Włoszczowa

Włoszczowa is a county town in the Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship, picturesquely situated on the Przedborska Upland. Its historical roots date back to the 12th century, with the first written mention in 1154, when the settlement was granted to the Knights Hospitaller. Town rights were conferred in 1539 by King Sigismund I the Old. Over the centuries, the town was owned by various noble families, including the Szafraniec and Małachowski clans. The architectural heritage includes landmarks such as the 17th-century Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the All Saints' Chapel from the turn of the 18th century, and traces of an early medieval stronghold from the 12th–13th centuries. Another notable feature is the statue of St. John of Nepomuk. An interesting historical aspect is the Jewish settlement, which grew in the second half of the 17th century, and by the 20th century, the town had a strong Jewish community. After World War II, Włoszczowa underwent significant demographic changes. The town's cultural life is enriched by non-governmental organizations such as the Włoszczowa Society for the Promotion of Culture and the Włoszczowa Historical Society, which work to promote local history and traditions. The town also boasts a well-developed educational infrastructure, including several primary and secondary schools, as well as a branch of the Kielce University of Technology. Włoszczowa is known for its sports activities, with football and volleyball clubs. Religious communities play an important role in local society, primarily Roman Catholic, but also Protestant and Jehovah's Witnesses. The town maintains international partnerships with Ilinți (Ukraine) and Le Passage (France). The outskirts of Włoszczowa are surrounded by the Włoszczowsko-Jędrzejowski Protected Landscape Area, highlighting the importance of environmental conservation. Tourist attractions and developed transport infrastructure, including rail connections to larger cities, make Włoszczowa an interesting destination on the map of Poland.