Kromolów

Kromołów, a district of Zawiercie, boasts a rich history dating back to the 12th century, when it was established as a settlement belonging to the Kromołowski family of the Gryf coat of arms. The town is mentioned in a bull issued by Pope Celestine III in 1193 as a place where an inn was located. Kromołów obtained town rights in the 14th century and for centuries was an important trade center, known for its markets organized since 1519. In the 16th century, it became the property of the Kraków voivode Mikołaj Firlej, and its development was hindered by wars, including the Swedish Deluge, which brought significant decapitalization. Modern-day Kromołów is known for its weaving and pottery traditions, as well as industrial activity from several decades ago. In the 19th century, there were twelve small textile factories in Kromołów, employing about 100 workers and producing 80,000 meters of fabric annually. In Kromołów, you can find religious and historical sites, such as the 16th-century parish church of St. Nicholas and a chapel from 1803 built over the source of the Warta River. It is worth noting the medieval quadrilateral market square and street layout, as well as the Jewish cemetery from the 18th and 19th centuries. In the history of Kromołów, its ties to the Catholic religion were significant, with many burials in the church being an honor for particularly distinguished individuals. The town experienced various upheavals, including the loss of its town rights due to insurgent activity. After World War II, Kromołów was the seat of a rural commune and had an agricultural character until it was transformed into a district of Zawiercie in 1977. A historical curiosity is the activity of the local press during World War II and the tragic events of 1941, when the Nazis executed five people in the market square in retaliation for the killing of a gendarme. Despite a history full of turmoil, Kromołów preserves its traditions and history, offering a unique contribution to local culture and architecture.