Bydgoszcz - Poland
 |
|
Bydgoszcz is a city in Central Poland, the capital of the Kujawsko-Pomorskie province, on the Rivers Brda and Vistula. The Bydgoszcz Canal, built more than 200 years ago, runs through the city and is its major tourist attraction. Bydgoszcz, on the main water route, has been growing, developing and attracting new respectable residents. |
The 15th and 16th centuries marked a period of the city's prosperity: the royal mint, several tanneries, weaving workshops and carpenter's shops and the bustling inland harbour made it an important commercial centre.
Subsequent centuries witnessed an unprecedented industrial development.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries new residential houses as well as public and industrial buildings emerged. Today unique Art Nouveau and eclectic architecture is found throughout the city, mostly in the city centre.
Ubiquitous green areas are part of the city's image. Bydgoszcz is often called
a green or a garden city. It owes this title not only to the parks, old avenues of trees within the city, but also to the Myslecinek Forest Park on the outskirts;
its 800 hectares of forest include the Polish Fauna Garden, a botanical garden, an equestrian centre and tennis courts, just to name a few.
Today the city, with its population of nearly 400 000 people, is an industrial, commercial, cultural, educational and sports centre as well as an important road and railway junction and inland harbour. The international airport has been in operation since early 2004.
The city takes great pride in its culture; a unique music district as the cultural hub of the city with its theatre, music and opera festivals held in the city regularly.
Sports have always been a major part of the city's life. Over thirty sports and leisure clubs offer athletics, basketball, football, rowing, canoeing, volleyball, chess, speedway and many more. Many Olympic as well as World and European Championships medallists come from Bydgoszcz. In July 2008 the city will host the World Junior Athletics Championship.
Visitors to the city, fair, sports and cultural events guests find hotel accommodation easily. Local restaurants offer foreign cuisine and provide excellent service.
The magic charm of the city, its green parks, bustling lifestyle as well as the hospitality of the residents make you feel at home.
Since 1998 there have been two official exchanges and Provost John Culliven has visited Bydgoszcz to progress the link. Similarly Dr Sapalski, the then Mayor visited Perth in 1998 to formalise the twinning.
The Friends of Bydgoszcz Association was formed in 1999. The aim of the association is to promote the link and encourage social, educational and cultural exchanges. |
 |
