Świdwin

Located in northwestern Poland in the West Pomeranian Voivodeship, Świdwin is a city with a rich history dating back to the 12th century, when a defensive stronghold was established along a trade route. The first mention of Świdwin dates back to 1280. The city changed hands multiple times, including periods under the rule of the Margraves of Brandenburg and the Teutonic Order. A significant event in its history was the "Battle of the Cow" in 1469, which is now commemorated in an annual cultural event. Świdwin's architecture is enriched by landmarks such as the 14th-century Gothic Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Help and the Knights Hospitaller Castle, once the seat of the Order of St. John and now serving as a cultural center and library. Fragments of the defensive walls and the 14th-century Stone Gate have also been preserved in the city. Świdwin serves as a cultural hub for the region, hosting numerous events such as the National Jan Śpiewak Poetry Competition and the Voivodeship Theater Review. The city offers various recreational attractions, including the "Relax" Water Park. Interestingly, after World War II, Świdwin was briefly named Świbowina, and its current name was adopted after consultations with scholars. It is also worth mentioning that Rudolf Virchow, a renowned German pathologist, was born in the city. Today, Świdwin is the seat of Świdwin County and numerous cultural and educational institutions, as well as boasting convenient rail transport with a line connecting Stargard and Gdańsk.