Lesko
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- This article is about the city in Poland. For the author, see Matthew Lesko.
Lesko is a town in south-eastern Poland with 6,800 inhabitants (1998), in Bieszczady mountains. Since 2002 it is the capital of the Powiat of Lesko.
Situated in the Subcarpathian Voivodeship (since 1999), previously in Przemyśl Voivodeship (1975-1998).
Lesko was founded probably in the 14th century; it is first mentioned in 1436. It was given town rights about 1470, when it was owned by Kmita nobles. In the 17th century the town was quite important centre of trade and craftsmanship, inhabited by about 1500 citizens. A good period ended in 1704, when it was looted by the Swedish troops in the Great Northern War.
Monuments:
- castle of Kmita nobles, built in the 16th century, then reconstructed, partially destroyed and rebuilt
- former synagogue, built between 16th and 17th centuries, then reconstructed. Destroyed during the World War II, then rebuilt. Currently there is an art gallery,
- church built about 1539, then reconstructed.
- Jewish cemetery, with graves dating from the 1500s. Before the Second World War, over half of Lesko's population was Jewish.
Known:
- Gołda Janusz - novelist, publicist
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