Wegrów

Węgrów is a town in the Masovian Voivodeship, boasting a rich architectural, historical, and cultural heritage. Among its notable monuments are religious buildings, including the Minor Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which features original Gothic elements and later Baroque reconstructions. The church serves as the diocesan sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima and was designated a minor basilica in 1997. Other religious sites include the former Reformed Franciscan Church of St. Anthony of Padua and the Evangelical Church of the Holy Trinity, representing the Classicist style. Węgrów is also home to a wooden Evangelical church dating back to 1679 and a Neo-Romanesque cemetery chapel from 1893. The town is rich in Classicist and Baroque buildings, such as the Gdańsk House, a former inn, and the Lipka House, believed to have been the seat of an Arian printing house. Węgrów also has deep historical roots; the first mention of the settlement dates back to 1414, and it was granted town rights in 1441. In the 16th century, it became a center of the Reformation, attracting Protestants and developing an Arian community. The town's owners, including the Radziwiłł and Krasiński families, significantly influenced its development. In the 17th century, a famous battle of the January Uprising took place in Węgrów, adding to its significance in Polish history. During the 20th century, the town suffered in World War II but began to rebuild after the war. Węgrów is also a cultural hub, hosting festivals such as the Wedding Rites Festival and the Land of Master Twardowski. The town emphasizes educational development, offering a variety of institutions from kindergartens and primary schools to a general secondary school. Węgrów's international cooperation includes partnerships with towns in Italy, Ukraine, and Lithuania. Demographically, the town has a population of approximately 12,500. Węgrów is a place that blends rich traditions with modern life, and its architecture and history attract tourists and culture enthusiasts alike.