Saturday, 31 July: Ignacego, Lodomiry
History of the city
It is the second biggest city in Wielkopolska region, situated in the Valley of Prosna River. The oldest signs of human activity reach Mesolithic Age. An intensive settlement during the Roman times was caused by a significant location at the "Amber Route", which joined the Roman Empire together with the Baltic sea-shore. The importance of this centre of settlement is demonstrated by the fact that in the middle of the 2nd century A.D. an Alexandrian erudite Claudius Ptolemy in his "Geography" mentioned the name of the place "Kalisia" which has been identified with Kalisz by researchers. This record made Kalisz be proud of the oldest written certificate from among Polish cities.
An Early Medieval burg city in Zawodzie (9th/10th -13th century) was one of the greatest Piast town centres. After 1233 a Silesian Duke Henry the Bearded relocated the settling centre of Kalisz into a new place north to Zawodzie.
About 1257 a prince Bolesław the Pious founded Kalisz in accordance with the Środa law. The internal area of the city was characterised by a spindle-like layout of two market streets, with cross streets and a rectangular square situated in the centre. This medieval town design has remained until present times.
About 1257 a prince Bolesław the Pious founded Kalisz in accordance with the Środa law. The internal area of the city was characterised by a spindle-like layout of two market streets, with cross streets and a rectangular square situated in the centre. This medieval town design has remained until present times.
There was a Jewish district in the town. In 13th century the Jewish community was one of the oldest in Polish territories. The significance of it was a proven by so called "Kalisz Statute" which was granted to local Jews by Duke Bolesław the Pious in 1264. It governed the legal status of this group of residents.
Between 17th and 18th century the town flourished. The town's architectural and intellectual character was strongly influenced by the Jesuits, brought to Kalisz by Gniezno Bishop Stanisław Karnkowski in 1583 and the foundation of a church and college.
The numerous wars and fires hindered development of Kalisz in 17th and 18th century. Particularly tragic was the year 1792 when the huge fire consumed almost the whole town.
During the Prussian rule (1793-1806) most city walls were pulled down and out of the precinct they used to surround, a representative Avenue of Louise (current Avenue of Freedom) was drawn. In 1798 the city park was planted. In 1801 the first wooden theatre of Wojciech Bogusławski was built.
The numerous wars and fires hindered development of Kalisz in 17th and 18th century. Particularly tragic was the year 1792 when the huge fire consumed almost the whole town.
During the Prussian rule (1793-1806) most city walls were pulled down and out of the precinct they used to surround, a representative Avenue of Louise (current Avenue of Freedom) was drawn. In 1798 the city park was planted. In 1801 the first wooden theatre of Wojciech Bogusławski was built.
After The Duchy of Warsaw had collapsed in 1815, Kalisz found itself within Polish Kingdom borders. As one of the biggest cities in Congress Poland, Kalisz was an important administrative, economic and cultural centre. In the middle of the 19th century some classical buildings were erected, including: Provincial School (1819), Law Court (1820-1824), Governor's Palace (1824-1825), Stone Bridge (1825). Kalisz was also a significant intellectual centre. A.Asnyk, M.Konopnicka, W.Bogusławski, St.Szolc-Rogoziński, M.Dąbrowska were connected with the city.
World War one left its tragic stamp on Kalisz. In August 1914 Prussian army obliterated and burnt the town. 95% of old-town buildings laid in ruins. Restoration of the town between 1920s and 1930s was the first such a venture nationwide. The old-town centre was reconstructed according to restoration guidelines and spatial arrangement, although historic buildings were not reconstructed.
During Word War Two Kalisz was incorporated into an area that was called "Warthegau" by the Germans. The Nazi occupation was a period of oppression and discrimination for Kalisz people.
Post-war years were marked by the development of industry, city infrastructure and social-cultural development.
In 1992 Kalisz diocese was established. Undoubtedly, one of the most important events in the history of the city was a visit of Pope John Paul II (4th June 1997) during the 5th pilgrimage to his native country.
Modern Kalisz covers an area of 70 km2, with app. 110 thousand residents. Between 1975 and 1998 it was a capital city of Kalisz Voivodeship. In a new administrative division the city is located in Wielkopolskie Voivodeship.
Kalisz enchants with its magic beauty. Here, the past and the presence are intertwined and forms a unique climate here. See for yourselves.
World War one left its tragic stamp on Kalisz. In August 1914 Prussian army obliterated and burnt the town. 95% of old-town buildings laid in ruins. Restoration of the town between 1920s and 1930s was the first such a venture nationwide. The old-town centre was reconstructed according to restoration guidelines and spatial arrangement, although historic buildings were not reconstructed.
During Word War Two Kalisz was incorporated into an area that was called "Warthegau" by the Germans. The Nazi occupation was a period of oppression and discrimination for Kalisz people.
Post-war years were marked by the development of industry, city infrastructure and social-cultural development.
In 1992 Kalisz diocese was established. Undoubtedly, one of the most important events in the history of the city was a visit of Pope John Paul II (4th June 1997) during the 5th pilgrimage to his native country.
Modern Kalisz covers an area of 70 km2, with app. 110 thousand residents. Between 1975 and 1998 it was a capital city of Kalisz Voivodeship. In a new administrative division the city is located in Wielkopolskie Voivodeship.
Kalisz enchants with its magic beauty. Here, the past and the presence are intertwined and forms a unique climate here. See for yourselves.
Z życia miasta
