An Invitation to Cieszyn

Cieszyn is one of the oldest towns of Poland, located at the foot of the Beskidy Mountains. The legend has it that it was founded in 810 by the three prince’s sons: Bolko, Leszko and Cieszko, who in this way celebrated their meeting after a long separation. In the place where they met, there is The Well of Three Brothers (Studnia Trzech Braci) which also is a memento of this joyful occasion, according to the legend. Thus, in 2010 Cieszyn is celebrating with revelry the 1200th anniversary of its legendary establishment!
In fact, Cieszyn was founded at the end of the 10th century. Until the first half of the 17th century, it was ruled by the Piast dynasty and later by the Habsburgs. In 1920, the town was divided into two parts and the Czech Cieszyn was established on the left bank of the Olza River. The town has preserved a medieval urban layout and many objects of historical importance. One of the most interesting of them is the Castle Hill (Wzgórze Zamkowe) with a Roman Rotunda (from the 11th century), which is one of the oldest Christian temples in Poland and the most valuable building in Silesia. The Piast Tower (Wieża Piastowska) from the 14th century, a fantastic vantage point overlooking the town, is another element of the Castle Hill, as well as the Tower of Ultimate Defense (Wieża Ostatecznej Obrony) from the 13th century, the remains of the castle defense system, and the Hunting Lodge of the Habsburgs (Pałacyk Myśliwski Habsburgów).
The Cieszyn Old Town with its Town Hall and old tenement houses is also worth seeing. You should also visit Książnica Cieszyńska – a library with a priceless collection of antique books and incunabula, the Museum of the Cieszyn Silesia (Muzeum Śląska Cieszyńskiego) that has been functioning for over 200 years already, and the Adam Mickiewicz Theater. Undoubtedly, it is also worth visiting old churches and Jewish cemeteries.
For the year 2010, numerous events have been planned in connection with the celebrations of the 1200th anniversary of the town.
On the 12th of June – „Cieszyńskie Smaki” (Tastes of Cieszyn) – a culinary festival composed of a competition and promotion, with a concert by the Myslovitz group at the end.
From the 18th to the 20th of June – „Święto Trzech Braci” (Holiday of the Three Brothers) – days of the town celebrated together with Czech Cieszyn. Performers: Feel, Ewa Farna, Natalia Kukulska, The Beatles Revival.
From the 5th to the 11th of July – „Kręgi Sztuki” (Circles of Art) European Festival of Artistic Schools and Output – an interdisciplinary festival with presentations of theaters, music concerts, exhibitions, workshops, happenings and the „Wakacyjne Kadry” (Holiday Frames) Film Festival.
On the 4th of August – Tour de Pologne – the finish of the 4th stage of the 67th Tour de Pologne UCI Pro Tour Cycling Race.
From the 5th to the 8th August – Freestyle Sports Festival entitled „Cieszyn – a Young City in Every Age” („Cieszyn-miasto młode w każdym wieku”). The program of the festival covers jumps on FMX motorbikes, Footbag Freestyle, graffiti, breakdance, skimboard, „Downhill” cycling competition, gravity sports on skateboards, and many others.
From the 20th to the 28th August – „Viva il Canto” International Vocal Music Festival presenting various forms of vocal and instrumental music.
From the 26th to the 29th of August – European Convention of Fantasy Lovers – Eurocon 2010 – Tricon
On the 27th of August – Gala Jubilee Concert in the Jesus Church performed by the National Symphonic Orchestra of the Polish Radio and the choir of the Silesian Philharmonic conducted by Krzysztof Penderecki. The program of the concert covers the Fanfares for Cieszyn and symphony No. 8 by Krzysztof Penderecki.
From the 5th to the 8th October – „Without Borders” („Bez granic”) International Theater Festival. The program of the festival covers best Polish, Czech, Slovak and Hungarian performances and other theater initiatives.
WE DO INVITE YOU TO COME TO CIESZYN!

Detailed information on the town and its events available from the following websites:
www.cieszyn.pl www.1200cieszyn.pl
and Cieszyńskie Centrum Informacji (Cieszyn Information Center)
Rynek 1, 43-400 Cieszyn
phone: +48 33 479 42 48-9,
fax: +48 33 852 14 87,
e-mail: mci@um.cieszyn.pl