Cieszyn is a town in southern Poland with 37,300 inhabitants (1995), situated in the Silesian Voivodship (since 1999), previously in Bielsko-Biala Voivodship (1975-1998). Cieszyn lies on the Olza, a tributary of the Oder river, opposite to the Cesky Tesin. The town combines both Polish and Austrian peculiarities in the style of its buildings. Because of several major fires and subsequent reconstructions (the last one in the late 18th century), the picturesque old town is sometimes called Little Vienna. The only relic of the ancient castle is a square tower, dating from the 12th century and 10th century romanesque chapel.

History

Cieszyn was the capital of the Duchy of Cieszyn and shared its history throughout the ages. It was at Teschen that Maria Theresa and Frederick II signed on May 13, 1779 the Teschen Peace Treaty , which put an end to the War of the Bavarian Succession.

Following the Czechoslovak invasion of Poland in January 1919 the city was divided in 1920 by the Conference of Ambassadors , a body formed by the Versailles Treaty. Its' suburb of Saska Kępa became what is now the town of Český Těšín in Czech Republic.

Culture

Since 19th century the Cieszyn Silesia has been an important centre of Polish Protestantism. Currently Cieszyn is also the site of the Cieszyn Summer Film Festival, one of the most influential film festivals in Poland.

Industry

Cieszyn is an important centre of electromechanical industry. It is also the site of the Olza Cieszyn sweets factory (where the famous Prince Polo wafers are being made) and a brewery. The main source of income for most of the population is trade with nearby Czech Republic and transit through three nearby bridges at the Olza.

Sites of interest

• Romanesque St. Nicholas' Church (Kościół św. Mikołaja, 11th century)
• Remnants of the Piast dynasty castle
  • Castle tower (Wieża piastowska, mostly 14th century)
  • Gothical St. Mary Magdalene Church (Kościół Marii Magdaleny, 13th century)
• Old Town Square (Rynek)
  • bourgeoisie houses (15th-19th centuries)
  • Mayor House (Ratusz, early 19th century)
• Former minting house (18th century)
• Museum of Cieszyn Silesia in the former Larish family palace (Pałac Laryszów, Muzeum Śląska Cieszyńskiego, the first museum in Poland)
• Castle Brewery (Browar zamkowy, 1846)
• There are also plans of restoration of the 1840 Habsburg palace

External links

• Municipal Website (English)
• Museum in Cieszyn (Muzeum Śląska Cieszyńskiego)
• History of trams in Cieszyn 1911-1921 (Polish)