Latowicz

Latowicz is a town located in the Masovian Voivodeship, in the Mińsk County, on the Świder River. As the seat of the municipality, it boasts a rich history dating back to its first mention in 1238, when it was a village owned by the Powała family. In 1420, Latowicz was granted town rights, which were confirmed in 1423, leading to the town's flourishing. At that time, Latowicz was a royal town with well-developed infrastructure, including a market square, town hall, municipal court, and a weekly market. Residents enjoyed privileges that fostered the growth of crafts and trade. In the 16th century, the town had 265 brick houses and 1,500 inhabitants. However, its development was interrupted by the wars of the 17th century, including the Swedish Deluge, which led to a significant decline in population and the destruction of many buildings. In the 18th century, Latowicz came under the ownership of the Czartoryski family, contributing to its further development. After the wars and partitions, the town struggled with crises, but in the 20th century, many investments were realized, including the construction of the new Church of St. Valentine and the Holy Trinity (1899–1911). Latowicz is also the seat of the Roman Catholic parish of the Holy Trinity. The local architecture is distinguished by the Neo-Gothic church, surrounded by old cemeteries where graves of notable figures and unknown soldiers can be found. The modern history of the town includes post-World War II reconstruction and efforts to regain its town status, which was achieved in 2023. Latowicz is home to a community with diverse traditions and organizations, as well as people who have significantly contributed to the region's history, such as Jan Maria Kowalski, Mikołaj of Latowicz, and Kazimierz Mroziński. Interestingly, scenes for the TV series "Ranczo" were filmed in the area, highlighting the cultural significance of this place. With its rich history, Latowicz now faces new challenges and opportunities associated with its regained town status.