Przedbórz

Przedbórz is an urban-rural municipality in the Łódź Voivodeship, within the Radomsko County, with a rich history dating back to the 12th century. First mentioned in 1136, the town became an important trade and administrative hub, and its favorable location by the river attracted royal entourages and merchants. During the reign of Casimir the Great, Przedbórz was granted town rights (1370), and Władysław Jagiełło renewed these privileges under Magdeburg Law in 1405. A key architectural feature is the castle, which served as a favored stopover for rulers hunting in the surrounding forests. To this day, fragments of the Casimirian castle walls, vaulted cellars, and a 19th-century classicist town hall—now the seat of the City and Municipality Office—have been preserved. The municipality of Przedbórz covers an area of 189.94 km², with 40% of the land used for agriculture and 53% covered by forests. The area also includes two nature reserves: Czarna Rózga and Piskorzeniec, which protect unique ecosystems such as moist deciduous forests and peat bogs. Demographically, the municipality had a population of 7,413 in 2010, which decreased to 7,262 by 2017. In 1939, the population was 7,100, with 50% of the residents being Jewish. Przedbórz's culture is also shaped by its artisanal and trade traditions, and in the 19th century, the town became a center for brewing. Among interesting facts, it is worth noting that during World War I, the people of Przedbórz even attempted to issue their own postage stamps. During the Nazi occupation, the town suffered tragic losses, particularly among its Jewish community. The municipality is traversed by important transportation routes, further contributing to its development. Today, Przedbórz, with its preserved cultural heritage and diverse natural surroundings, continues to play a significant role in the region.