Pyrzyce

The Pyrzyce Municipality, located in the western part of the West Pomeranian Voivodeship, is an urban-rural municipality with its seat in the town of Pyrzyce. It covers an area of 205 km² and, according to data from 2019, is inhabited by 19,313 people. Its history dates back to the 9th century when a tribal stronghold of the Pyrzyczanie existed in this area. The town of Pyrzyce, which obtained town rights in 1263, developed as an important center of crafts, especially cloth-making, which contributed to its economic growth. Over the centuries, the town experienced numerous destructions, including during the Thirty Years' War and World War II, which caused significant infrastructure losses. However, Pyrzyce has preserved numerous architectural monuments, including 13th-century defensive walls, the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and town gates such as the Bańska Gate and the Szczecińska Gate. The municipality can also boast beautiful urban parks and preserved cultural centers, including the Pyrzyce Cultural Center, which organizes numerous artistic events, including the Folklore Festival. Pyrzyce is known for its cultural activities, gathering folk groups such as the Song and Dance Ensemble of the Pyrzyce Land, and organizing 'Pyrzyce Folk Meetings', which attract participants and groups from all over the world. The region is home to nature reserves as well as areas with high-quality soil, which favors agricultural cultivation. In 1996, an ecological geothermal heating plant was launched, using warm waters for energy production and therapeutic purposes. The municipality cooperates with foreign cities, organizing joint projects in the areas of environmental protection and culture. Pyrzyce is a place where history intertwines with culture and nature, and numerous monuments and cultural events attract tourists and history enthusiasts.