Szadek

Szadek is a town in the Łódzkie Voivodeship, situated in a region with a rich history dating back to 1295, when Prince Władysław Łokietek granted it town rights. Located on the Łask Upland, surrounded by forests and bordered by the Pichna River, Szadek was for centuries an important center of cloth production and craftsmanship, as well as a venue for regional parliamentary assemblies. In the 15th and 16th centuries, the town reached its peak development, with many residents, including numerous artisans, pursuing studies in Kraków. However, the following centuries brought stagnation due to fires, epidemics, and economic decline. The political upheavals resulting from the partitions of Poland prompted the inhabitants to actively participate in the struggles for independence, and Szadek played a significant role during the November and January Uprisings. In the 20th century, the town was the site of patriotic demonstrations and the establishment of a ghetto for the Jewish population during World War II. The most important monument in Szadek is the Gothic parish church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. James the Apostle, built between 1333 and 1335, which has undergone numerous modernizations and renovations. Valuable interior and exterior elements testify to the region's rich artisanal and artistic traditions, including magnificent altars and a beautiful music choir. Next to the church stands a belfry with defensive features. Szadek continues to cherish its history, and the annual scientific journal "Biuletyn Szadkowski," published since 2001, highlights the region's importance in interdisciplinary research. As the seat of an urban-rural municipality, the town also boasts tourist attractions, including the Łódź Bicycle Route, which attracts enthusiasts of active recreation. The population of Szadek was 1,902 at the end of 2019.