Discover

'Świdnica' () is a town in southwestern Poland. According to the 2004 estimate the town has a total population of 60,674. Situated in the Lower Silesian Voivodship (since 1999), previously in Wałbrzych Voivodeship (1975–98). It's the 7th largest town of that unit of administrative division.

Contents

History

Famous Persons

Attractions

Education

External links

History

Świdnica itself became a real town in 1250. But no founding act has survived that would confirm this fact. In the beginning, the town belonged to the Princedom of Wrocław and experienced two important privileges conducive to its development. By 1290, Świdnica had city walls and six gates, crafts and trade were blossoming, and it had become the capital of the entire princedom. At the end of the 14th century the city was under control of Bohemia, part of the Holy Roman Empire and a long period of growth began. In 1471, there were 47 trade guilds in operation, nearly 300 homes had the rights to brew beer, and large cattle and hops fairs were organized. The beer was distributed in many Europeanan cities, including Wrocław, Prague, Heidelberg, Kraków, Piza, frequently in pubs called ''Świdnica cellar''.
In 1526, all of Silesia, including Świdnica, came under direct Habsburg rule. It was a turbulent time in the history of these lands. First, came the Thirty Years' War (1618–48) ravaged all of Silesia, followed by the Silesian War etc. As a consequence, in 1740 everything was controlled by the Prussians, and the town itself was turned into a fortress.
Changing from one hand to another had its advantages, however. The culture and tradition of several European nations mingled: Czechs, Hungarians, Austrians, Prussians and Poles, not to mention that each of them left valuable tokens, especially in the town's architecture. Tourists today should be sure to see the Gothic Church of Ss. Stanislav and Vaclav from the 14th century, with the highest tower in Silesia, standing 103 meters tall; the evangelical church of the Holy Trinity built from 1652–57; the town hall from the beginning of the 16th century, renovated numerous times and combining Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architectural elements; the Baroque church of St. Joseph; or the Church of St. Christopher from the same era. One remaining element of the former defensive works is the chapel of St. Barbara, but there are other interesting sites, as well. This number of cultural monuments would suffice for a large city, but this is all the more advantageous for those who decide to visit Świdnica.

Famous Persons

★ Maria Cunitz astronomer

★ Marek Michalak Chancellor of the International Capital of the Order of Smile

★ Hieronymus Treutler (1565–1607), Doctor of law, professor of rhetoric, Imperial Councillor

★ Gunther Gebel-Williams (1934–2001), World famous animal trainer

★ Freiherr Manfred von Richthofen, "The Red Baron" (1892–1918) German World War I fighter pilot.

Attractions

★ Church of Peace in Świdnica (UNESCO Heritage site)

★ Old town

★ Town hall

★ Stary rynek square

Education

★ Wyższa Szkoła Technologii Teleinformatycznych

External links

★ Website of the municipality of Świdnica

★ Website of the district of Świdnica

★ Information on the city of Świdnica

★ Forum for the city of Świdnica

★ Forum Świdnica

★ Portal for the city of Świdnica

★ Photo gallery of Świdnica

★ Internet television of Świdnica

★ Internet radio of Świdnica