Wodzisław Śląski

Wodzisław is a town in the Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship, known for its rich history dating back to the 13th century, when the settlement was first mentioned in the records of Peter's Pence. In 1366, Wodzisław was granted town rights, which it lost in 1870 but regained on January 1, 2021, thanks to the efforts of local associations. Historically, the town was royal property, and in the 16th century, it became a center of Calvinism in Lesser Poland. A significant Calvinist community existed here, and the town hosted Calvinist synods. After destruction caused by fires and the decline of Calvinism, Wodzisław underwent demographic changes, including the settlement of Jews, which was marked by the construction of a synagogue in the 18th century. Among the architectural monuments of Wodzisław, the Church of St. Martin stands out, with its rich interior and tombs of the Lanckoroński family, as well as the ruins of a 17th-century synagogue. The town also features remnants of a castle in Brzezie and numerous manor buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, Wodzisław is known for its cultural activities, including the football club Partyzant Wodzisław, as well as planned investments aimed at developing urban infrastructure, which will highlight its new status. The history of Wodzisław also includes a tragic chapter related to World War II, when the town's Jews were deported to extermination camps.