Tuchola

Tuchola, also known by its German name Tuchel, is a town in the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship with a population of 13,134 as of the end of 2022. Established in 1346, Tuchola boasts a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages, when it became an important trade and administrative center of the Gdańsk Pomerania region. Situated on the Brda and Hozjanna rivers and near several lakes, Tuchola is the capital of the Tuchola Forests and the seat of the Tuchola Landscape Park. The town's architectural heritage includes fragments of medieval defensive walls and a Teutonic castle, which once surrounded Tuchola. The town also features historic religious buildings, such as the Gothic Church of St. Bartholomew, as well as decommissioned sites like war cemeteries. Tuchola witnessed many significant historical events, including the Battle of Grunwald, when the town and its castle surrendered to the Poles following the victory over the Teutonic Knights. In 1440, the town joined the Prussian Confederation, and after the Thirteen Years' War, it returned to Polish rule. A fire in 1781 destroyed much of the town's buildings, but Tuchola was quickly rebuilt and continued to develop in the 19th century. In the 20th century, after World War I, the town was reintegrated into Poland, and during World War II, it was under German occupation. The culture of Tuchola is enriched by the ethnographic traditions of the Tuchola Forests, as well as by the activities of museums such as the Museum of the Tuchola Forests. The town hosts various cultural events and is home to several sports clubs, including football and volleyball sections. An interesting local legend tells of the "naked swords" presented to Władysław Jagiełło by the commander of Tuchola before the Battle of Grunwald. Michałko, a peasant hero from the time of the Swedish Deluge, is also associated with Tuchola's history, having inflicted significant losses on the Swedes. Modern Tuchola enjoys dynamic development, and its architectural, historical, and cultural heritage remains a vital part of the local identity.