Czchów

Czchów is a town with a rich history dating back to the times of the Great Moravian Empire. Its name, Latinized as Czchow, appears in documents from the 13th century, and its etymology may be related to the personal name Czech. The inhabitants called the town "ćkuf," which was associated with food. In 1280, an important meeting took place here between Duchess Kinga and Prince Leszek the Black. In the 13th century, Czchów came under the rule of the Benedictines and later became a town with full infrastructure. A turning point came at the beginning of the 14th century when the town was fortified with defensive walls and also received town privileges. It is not entirely clear when Czchów was granted town rights, but in the 16th century, the town gained importance due to its favorable location on trade routes. The construction of a sewer system and water supply in 1545 testifies to the development of urban infrastructure. However, in the second half of the 17th century, it began to decline due to changes in trade routes and natural disasters. In the 19th century, the town passed into private hands, and in 1928 it lost its town rights, regaining them in 2000. Today, Czchów has 2,340 inhabitants and continues to develop as a tourist destination. Among its monuments, the ruins of the castle, the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the World War I military cemetery stand out. Interestingly, during World War II, the Gestapo executed 11 people in retaliation for an Home Army (AK) action against the occupiers. The town is now an attractive place due to its historical and architectural heritage, as well as the natural beauty around Lake Czchów. Among the notable figures associated with Czchów is the actor Stanisław Milski, which also highlights its cultural significance.