Biecz

Biecz - town and gmina in south-east Poland, in Lesser Poland Voivodship, in powiat gorlicki, in the Carpathian Highlands, on the Ropa River.

Contents

1 History
2 Monuments
3 Transport, education and economy
4 Famous people

History

The first settlement appeared in the Neolithic Age. The first mentions of the town are from 11th century, when the town was about 500 meters away from the present location. In the 12th century the town was a castellany. In about 1257 the settlement was granted town rights. In 1363 Biecz received magdeburg rights from Kazimierz III the Great. Biecz was favourite town of Jadwiga of Poland. Since 14th century Biecz was one of the largest cities in Poland. Town already in 15th century had got grinder, scales and water-supply system. In the middle of 15th century in town was about 3000 peoples. Beginning in 17th century, the town started losing its importance in Poland by many floods, fires and plagues. In 1721 was the great plague, which killed hardly everyone - only 30 inhabitans was survived. The 19th century brought a certain change for the better. In 1903 was the great fire, when over 50 houses was burned. In World War II the town suffered heavy losses in population. One day in 1942 on the market square the Nazis murdered 200 local Jews. After war have been many conservation works.

Monuments

There is a beautiful Gothic parish church, built in the 14th century. Not far from the church there is the preserved part of the town with a 15th century bell tower and old rectory. In the center of the town is the town hall. The tower was collapsed in 1569 and it was rebuilt in the years 1569-1580. In the eastern part of Biecz there is a Gothic hospital, the first hospital in this part of Poland. Biecz also has a church of Reformed Franciscans, which was built in 17th century. In Biecz was 3 castles:

about 500 meters from the town (now there is a hill called Góra Zamkowa)
the second castle was there, where now is the church of Franciscans,
the third castle was near the hospital.

Transport, education and economy

There are 3 bus stops and one railway station. There are 4 schools. The main industries are trade, services and tourism. There is one cinema.

Famous people

Wacław Potocki
Marcin Kromer
Witold Fusek
Tadeusz Ślawski

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