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CIESZYN TOWN
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According to legend, Cieszyn was founded in 810 to commemorate the meeting of three brothers Leszko, Bolko i Cieszko, after a long separation. Historians claim that Cieszyn came into existence at the end of the 10th century as a fortress of the Polanin state. At the end of the 13th century, Cieszyn became the capital of the Duchy of Cieszyn, ruled by the Piast dynasty until the mid-17th century, and later governed by the Habsburgs. In 1920, the town was divided into two parts – Cieszyn and Czech Cieszyn. Cieszyn has retained its original medieval layout with many monuments and charming, picturesque places.
The town centre is the Market Square, whose southern frontage is taken up by the Town Hall. Not far from the Town Hall is the Museum of Cieszyn Silesia, which is over 200 years old and houses rich historical, archaeological and ethnographic collections.
On the Old Market (Stary Targ), also in the town centre, there is a copy of the late 14th century figure of the Madonna and Child. The original can be seen in the Museum of Cieszyn Silesia, and this is one of the few gothic stone statues surviving in the former Duchy of Cieszyn. It was created in the workshop of Piotr Parler. Cieszyn’s attractive location at the foot of the Beskidy mountains (near Ustroń and Wisła) on the river Olza, the nature reserves adorned with the unique pale-green petalled flower hacquetia (called cieszynianka in Polish), cycle paths, designated and marked walking routes, the trail of Jewish monuments with the possibility to visit the Jewish cemeteries and parks with recreational and sporting facilities can satisfy the needs of nature and exercise enthusiasts. An additional plus is Cieszyn’s proximity to such towns as Oświęcim (Auschwitz, around 70km), Kraków (120km), Vienna (300km) and Prague (350km). Throughout the year, various cultural events enliven a stay in Cieszyn. These include the Theatre Days in March, “Kino na Granicy” Film Festival in April, May’s “Bez Granic” Theatre Festival, the Three Brothers’ Festival (June), the “Wakacyjne Kadry” Film Festival (9-13st June), the Castle Hill Scares (30th August), Cieszyn Trówła Treasures (19-21th September), the Ten Days of International Organ, Choral and Chamber Music (15-24th October), Early Music in Cieszyn (November), Cieszyn Jazz Autumn (12–15th November) and many more.
Information: Municipal Information Centre and Border Information Agency,
PTTK (Polish Country-lovers Association),
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