Zgierz

Zgierz, situated in the Łódzkie Voivodeship on the Bzura River, is one of the oldest towns in the region, having been granted town rights before 1288. Historically, it belonged to the Crown of the Kingdom of Poland and in the 16th century, it was a royal town. During World War II, it was under German administration as Görnau. Zgierz boasts a rich architectural heritage, reflected in its unique urban layout, 19th-century wooden weavers' houses, and historic cloth and cotton factories. Among its most important religious sites are the neo-Gothic churches, including St. Catherine of Alexandria and Christ the King. The culture of Zgierz is vibrant, with institutions such as the Municipal Cultural Center, the Museum of the City of Zgierz, and a rich array of cultural events like the annual Zgierz Kaziuk and the National Amateur Film Review. The city also offers numerous tourist trails and recreational areas, such as Kościuszko Municipal Park and the "Malinka" bathing area. Zgierz has a rich transportation history, with trams operating since 1901, connecting it to Łódź. It is also worth mentioning local legends, such as the one about the hedgehog—the city's symbol—which appears in a popular children's story by Wanda Chotomska. Zgierz is also home to a dairy, and the city hosts many religious communities, highlighting its cultural diversity. The city authorities are committed to preserving cultural heritage and developing the local community, blending tradition with modernity.