Sianów

Poland, Poland

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Sianów is a town in northwestern Poland's West Pomeranian Voivodeship, located along a key medieval trade route between Szczecin and Gdańsk, nestled between three streams—Polnica (formerly Młyński), Uestbach (Wschodni), and Horstbach (Zamkowy)—with around 9,000 residents.

First mentioned as a village "Sanow" in 1311 and featuring a castle by 1330 likely at the confluence of Unieść and Polnica rivers, it received Lübeck rights on February 11, 1343, from Piotr Święca of Polanów, including privileges like the village Nigendorp (later Neues Dorf) and fishing rights, initially owned by the Swienca family then Pomeranian dukes.

Passing to Kamień bishops by mid-14th century (noted 1353 for Polanów land), it shifted between ducal and diocesan hands, hosting Duke Bogisław X's 1480 capture by Koszalin rebels, thriving with fairs and industry until Prussian rule post-1648.

Napoleonic troops, and post-1945 Polish resettlement after German expulsion. Today it preserves its historic layout amid Baltic proximity, though the medieval castle was razed by 1829 roadworks.