Chęciny

Chęciny is a town in Poland located in the Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship, within the Kielce County, boasting a rich history dating back to its first mention in 1275. It was granted town rights around 1306, becoming a royal center. The most important landmark is the royal castle from the turn of the 13th and 14th centuries, which witnessed many historical events, including the assembly of Lesser Poland and Greater Poland nobles at the forefront castle in 1331 before the battle with the Teutonic Knights. The castle ruins, which still stand today, have been repeatedly conserved and are a tourist attraction. Chęciny also features a late Gothic parish church of St. Bartholomew and a former 14th-century Franciscan monastery complex. Culture thrives here through the activities of the Center for Culture and Sports and the local Grodzki Theater "Pod Basztami." The town also has an interesting Jewish history, with Jewish settlers arriving in the 16th century, who made up a significant part of the community before World War II. Chęciny is surrounded by picturesque tourist trails, such as the red trail leading to Kielce and the blue trail to Łagów. The town is also a center for the construction industry, with limestone and Chęciny marble extraction, and its location favors active recreation. An interesting fact is the complex etymology of the name Chęciny, likely related to an unrecorded personal name and historical context. As a partner town of Schöneck/Vogtl., Chęciny also maintains connections with other European cities. Mayors, including Robert Jaworski, currently lead local development.