Poland, Lodz: Former Textile Giant I.
Published: 23.2.2023
Our today’s journey across world cities is set in Lodz, a city couple of hundred kilometers northeast from Prague.
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As old city as it is, Lodz hides many things luring tourists from great distances as well as locals. As soon as you visit its downtown you will understand.
Lodžis the third largest Polish city. More than 700 thousand people live there. There are debates about its name. Lodz means a ship. One explanation claimsthe name being derived from the Lodzic family that has a ship in its coat of arms. Others claim that the name comes from old Polish expression for willow – “loza”. The first written note about the city dates to 1332. It stated that village Lodzia is being held over to the bishops of Włocławek. Lodz remained a relatively insignificant town until the 19th century when industrial revolution transformed it into vibrant modern center.
The significance of economic boom in Lodz proves its nickname Promised Land. Lidé se all corners of Europe such as Portugal, England or France. Most of them came from south Germany (soon Germans consisted of ¾ of Lodz’s population), Silesia, and Bohemia. Industry in Lodz was focused primarily on textile industry.
The population had been growing rapidly. Towards the end of the 19th century more than 300 thousand people lived there. One third of them were Jews while German minority decreased to 15%. The city continued in its growth up to 640 thousand people howeover, Nazi deportation of Jews into concentration camps caused the city to shrink. As for economy, the city kept its image as textile giant after the second world war. However, the end of communism in Poland put incredible pressure of privatiozation on struggling companies and a bulk of them was soon closed.
Thanks to its location Lodz became a place interesting to international companies. Anyway, let get us back to the history of Lodz. Today we take a look at the most important street there - Piotrkowska also called Lodz’s Walk of Fame. This roughly five kilometers long boulevard is one of the world’s longest.
The five kilometer long boulevard is one of the longest in the world. It stretches between Plac Wolności and Plac Niepodleglości. This street has been the center of the city since time immemorial. However, the main thoroughfare gradually turned into a showcase of the city of Lodz.
You will see for yourself when you walk through it. In addition to various administrative buildings, you will pass shops, restaurants or pubs here. Perhaps you will be lucky enough to attend one of Lodz's major social events or festivals.
(To be continued...)
GPS: 51°45'38.1"N 19°27'30.4"E
Text: Maxim Kucer
Photo: Pixabay.com, Wikipedia.org - HuBar, Bjoss, Polimerek, Nassim_Abi_Chahine, Polimerek (2), Stevenlodz
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