Kock

Kock is a town in the Lublin Voivodeship, in the Lubartów County, with a rich history dating back to 1417, when it was established as a hereditary village by King Władysław II Jagiełło. In the 16th century, the town became part of the Łuków Land, and over the centuries it went through various stages of development, influenced by its noble owners, including the Firlej family and Princess Anna Jabłonowska, who in the 18th century initiated a comprehensive reconstruction, including the construction of the market square and a church. The architectural heritage of Kock includes the Neoclassical Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, designed by Szymon Bogumił Zug, the Jabłonowski Palace surrounded by a park, and a Jewish cemetery. Kock was also a significant center of Hasidism, led by the tzaddik Mendel Morgenstern, which attracted Jewish pilgrimages. The history of Kock is inextricably linked to numerous battles, including those fought near Kock in 1809, 1920, and 1939, which were key moments in Polish military history. After World War II, the town faced reconstruction and modernization, but the near-total destruction of the Jewish community during the Holocaust left a lasting mark. Today, Kock functions as a service and educational center, and the town is home to the modern shopping center Galeria Kocka. Located in a picturesque landscape, the town is well-connected to other localities, which fosters tourism development. An interesting fact is the grave of Colonel Berek Joselewicz, a national hero who died in a battle against the Austrians in the area. Today, Kock, with its local sports traditions, is represented by the Polesie Kock Sports Club, which has been operating since 1985 and has a devoted following of football fans.