Opatów
Opatów [ɔˈpatuf] ( listen) is a town in Poland, in Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship. It is the capital of Opatów County. Its population is 7,833 (2007).
Tourist attractions include a 12th century Collegiate Church of St. Martin, 15th century baroque Franciscan monastery, 16th century city gate, and several other notable buildings.
History
Opatów is a settlement on the Vistula River, in an area of forests and lakes. In the 12th century, it was the residence of the regional ruler (Castellan) and of the Catholic bishop. In 1237, it was granted privileges that regularized the status of its residents and in 1361 it received the status of a city with wide privileges. In 1514, it was transferred to the nobleman Krzysztof Siedlecki, who restored the city, surrounded it with a defensive wall, built a castle and headquarters for the local government and improved the water supply to the residents. Opatów had two annual fairs and two market days a week.
Prior to the Second World War, Opatów had a substantial Jewish population, whose history can be referenced here: History of Jews in Opatow.
People
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Seat: Opatów
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