Suchowola
Suchowola ([suxɔˈvɔla]; Lithuanian: Suchovola, Belarusian: Сухаволя Suchavolja) is a town in north-eastern Poland in Sokółka County, located on both banks of the Olszanka River. It is situated in the Podlaskie Voivodeship (since 1999), having previously been in the Białystok Voivodeship (1975-1998). Its population is 2,196 (2017).
Suchowola | |
|---|---|
 Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Suchowola | |
 Coat of arms | |
  Suchowola | |
| Coordinates: 53°34′36″N 23°6′6″E | |
| Country |  |
| Voivodeship | Podlaskie |
| County | Sokółka |
| Gmina | Suchowola |
| Founded | 16th century |
| Town rights | 1777 |
| Area | |
| • Total | 25.95 km2 (10.02 sq mi) |
| Population (2006) | |
| • Total | 2,243 |
| • Density | 86/km2 (220/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) |
| Postal code | 16-150 |
| Website | http://www.suchowola.com.pl |
Suchowola was founded in the 16th century and in 1777 it was granted town rights. It is a former Polish royal town. In 1775, royal astronomer Szymon Antoni Sobiekrajski published a report in which he stated that Suchowola is the exact geographic centre of Europe.
Due to serious losses in population during World War II, the rights were halted in 1950. On January 1, 1997, Suchowola became a town again. Polish priest Jerzy Popiełuszko, who was born in the nearby village of Okopy, was baptized in the local Church of Saints Peter and Paul. He also attended school in Suchowola. Currently, the municipal park by the church bears his name. His monument is located in the park, and in the town there is also a small museum dedicated to him.
Other sights include the historic Church of Saints Peter and Paul, and a boulder symbolizing the geographic centre of Europe, located in the municipal park. Many people still visit Suchowola today.
Gallery
Municipal park
Geographic centre of Europe boulder in the park
Jerzy Popiełuszko monument in the park
Well-preserved historic wooden architecture
External links
