Szydłów

Szydłów is a town in the Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship, located in the Szydłów Foothills, known as the plum capital of Poland due to its annual Plum Festival. The town boasts a rich history dating back to the 12th century when it was first mentioned in historical records. In 1329, it was granted town rights, which it retained until 1869, and then regained them in 2019. Szydłów was an important craft center, and thanks to its favorable location on trade routes, it developed commerce, particularly in the 16th century when the town was renowned for its cloth production. The architecture of Szydłów includes preserved medieval defensive walls from the 14th century, with the Kraków Gate, as well as the parish church of St. Ladislaus and the Gothic All Saints' Church. The ruins of the royal castle, built in the 14th century, and the late Renaissance synagogue from the 16th century, now serving as a museum of Jewish culture, are key landmarks in the town's heritage. Szydłów was the seat of the starostwo and hosted land courts, highlighting its regional significance. In the 20th century, during World War II, a Jewish ghetto was established in Szydłów, and after the war, the town was rebuilt. Interestingly, Szydłów lies on the route of the Małopolska Way of St. James, a historic pilgrimage path to Santiago de Compostela. Thanks to all these elements, Szydłów is not only a place with a rich past but also a dynamically developing community that cherishes its traditions and culture.