Swidwin

Poland, Poland

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Świdwin is a town in northwestern Poland's West Pomeranian Voivodeship, located on the Rega River amid the scenic Łobeska Upland, about 100 km east of Szczecin, with roots tracing to a 12th-century Pomeranian stronghold guarding trade routes from Kołobrzeg to Wielkopolska.

First documented in 1280 and granted town rights around 1296 by Margrave Waldemar of Brandenburg after purchasing the area from Kamień bishops, it passed through Wedel family control from 1319, Teutonic Knights from 1384-1455, and Brandenburg wójts, famously hosting the 1469 "Battle of the Cow" against Białogard over a livestock dispute that claimed 300 lives.

A hub for the Knights Hospitaller from 1540-1808 in its 13th-century castle—built for trade protection and later a commandery—it endured plagues, fires, and wars while featuring Gothic landmarks like the 14th-century Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, medieval walls, and a restored water mill, now blending history with modern aviation heritage.