Jelenia Góra

Jelenia Góra is a city with a rich history and remarkable architecture, nestled in the Jelenia Góra Valley and surrounded by picturesque mountains. The city center is home to numerous monuments reflecting a diversity of architectural styles, from Gothic to Art Nouveau. The most prominent landmark is the Basilica of St. Erasmus and St. Pancras from 1552, renowned for its tall tower. Also noteworthy is the Evangelical church complex built between 1709 and 1718, including the monumental Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, which can accommodate up to 4,020 people. Jelenia Góra also boasts a strong theatrical tradition, with the C.K. Norwid Theatre and various festivals such as the Krokus Jazz Festival and the International Street Theatre Festival. In terms of culture, the city offers the Karkonosze Museum, which houses an extensive collection of artworks and regional artifacts. The city’s historical roots date back to medieval times, and it flourished under various rulers, gaining town rights in the 13th century. Many of its monuments, including the Schaffgotsch Palace and Art Nouveau residential buildings, originate from the Prussian era that began in the 18th century. The origin of the city’s name is also fascinating: during the Middle Ages, it took various forms, including Hirschberg, and after World War II, it was ultimately renamed Jelenia Góra. The city is also known for its thriving tourism industry, which began developing in the 19th century. Today, it serves as a gateway to the Karkonosze Mountains, further enhancing its regional significance. An interesting fact is that trams operated in Jelenia Góra until 1969, and the city retains countless traces of its past, such as defensive walls, a town hall, and 18th- and 19th-century tenement houses. Thanks to its unique cultural heritage, Jelenia Góra attracts both tourists and history enthusiasts alike.