Old Town

The present-day village of Widuchowa was founded on the site of an Opole stronghold of the Pomeranians—which had existed as early as the 8th century—who guarded the crossing over the Oder River. In the 13th century, most likely before 1283, the village held market rights, and in the 14th century (specifically in 1347), Widuchowa was granted town privileges. In 1478, the town was divided by a national border—the northern part belonged to the Duchy of Pomerania, and the southern part to the New March. In 1648, Widuchowa was ruled by the Swedes, and in 1679, the town was taken over by the Brandenburgers. In 1754, a large part of the town was destroyed by fire. However, the most significant damage occurred during World War II—in 1945, fighting took place in Widuchowa, resulting in the destruction of 80% of the town. After the war, Widuchowa’s town charter was revoked.

Despite extensive damage, several significant historic buildings—primarily residential structures—have survived in the town. Within the old town, one can also find an eclectic town hall dating from the early 20th century. At 9 Grunwaldzka Street stands an early 20th-century villa (also eclectic), which currently houses the post office.

The oldest surviving structure in Widuchowa is a 13th-century church built of granite blocks. The building was rebuilt in the 18th and 19th centuries. Inside, there is an 18th-century Baroque altar, and above the western gable of the church stands a half-timbered bell tower added during the reconstruction.

All of the residential houses listed as historic monuments are located on Grunwaldzka Street; this street is also home to a complex of brick barns dating from the second half of the 19th century. The barns feature characteristic ventilation openings that were used to dry the tobacco once grown here.

Right on the Oder River, north of the church, we find the ruins of a castle. The structure was built in 1700 on the site of a former stronghold by the Wulff family, the town’s owners at the time. The defensive castle was destroyed 30 years later during local feuds.

The area of Widuchowa’s old town was added to the list of historic monuments in February 1956.