Czechowice-Dziedzice

Czechowice-Dziedzice is a town in southern Poland, formed in 1951 through the merger of the villages of Czechowice and Dziedzice. Located in the Silesian Voivodeship, within Bielsko County, it serves as the seat of the urban municipality. Its architectural highlights include historic landmarks such as the 18th-century Rococo Kotuliński Palace, as well as churches like the Parish of St. Catherine and the Parish of Mary Help of Christians. The town also features a manor complex with numerous farm buildings, and its coat of arms depicts a golden half-Silesian eagle on a blue background. Culturally, Czechowice-Dziedzice is known for the activities of local organizations, including the Municipal Cultural Center, which has been organizing cultural events since 1924. The town’s Public Library has also received high ratings in national rankings. Residents participate in events such as the Days of Czechowice-Dziedzice and the Winter Theater Meetings. The history of Czechowice-Dziedzice dates back to the Middle Ages, with the region experiencing vibrant settlement and industrial activity, especially after the construction of a railway line in the 19th century, which spurred the development of the oil industry and coal mining. The town acquired its current administrative form and name only after World War II. An interesting fact is that Czechowice-Dziedzice was where Saint Andrew Bobola was declared the town’s patron saint in 1999. Nature conservation in the area includes the Rotuz Nature Reserve and a Natura 2000 site. The town has faced tragedies, such as the refinery fire in 1971, which claimed 98 lives—an event commemorated in the town’s coat of arms. Transportation in Czechowice-Dziedzice is well-developed, with the town situated at a strategic communication hub, fostering its economic growth. Today, Czechowice-Dziedzice is an important industrial center with diverse manufacturing and service facilities, while traces of its rich history remain visible in its architecture, as well as in the cultural and social activities of its residents.