Wieleń

Wieleń, a town in the Greater Poland Voivodeship, is a place rich in history, founded in 1448 as a private noble town. Situated on the Noteć River, Wieleń played a significant strategic role during medieval conflicts on the Greater Poland-Pomeranian border. Its name may derive from a topographic term describing hilly terrain, and the first mentions of the settlement appear in Gallus Anonymus' Polish Chronicle from the years 1112–1116. Over the centuries, Wieleń experienced various changes in rule, and in the 18th century, interesting architecture began to emerge, most notably the Sapieha Palace from the 18th century—a baroque building erected on the site of a medieval castle. Other notable landmarks include the 17th-century Church of St. Michael the Archangel and the former Evangelical Church of St. Roch from 1930. The town also features a unique Bismarck Tower and buildings related to the history of the Shooters' Brotherhood. Wieleń has served not only as a commercial hub but also as a cultural center, hosting various events for decades, including the mass Józef Noji Run. In 2021, the town won the European Property Awards for its market square revitalization. Transportation in Wieleń is based on regional roads and railway lines, one of which leads to Wieleń Północny station. With a current population of around 6,022, Wieleń is a place where history meets modernity, and its architecture and cultural heritage attract both locals and tourists.