Krzepice

Krzepice is a town in southern Poland, in the Silesian Voivodeship, with a rich history dating back to the 12th century, when a wooden defensive stronghold was established here. The first written mention of the town comes from the 14th century, and its foundation on raw root took place around 1347 during the reign of Casimir the Great. Krzepice was the seat of a non-castle district starostwo, and in the 15th and 16th centuries, the town developed through trade, crafts, and the metallurgical industry. Notable features include its sacral architecture, such as the Church of St. James the Apostle, built in 1357, which is an example of Baroque style, and the early Renaissance castle, fragments of which (moats and ramparts) are still visible today. The town was also the site of significant historical events, such as skirmishes during the January Uprising and the tragic experiences of the Holocaust, when a ghetto for Jews was established here during World War II, from which many were deported to extermination camps. Today, Krzepice serves as an administrative and cultural center for the region, with the local football club Liswarta and numerous historical monuments, including the ruins of a synagogue and a Jewish cemetery. Despite administrative changes and historical turmoil, the town has retained its unique character, and its history, culture, and architecture continue to shape the identity of the local community. Currently, Krzepice is an important point on the regional map, with developed road and railway infrastructure.