Nowogrodziec, a former fortified settlement on the borderlands of Silesia and Lusatia, was granted town rights in 1233. Pottery-making and ceramic production developed here. At the end of World War II, the town was severely damaged. On the site of the former castle, the walls of the convent of the Magdalene Sisters, dating from 1247 and the first convent of its kind in Poland, have survived, as have defensive walls (fragments) from the 14th and 15th centuries, a town hall from 1800, and a parish church from the 18th century.
Thanks to the residents’ foresight, the town was largely rebuilt, so that its present-day character is determined above all by buildings erected in recent years.
The town has longstanding traditions of sound management. In the 19th century, Nowogrodziec had its own hospital, pharmacy, and Catholic and Evangelical schools. At the beginning of the 20th century, a railway line was brought here and a telephone exchange was opened. The settlers—who moved here from distant Yugoslavia and took over almost all the villages of Nowogrodziec Municipality—played a significant role in preserving these traditions. The grapevines often cultivated here bear witness to their former places of residence; local folk groups cultivate Galician-Bosnian traditions.
Among the historic sites of Nowogrodziec Municipality, mention should be made of the former manor complex in Gościszów, with the ruins of a former manor house dating from the early 17th century, as well as numerous residential and farm buildings from the late 19th century, whose character is highlighted by the unique use of beautifully glazed bricks mass-produced in this region.
Agriculture and industry dominate in Nowogrodziec Municipality, with industry based on the area’s abundant local clay resources, while Cegielnia Ołdrzychów produces clinker known throughout the country.
The editorial team of “Głos” and TMB extend their best wishes for the New Year to the residents of Nowogrodziec, the Town and Municipality, and the Municipal Authorities.