Częstochowa facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Częstochowa
Jasna Góra Monastery Saint Sigismund church and Daszyńskiego Square City Hall Saint Mary Avenue Youth Culture Center
Flag Coat of arms Wordmark
Motto(s):  Jasne, że Częstochowa (Of course Częstochowa)
Częstochowa Location in Poland
Country	Poland
Voivodeship	Silesian
County	city county
Established	11th century
City rights	1356
Government
• Body	Częstochowa City Council
Area
• Total	160 km2 (60 sq mi)
Population  (31 December 2021)
• Total	214,342 (13th)
• Density	1,380/km2 (3,600/sq mi)
Time zone	UTC+1 (CET)
• Summer (DST)	UTC+2 (CEST)
Postal code	42-200 to 42-229, 42-263, 42-271, 42-280, 42-294
Area code(s)	+48 34
Car plates	SC
Climate	Cfb
Website	https://www.czestochowa.pl/

Częstochowa is a city in southern Poland. It is located on the Warta River and has about 214,000 people living there. This makes it the 13th largest city in Poland. It is part of the Silesian Voivodeship, which is like a large region or state in Poland. However, Częstochowa is historically part of a different region called Lesser Poland. The city is also found in the Kraków-Częstochowa Upland, a beautiful hilly area. It is a major center for business, culture, and government in the northern part of the Silesian Voivodeship.

Częstochowa is famous for the Jasna Góra Monastery. This monastery is home to the Black Madonna of Częstochowa painting, which is a very important shrine to the Virgin Mary. Every year, millions of pilgrims from all over the world visit Częstochowa to see this special painting. The city also has an ancient site from the Lusatian culture and a museum about it. You can also find the ruins of a medieval Royal Castle near the city.

City Name: What Does Częstochowa Mean?

The name Częstochowa means 'Częstoch's place'. It comes from a person's name, Częstoch, who was mentioned in old documents. Sometimes, the name was written as Częstobor or Częstomir. In 1220, it was called Czanstochowa. Later, in 1382 and 1558, it was known as Częstochow. A part of the city today, called Częstochówka, used to be a separate village. It was called Old Częstochowa in the 14th century.

History: A Journey Through Time

Archaeologists have found a cemetery from the Lusatian culture in Częstochowa. It dates back to around 750 BC to 550 BC. Today, it is an archaeological museum.

Early Beginnings: Middle Ages

The first settlement in Częstochowa was built in the late 11th century. It was part of Piast-ruled Poland. The city was first mentioned in official papers in 1220. At that time, there were two villages: Częstochowa and Częstochówka. Częstochówka was on a hill where the Jasna Góra Monastery was later built.

By the late 13th century, Częstochowa had its own Roman Catholic church. The village was located in a busy area, on a trade route from Lesser Poland to Greater Poland. We don't know exactly when Częstochowa became a town, but it was between 1356 and 1377. In 1502, King Alexander Jagiellon gave Częstochowa new city rights.

In 1382, the Pauline monastery of Jasna Góra was founded. Two years later, the monastery received the famous Black Madonna painting. This made Jasna Góra a very important place for pilgrims, and the town grew because of it.

Growth and Challenges: Early Modern Period

Częstochowa grew a lot in the late 1400s and early 1500s. The city was allowed to collect tolls on the Warta river bridge in 1504. By 1564, it could hold three fairs a year, and by 1639, six fairs. In 1631, Częstochowa had 399 houses. However, many people died in a plague, and 78 houses were left empty.

In the 1600s, kings turned the Jasna Góra Monastery into a strong fortress. During the Swedish invasion of Poland in 1655, the monastery was one of the few places in Poland that fought back against the Swedish army. The town of Częstochowa was almost completely destroyed by the Swedish soldiers. It lost half its people and 60% of its houses. It took many years for the city to recover.

At the same time, the Jasna Góra Monastery became even more important. In 1670, the wedding of King Michał Korybut Wiśniowiecki happened there. In 1682, thousands of pilgrims came to celebrate the 300th anniversary of the Black Madonna of Częstochowa.

During the Great Northern War, the Swedish army captured Częstochowa in 1702. They tried to take the monastery but failed. They burned the town and left. In 1717, a nearby village, Częstochówka, became a town called Nowa Częstochowa (New Częstochowa). This new town was later destroyed during the Bar Confederation. In 1769, rebels took over the monastery, but the Russians failed to capture it from them.

Under New Rulers: Partitions of Poland

In 1793, Częstochowa was taken over by Prussia. Then, during the Napoleonic Wars, it became part of the Duchy of Warsaw in 1807. In 1815, it came under Russian control as part of Congress Poland.

In 1819, a military architect started building Aleja Najświętszej Panny Marii—the Holy Virgin Mary Avenue. This avenue connected Old Częstochowa with New Częstochowa. The two towns officially joined together on August 19, 1826. The new city quickly became the fourth largest in Congress Poland.

In 1846, the Warsaw-Vienna Railway line opened, connecting Częstochowa to other parts of Europe. After 1870, iron ore mining grew in the area, which helped local industries. Important factories like the Huta Częstochowa steel mill were built, along with textile and paper factories. By 1900, Częstochowa was a major industrial center in Russian Poland.

World Wars and Beyond

When World War I began in August 1914, the German army took over Częstochowa. During the German occupation, the city faced poverty and many people lost their jobs. The Jasna Góra Monastery was protected by Austria-Hungary during this time. Poland regained control of the city on November 11, 1918, when Poland became independent again.

In the Second Polish Republic, Częstochowa was part of the Kielce Voivodeship. The local industries struggled after World War I. The Great Depression also caused many problems, including strikes. In 1925, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Częstochowa was created. The city grew in size, adding several nearby villages. By 1939, Częstochowa had 138,000 people, making it the eighth-largest city in Poland.

During World War II, German troops entered Częstochowa on September 3, 1939. The city was renamed Tschenstochau and became part of the General Government. The Germans carried out terrible actions against the Polish people. Many Poles were arrested and sent to concentration camps or killed. The Polish resistance was active in the city.

On April 9, 1941, the Nazis created a ghetto for Jewish people. Around 45,000 Jewish people from Częstochowa were killed by the Germans during the Holocaust. Before the war, Częstochowa was a big Jewish center in Poland. After the war, almost all Jewish people were gone. Some local Poles risked their lives to help and save Jewish people.

In late 1944, the Germans prepared to defend the city. However, on January 16, 1945, the German army left after only one day of fighting. The city was returned to Poland, but under a new communist government.

Modern Częstochowa

After the war, the steel mill was expanded, and the city grew quickly. In 1975, Częstochowa became the capital of its own region, the Częstochowa Voivodeship. The city also became an important academic center. The first tram lines opened in 1959.

Pope John Paul II visited Częstochowa many times during his papacy, praying before the Black Madonna. He visited in 1979, 1983, 1987, 1991, 1997, and 1999. In 2006, Pope Benedict XVI also visited the city.

Climate: Weather in Częstochowa

Częstochowa has a humid continental climate. This means it has warm summers and cold winters. It's one of the hottest summer regions in Poland. Winters are cold, but not as harsh as in some other parts of Poland.

On average, the city gets about four hours of sunshine each day. June has the most sunshine because the days are longest then. Częstochowa is not very windy. Winds mostly come from the west and southwest.

Economy: How Częstochowa Works

Częstochowa has about 26,000 companies. The city is a major part of the Częstochowa Industrial District, which is the third largest in the Silesian Voivodship. For a long time, metal industries have been important here because of the iron ore found nearby.

Main Industries and Factories

• ISD Częstochowa Steelworks: One of Poland's biggest steel factories, started in 1896. It makes over 65% of Poland's steel sheets.
• TRW Automotive Częstochowa: Makes car safety systems.
• Brembo Poland: Produces parts for car braking systems.
• Guardian Industries Poland: A glass factory.
• Stolzle Częstochowa: Another glass factory, specializing in fancy glass for luxury products and perfumes.
• Iron Cast Foundry "Volcano": The oldest factory still working in the city, started in 1894.

Tourism: What to See and Do

Częstochowa is a popular place for tourists. It's sometimes called the little Nuremberg because of all the souvenir shops. Millions of tourists and pilgrims visit every year. The Black Madonna of Częstochowa at the Jasna Góra Monastery is the biggest attraction.

The city has many old buildings and historical sites. These include old townhouses and the city center. The Jasna Góra Monastery is the most popular for people on religious trips.

Famous Buildings and Places

The main street in the city center is the Najświętszej Maryi Panny Avenue (The Holy Virgin Mary Avenue). It was built in the early 1800s to connect Old and New Częstochowa. The avenue is special because it has a walking area in the middle, separating the lanes of traffic. During pilgrimage times, pilgrims use this avenue to walk to Jasna Góra Monastery. The avenue is about 1.5 km long and has shops, banks, and cultural places. Many buildings here are in a classic style.

Some interesting old houses include:

• Franke's House: Built between 1901 and 1903. It used to be a hotel and later a German hospital during World War II.
• Zapałkiewicz House: A classic-style house built in 1871. It was once a theater and a cinema.
• Kohn's House: Built in 1865, it housed many businesses, including a restaurant and a shoe shop.
• Polish Bank's Townhouse: An Art Nouveau style building from 1904. It was originally a Russian State Bank and later a Polish bank.
• Biegański's House: A classic-style house built in 1880. It was owned by a famous doctor, Władysław Biegański.
• Hantke's Palace: A beautiful palace built for Bernard Hantke, who started the ISD Częstochowa Steel Mill.

The Old Square is in the Old Town district. It was the main square of Old Częstochowa since medieval times. You can still see old houses there. In 2007, archaeologists found an old city well and foundations of other buildings there.

Some historic streets include:

• Wieluńska Street: Near Jasna Góra monastery, with buildings from the late 1800s.
• Ulica 7 Kamienic (7 Townhouses Street): Created in the early 1800s, named after the first seven houses built there.

Important churches:

• Cathedral Basilica of the Holy Family: A large church built in a neo-gothic style between 1901 and 1927.
• St James' Church: Built between 1869 and 1872. It was first an Orthodox church, then became a Catholic church.
• St Sigismund's Church: A gothic church from the 15th century, the oldest parish church in Częstochowa.
• St Barbara's Church: Built in the 16th century. It is linked to the story of the Black Madonna icon.

Parks and Green Spaces

The Jasna Góra Parks are two city parks (Stanisław Staszic Park and 3 May Park) located near Jasna Góra Hill. They were created in 1843 and are popular for walks and relaxation. In Staszic Park, you can find an astronomical observatory and the Iron Ore Museum. There are also other parks around the city.

Transport: Getting Around Częstochowa

Częstochowa has good road connections. The European route E75 (Motorway ) connects it to Warsaw (north) and Katowice (south). There are also other national roads leading to Wieluń, Opole, and Piotrków Trybunalski.

The city is a major railroad hub. It's where two important train lines cross: one from west to east (from Lubliniec to Kielce) and one from north to south (from Warsaw to Katowice). Częstochowa has six train stations, with Częstochowa Osobowa and Częstochowa Stradom being the biggest. You can take direct trains to many Polish cities like Warsaw, Kraków, and Wrocław.

Public transport in Częstochowa includes 3 tram lines and many bus lines. These connect different parts of the city and nearby villages. The closest airport is Katowice International Airport, about 60 km away. There's also a small local airport called Częstochowa - Rudniki.

Culture: Arts and Entertainment

Częstochowa has many cultural places, including museums, music venues, and theaters.

Museums: Exploring the Past

Besides the Jasna Góra Monastery, which has its own exhibitions, Częstochowa has several other museums:

• Częstochowa Regional Museum: The oldest museum in the city, located in the former town hall. It shows the history of Częstochowa from its beginnings to the 17th century.
• House of Poetry - Halina Poświatowska Museum: Located where the poet Halina Poświatowska lived. You can see her documents, photos, and poems.
• Gallery of 19th and 20th Century Sculpture and Painting: Displays Polish art from different periods.
• Archaeological Reserve of Lusatian Culture: This 2500-year-old burial ground was found in 1955. You can visit it to learn about the ancient Lusatian culture.
• Museum of Iron Ore Mining: Shows what it was like to work in an iron ore mine, with old mining equipment.
• Museum of Match Production: Located in an old match factory. You can see how matches were made using machines from the late 1800s. It also has an exhibition of matchbox labels.
• Museum of Railway History: Located at the Częstochowa Stradom train station. It has old railway equipment and two historical steam engines.

Music: Sounds of Częstochowa

The Bronisław Huberman Philharmonic of Częstochowa is a concert hall in the city center. It has two concert halls and hosts many symphonic concerts. The Philharmonic also has a choir called "Collegium Cantorum." It organizes music festivals like the Bronisław Huberman International Violin Festival and the Festival of Traditional Jazz "Hot Jazz Spring." They also have educational concerts for children.

Częstochowa has many choirs, including the Male Choir "Pochodnia" (Torch) and the Academic Choir of the Częstochowa University of Technology.

Theatre: Live Performances

The Adam Mickiewicz Theatre is located in the city center. It was built between 1928 and 1931. The theater has several halls and organizes different festivals, including the "Festival of Important Plays" and "Children's Land of Sensitivity."

Festivals: Fun Events

The Centre for the Promotion of Culture 'Gaude Mater' organizes many cultural events in Częstochowa:

• International Festival of Sacral Music 'Gaude Mater': Held every year in May, it brings together music from different religions and promotes young composers.
• The Night of Culture: An annual event where you can enjoy plays, concerts, and exhibitions for one ticket price.
• Days of Częstochowa: A celebration of the city.
• International Festival of Traditional Jazz "Hot Jazz Spring Częstochowa"
• Częstochowa Festival of Alternative Culture "Frytka-OFF"

Cinemas: Catch a Movie

Częstochowa has three cinemas. Two are part of the Cinema City Poland chain: Cinema City "Wolność" and Cinema City Galeria Jurajska. There is also an independent cinema called Ośrodek Kultury Filmowej.

Healthcare: Hospitals in the City

Częstochowa has several hospitals:

• Regional Specialist Hospital (on Nowobialska Street and PCK Street)
• City Polyclinical Hospital (on Bona Street, Mickiewicz Street, and Mirowska Street)
• Weigel Hospital in Blachownia
• Metallurgic Hospital in Częstochowa

Education: Learning in Częstochowa

Częstochowa has several universities and colleges:

• Częstochowa University of Technology
• Jan Długosz University
• Polonia University
• Theological College of Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Częstochowa

Sports: Get Active!

The most popular sports in Częstochowa are speedway, volleyball, and football.

Speedway

• CKM Włókniarz Częstochowa: A speedway team started in 1946. They play in the top league and have won the Polish championship four times.

Volleyball

• AZS Częstochowa: A men's volleyball team that has won the Polish championship six times. They also won the CEV Challenge Cup in 2011/2012.
• KS Norwid Częstochowa: Another men's volleyball team.
• KS AJD Częstochowianka Częstochowa: A women's volleyball team.

Football

• Raków Częstochowa: Częstochowa's best football team. They play in the top division and were the Polish Champions in 2022–23. They also won the Polish Cup twice. Famous players like Jerzy Brzęczek and Jakub Błaszczykowski played for Raków when they were young.
• Skra Częstochowa: The city's second-best football team, playing in the second division.
• There are also several other local football teams like Victoria Częstochowa and KS Stradom Częstochowa.
• Gol Częstochowa: A women's football team.

Other Sports Teams

Częstochowa also has teams for basketball, rugby, American Football, Baseball, Table Tennis, Tennis, Badminton, Chess, and Weightlifting.

Sport Venues: Where the Action Happens

• Arena Częstochowa: A large stadium mainly used for speedway. It can hold over 16,000 people.
• Sports Hall Częstochowa: A modern sports hall for volleyball, basketball, and concerts. It can hold 7,100 people.
• Polonia Hall: Another sports hall used by volleyball and basketball teams.
• Miejski Stadion Piłkarski "Raków": A football stadium, home to Raków Częstochowa. It has seats for 3,720 spectators, with plans to expand.
• City Athletics Stadium: Used for track and field events.
• Rosa Private Golf Club: A golf course located near Częstochowa.
• The city also has three indoor swimming pools and one outdoor swimming pool.

Administration: How the City is Run

Częstochowa is a city with powiat rights, which means it acts like its own county. The people of Częstochowa elect 28 city council members. The city mayor is in charge of the local government. The city hall is on Śląska Street.

The city is divided into 20 neighborhoods. Each neighborhood has its own council members elected by the residents.

The neighborhoods include: Błeszno, Częstochówka-Parkitka, Dźbów, Gnaszyn-Kawodrza, Grabówka, Kiedrzyn, Lisiniec, Mirów, Ostatni Grosz, Podjasnogórska, Północ, Raków, Stare Miasto, Stradom, Śródmieście, Trzech Wieszczów, Tysiąclecie, Wrzosowiak, Wyczerpy-Aniołów, and Zawodzie-Dąbie.

Media: News and Entertainment

Daily Newspapers

• Gazeta Wyborcza – has a local section for Częstochowa.
• Dziennik Zachodni – also has a local section.
• Życie Częstochowy i Powiatu (Life of Częstochowa and Region) – published since 1947.

Weekly Newspapers

• Gazeta Częstochowska (Częstochowa's newspaper) – published since 1956.
• Częstochowski Tygodnik Regionalny – 7 dni (Częstochowa's Regional Weekly – 7 days).
• Niedziela (Sunday) – a national Catholic newspaper.

Radio and TV

• Radio Jasna Góra – a Catholic radio station from the Jasna Góra Monastery.
• Radio Fiat – another Catholic radio station.
• Radio Jura – a local radio station.
• Other national radio stations like Polskie Radio Katowice and RMF Classic also broadcast here.
• TV Orion – a local TV station.

Religion and Places of Worship

Częstochowa is an important religious center. It is the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Częstochowa. The Jasna Góra Monastery and the Holy Family Archdiocese Cathedral are major Catholic sites.

Besides the Roman Catholic Church, other religions and denominations are present in Częstochowa. These include the Polish Orthodox Church, Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Confession in Poland, Baptist Union of Poland, Jehovah Witnesses, Pentecostal Church, and Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Notable People: Famous Faces from Częstochowa

Many interesting people were born or lived in Częstochowa:

• Jakub Błaszczykowski (born 1985), a famous football player.
• Jerzy Kulej (1940–2012), a well-known boxer and politician.
• Halina Poświatowska (1935–1967), a talented poet and writer.
• Bronisław Huberman (1882–1947), a Polish-Jewish classical violinist who founded the Palestine Philharmonic Orchestra.
• Ingrid Pitt (1937–2010), a Polish-British actress and writer.

International Connections: Twin Towns

Częstochowa is twinned with several cities around the world. This means they have special friendly relationships and often share cultural events or ideas.

Częstochowa is twinned with:

• Bethlehem, Palestine
• Irkutsk, Russia
• Kamianets-Podilskyi, Ukraine
• Loreto, Italy
• Lourdes, France
• Nazareth, Israel
• Ourém, Portugal
• Pforzheim, Germany
• Rēzekne, Latvia
• Šiauliai, Lithuania
• South Bend, United States
• Styria, Austria
• Zapopan, Mexico

Images for kids

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  The Black Madonna of Częstochowa

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  Kazimierz Pulaski and the Bar Confederation 1772 defence of Częstochowa. Painting by Chełmoński.

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  Polish insurgents in Częstochowa during the January Uprising

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  Częstochowa in the early 20th century

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  German troops in Częstochowa during the invasion of Poland

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  Monument dedicated to the fallen defenders of Poland in the Polish–Soviet War and World War II

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  Celebration of the 1000th anniversary of the baptism of Poland with the participation of Primate of Poland Stefan Wyszyński in 1966

See also

In Spanish: Częstochowa para niños