Rydzyna

Rydzyna, located in the Greater Poland Voivodeship, is a town with a rich history dating back to the early 15th century, when it was granted town rights. It was founded by Jan of Czernina of the Wierzbno coat of arms, and the first records of the settlement date back to 1403. In 1551, Rydzyna received its town charter, which was confirmed in subsequent years. The town was a center of craftsmanship with significant artisanal and industrial activity, as evidenced by 16th-century records mentioning numerous guilds. Rydzyna gained prominence with the construction of a Baroque castle, which was transformed in the 18th century by the Sułkowski family. The castle, built between 1682 and 1695, served as the family's main residence and witnessed many important historical events, including negotiations during the Great Northern War. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the town was a hub for prominent figures in Polish culture and politics. After World War II, Rydzyna underwent numerous changes, including a decline in population and economic transformations. Among its architectural attractions are the late Baroque Church of St. Stanislaus and the town hall from 1752. An interesting fact is that Napoleon’s aide-de-camp, Józef Sułkowski, was born in Rydzyna. Today, Rydzyna is home to preserved natural monuments, such as the pedunculate oak and plane trees in the castle park, as well as active educational institutions, including the Sułkowski High School. The town also saw the restoration of its castle between 1970 and 1989, highlighting its importance as a tourist and cultural center in the region.