Tuchów

Tuchów, picturesquely situated in the Ciężkowickie Foothills on the Biała River, is a town with a rich history dating back to the 12th century. It obtained its town rights in 1340, when salt mining began in the area. The town acquired a coat of arms featuring two crossed keys and a sword, referencing its connection to the Benedictines. Tuchów is home to the Basilica of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a pilgrimage center of the Tarnów diocese, which attracts around 100,000 faithful annually during the Great Indulgence. Tuchów boasts numerous historic sites, such as the Church of St. James, the Redemptorist monastery, and World War I military cemeteries, all listed in the register of monuments. The town is also an important educational hub, with institutions including the Higher Seminary, a general secondary school, and music schools. Tuchów also has an active cultural life, with local newspapers like "Kurier Tuchowski," as well as radio and television stations that broadcast religious events. In recent years, Tuchów has taken steps to protect the environment, implementing programs to improve air quality after being classified as one of the most polluted towns in the EU in 2016. Tuchów collaborates with partner cities across Europe, further highlighting its openness to international cooperation. As the seat of an urban-rural municipality, the town functions as a community with rich traditions and values, creating a unique atmosphere conducive to pilgrimages and social life.