Krosno Odrzańskie

Poland, Poland

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Krosno Odrzańskie is one of Poland's oldest towns in the Lubusz Voivodeship, first mentioned in 1005 in Thietmar of Merseburg's chronicle as a Piast stronghold during Bolesław I Chrobry's wars with Emperor Henry II. Strategically located on the Oder River, it featured a 13th-century mint, castle built by Henry I the Bearded—where he died in 1238 and his wife Jadwiga sought refuge from the 1241 Mongol invasion—and evolved through sieges, the Reformation, Thirty Years' War occupations, and Prussian rule until Poland regained it post-1945. Key landmarks include the partly restored Piast Castle (now a cultural center with museum), Gothic-Baroque Church of St. Jadwiga, 14th-century defensive walls, the imperial post office, and remnants of fortifications, highlighted by the annual Knight's Tournament for Jadwiga's ring.