observation tower on Kapliczna Góra, opened in 2016, stands out, offering views of the surrounding area. The village also features a 19th-century half-timbered former Evangelical church and a historic parsonage. Świętno, known for its rich history, serves as an interesting example of both German and Polish influences, illustrating the cultural changes that have taken place in the region.