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Szczecin

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Szczecin is a large and busy city in northwestern Poland.

Szczecin administrative division 2010
Szczecin administrative division 2010

It sits very close to the German border and the Baltic Sea. The city is built along the Oder River. It also sits by the southwestern shore of Dąbie Lake. Many islands sit between the different branches of the river.

Stettin Lange Brucke (1890-1900)
Stettin Lange Brucke (1890-1900)

Green forests and shrublands surround the urban area. One large area is the Wkrzańska Heath, which is shared with Germany. This makes the city a place where nature is very near.

The city works as a major seaport for the region.

Port Szczecin rejon przeladunkow drobnicowych
Port Szczecin rejon przeladunkow drobnicowych

This means many ships arrive to move goods. It is the largest city in northwestern Poland. It is also the seventh-largest city in the whole country. About 391,566 people live there today. The city is a center for industry and learning. It has many big schools like the University of Szczecin.

Szczecin urzad miejski2 (cropped)
Szczecin urzad miejski2 (cropped)

There are also medical and maritime universities for students.

Szczecin has a very long history that began in the 8th century.

Szczecin Zamek Ksiazat Pomorskich (od pln-wsch)
Szczecin Zamek Ksiazat Pomorskich (od pln-wsch)

At first, it was a stronghold for the Lechitic Pomeranian people. In the 10th century, it became part of the Polish state. Later, it was the capital for the House of Griffin. Many different lands ruled the city over the years. These included Denmark, the Holy Roman Empire, and the Swedish Empire.

Alten Stettin Hogenberg
Alten Stettin Hogenberg

In 1648, it became the capital of Swedish Pomerania. Later, Prussia took control of the city in 1720.

Many important events happened in the city during the last century.

Szczecin1945
Szczecin1945

After World War II, the city became part of Poland again. This happened because of the Potsdam Agreement. This change led to a nearly complete exchange of the population. In 1970 and 1980, people in the city held large protests.

Strajk w stoczni szczecinskiej 1980
Strajk w stoczni szczecinskiej 1980

In 1980, protesters signed an agreement with the communist regime. This helped lead to the creation of Solidarity. This group helped the country move away from communism.

Today, Szczecin is a place with many famous landmarks to see.

Bazylika Archikatedralna pw. św. Jakuba Apostoła (1) (cropped)
Bazylika Archikatedralna pw. św. Jakuba Apostoła (1) (cropped)

You can visit the Szczecin Cathedral or the Ducal Castle.

The National Museum and the Szczecin Philharmonic are also important. The city even serves as a headquarters for NATO's Multinational Corps Northeast. It was even a candidate to be a European Capital of Culture in 2016. It is a place where old history meets a busy, modern life.

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🖼️ Images & Media (28)
File:Kamień kaszubski z gryfem przy katedrze w Szczecinie.jpg
Kamień kaszubski z gryfem przy katedrze w...
File:Bazylika Archikatedralna pw. św. Jakuba Apostoła (1) (cropped).jpg
Bazylika Archikatedralna pw. św. Jakuba...
File:Szczecin Zamek Ksiazat Pomorskich (od pln-wsch).jpg
Szczecin Zamek Ksiazat Pomorskich (od...
File:Alten Stettin Hogenberg.jpg
Alten Stettin Hogenberg.jpg
File:Stettin - Matthaus Merian (142652857).jpg
Stettin - Matthaus Merian (142652857).jpg
File:Stettin Lange Brucke (1890-1900).jpg
Stettin Lange Brucke (1890-1900).jpg
File:Manzelbrunnen 3.jpg
Manzelbrunnen 3.jpg
File:Szczecin godlo z konsulatu.jpg
Szczecin godlo z konsulatu.jpg
File:Szczecin1945.JPG
Szczecin1945.JPG
File:WOPR, Barka i Zamek Książąt Pomorskich.jpg
WOPR, Barka i Zamek Książąt Pomorskich.jpg
File:0907 Pomnik Czynu Polaków Szczecin SZN 1.jpg
0907 Pomnik Czynu Polaków Szczecin SZN 1.jpg
File:Strajk w stoczni szczecinskiej 1980.jpg
Strajk w stoczni szczecinskiej 1980.jpg

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