Lesko

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This article is about the city in Poland. For the author, see Matthew Lesko.


Lesko

	(Coat of arms)

Basic Information
Country	Poland
Voivodeship	Subcarpathian
Population	5,855 (2004)
City rights	1469
Latitude Longitude	49°27′N 22°19′E
Area	15,09 km²
Economy and Traffic
Administration
Mayor	Barbara Jankiewicz
Municipal Website

Lesko is a town in south-eastern Poland with 5,855 inhabitants (2004), in Bieszczady mountains. Since 2002 it is the capital of the Lesko County.

Situated in the Subcarpathian Voivodeship (since 1999), previously in Krosno Voivodeship (1975-1998).

Lesko was founded probably in the 14th century; it is first mentioned in 1436. It was given town rights about 1469, 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.

Currently Lesko acts as a gateway to the Bieszczady Mountains. The city is home to numerous outdoor recreation clubs.

The synagogue in Lesko

[edit] Sites of interest

Gothic church built in 1539 by the Kmita nobles. Due to destruction from a Swedish attack the church was reconstructed. A baroque interior with an altar blessed by the Pope still remains inside the church.
Castle of Kmita nobles, built in the 16th century, then reconstructed, partially destroyed and rebuilt. One time home of Polish poet Wincenty Pol. Contained many works of notable European painters and writers.
former synagogue, built between 16th and 17th centuries, then reconstructed. Destroyed during the World War II, then rebuilt. Currently there is an art gallery,
Kirkut Jewish cemetery, with graves dating from the 1500s. One of Poland's oldest Jewish cemeteries containing over 2000 gravestones.
Town Hall building from 1896.