Aleksandrów Łódzki

Aleksandrów Łódzki is a city in Poland, located in the Łódź Voivodeship, situated on the Łaska Upland, with a population of 22,002 residents (as of December 31, 2023). Founded in 1816 by Rafał Bratoszewski, the city's development was closely tied to the hosiery industry, earning it the nickname "Sock Town" or "Weavers' City." Its history dates back to before 1820, when Aleksandrów faced competition from nearby textile centers, yet by the end of the 19th century, its distinctive development became evident. The city's architecture is dominated by Neoclassical monuments, including the Church of St. Raphael and Michael the Archangels, built between 1816 and 1818, and the Town Hall from 1824, which still serves its original function today. Other historical sites include former churches, such as the Evangelical-Augsburg Church of St. Stanisław Kostka, and 19th-century weavers' houses. The city also boasts a municipal park, established by Bratoszewski in the English style in 1824. Culturally, Aleksandrów Łódzki is a place with a rich social and literary life. The city collaborates with international partners and organizes various sporting events, such as the Józef Jaworski Athletics Memorial. Sports clubs, like the Sokół Aleksandrów Łódzki Sports Society, aim to promote physical activity, and karate competitions attract talented youth. An interesting fact is that before World War II, Aleksandrów was a tri-national city, inhabited by Poles, Germans, and Jews, which greatly influenced its cultural development. Additionally, during World War II, the city was under German occupation, leading to the extermination of the local Jewish population and demographic changes. Aleksandrów Łódzki lost its town rights in 1870, which were restored in 1924. From an administrative perspective, the city currently belongs to the Łódź agglomeration, and bus lines provide transportation to Łódź. Aleksandrów is also an attractive tourist destination, with a hiking trail passing through it and the "Torfowisko Rąbień" nature reserve, known for its rich flora.