The favourable location at the crossroads of the trade routes from the north to the south and from the west to the east of the continent favoured the development of Kalisz and it openness to newcomers representing various peoples, nations, religions and cultures.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. 

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.