Kamień Pomorski

Kamień Pomorski is a town in the West Pomeranian Voivodeship with a rich history dating back to the 9th–10th centuries, when a fishing settlement existed here. In 1175, the seat of the Pomeranian bishopric was moved from Wolin to Kamień, underscoring its growing importance. The town was granted municipal rights in 1274 and has developed dynamically ever since. During the Middle Ages, Kamień Pomorski was fortified and had a port, and in the 14th century, it joined the Hanseatic League. Over the centuries, the town went through various phases of development, including the discovery of brine springs in 1876, which led to the establishment of a health resort. In the 20th century, Kamień Pomorski suffered destruction during World War II and was placed under Polish administration after the war. The town’s architecture is centered around its historic urban layout, with the prominent cathedral complex—featuring the Romanesque-Gothic Co-Cathedral of St. John the Baptist and the Bishop's Palace—as its highlight. This monument, along with other structures such as the Gothic town hall and the Wolińska Gate, attests to the region’s rich past. Kamień Pomorski is also known for its numerous cultural events, including the International Organ Music Festival and regattas on the Kamieński Lagoon, as well as museums such as the Museum of the History of the Kamień Land. Despite its small population (8,627 residents as of 2021), the town boasts a vibrant cultural life and functions actively as a health resort, offering a variety of therapies. An interesting fact is that the town’s name has Venetic origins, and its history has been documented in numerous records since the 12th century. The area is also known for its natural diversity, featuring picturesque bays that attract water sports enthusiasts. Kamień Pomorski is also engaged in lively international cooperation, maintaining partnerships with cities such as Bromölla in Sweden and Lünen in Germany.