Złocieniec

Złocieniec, formerly known as Falkenburg, is a town located in northwestern Poland, in the West Pomeranian Voivodeship, within the Drawsko County. It lies on the Drawskie Lake District by the Drawa and Wąsowa rivers. Covering an area of 32.28 km², Złocieniec boasts a rich history dating back to medieval times, when it was a border settlement of Greater Poland. It was granted town rights in 1333. The town has been the cradle of numerous historical events, including its capture by Władysław Jagiełło and the Teutonic Knights, and it was also the route of Hetman Stefan Czarniecki’s pursuit. In the 18th century, the town developed cloth production and mechanical weaving. Architectural highlights of Złocieniec include the 15th-century Gothic Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, castle ruins, an early 20th-century sanatorium-hospital complex, and a 19th-century town hall. Złocieniec takes pride in various historical sites, such as a Jewish cemetery, a Nazi training center, and townhouses from the 18th and 19th centuries. The town hosts recurring cultural events, including the Drawa Festival, the Tourist Song Festival, and Złocieniec Days. Local cultural institutions, such as the Złocieniec Cultural Center, bring together diverse groups, including dance and theater ensembles. Złocieniec is also a partner town to several German municipalities, fostering international cooperation. Demographically, according to 2021 data, the town had a population of 12,579, and its economy is based on light industry and construction ceramics. Transportation in Złocieniec is supported by national road No. 20 and railway lines, with well-developed public transport. Residents have access to educational facilities and actively participate in religious life through local Catholic parishes and a Jehovah's Witness congregation. An interesting feature is the figure of Zajączek Złocieniaszek (Złocieniec Bunny), which serves as the town's mascot and a directional marker.