Grace

Łask is a town in the Łódź Voivodeship with a population of 16,925 according to 2020 data. Situated on the Grabia River in the Łask Upland, it has historical ties to the Sieradz region and a rich history dating back to the 14th century. In 1356, Łask was already mentioned as a village, and it received town rights in 1422 from King Władysław Jagiełło. As a craft and trade center, the town gained significance in the 16th century, but its development was halted in the 17th century by the Swedish Deluge and plague epidemics. The destruction caused by a fire in 1749 and political changes, including the partitions of Poland, had a major impact on Łask's further development. The town offers interesting architecture, with its most important landmark being the late Gothic collegiate church of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Michael the Archangel, built between 1517 and 1523, which acquired Baroque elements after an 18th-century reconstruction. Also located here is the wooden Church of the Holy Spirit from 1666, as well as numerous 19th-century houses. The town park, dating back to the mid-18th century, adds a beautiful touch to the landscape. In terms of culture, Łask boasts the History Museum at the Public Library and the Łask Cultural Center, which organizes various artistic events. A historical curiosity is the establishment of a ghetto in Łask during World War II, which operated from late 1940 until August 1942. The town is also home to a military garrison, including the 32nd Tactical Air Base and a territorial defense unit, highlighting the region's military traditions. Łask is surrounded by numerous nature conservation areas, including the Middle Grabia Valley Protected Landscape Area, and the town park features trees designated as natural monuments. Residents have access to various recreational facilities, including sports complexes and bathing areas. The town is actively developing both road and rail transportation, facilitating access to nearby urban areas, and also benefits from a bus network. International cooperation with cities such as Dannenberg in Germany and Lahojsk in Belarus demonstrates Łask's openness to the world.