Krzyż Wielkopolski

Krzyż Wielkopolski, known until the end of 1991 as Krzyż (German: Kreuz), is a town in the Greater Poland Voivodeship, located in the Czarnków-Trzcianka County, situated on the Drawa and Noteć rivers. It was granted town rights in 1936, and according to data from the end of 2022, it had 5,943 inhabitants. The town boasts a rich history dating back to prehistoric times, with settlements in the area traced as far back as 8,000–9,000 BCE. The development of Krzyż was driven by the expansion of the railway in the 19th century, which made it an important transport hub. The locality underwent significant administrative changes, including belonging to various territorial units under Prussian, German, and Polish rule, until the battles of 1945. The town's architecture features notable landmarks such as the Neo-Romanesque Church of St. Anthony of Padua from 1882, a late 19th-century railway station, and numerous residential buildings from the early 20th century. Krzyż has considerable tourism potential due to its proximity to Drawieński National Park, its exceptional natural wealth, and tourist infrastructure, including the "Drawa" holiday resort. The town also offers sports facilities, such as a football stadium and tennis courts. Krzyż is an ideal destination for kayaking and offers diverse opportunities for outdoor recreation. In the cultural sphere, two Roman Catholic parishes are active, along with a Jehovah's Witness congregation. For years, the town has attracted residents and tourists alike with its history and natural attractions, making it an interesting place to visit.