Happy TravellerWelcome to Nisko, a picturesque town located in the Subcarpathian Voivodeship of Poland. With a population of 15,534 inhabitants as of 2 June 2009, Nisko is a hidden gem, often overlooked in favor of its more famous neighbors. However, this charming city boasts a rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and mouthwatering local cuisine. Let’s take a closer look at what Nisko has to offer.
History:
Nisko was first mentioned in a document dated 15 April 1439, in which King Władysław III of Varna handed the villages of Nysky, Zaoszicze, and Pyelaskowicze to a local nobleman. The establishment of the village was probably the result of catastrophic Mongol Invasion of Poland, which decimated the population of Lesser Poland. For centuries Nisko remained a small village, whose development was halted during the Swedish invasion of Poland. Following the First Partition of Poland, Nisko was annexed by the Habsburg Empire and remained within Austrian Galicia until November 1918. Most of the buildings from that era are still preserved and in use today.
World War II:
During World War II, Nisko became the focus of the Nazi German Nisko und Lublin Plan of forcible relocation of about 95,000 Jews from all over occupied Poland and from abroad in the name of German Lebensraum. Chief architect of the Holocaust, Adolf Eichmann, set up a transit camp in Nisko, from which the deportees were to be expelled eastward. The town was an important center of the Polish resistance movement, including the Home Army and Bataliony Chłopskie. Since early 1940, underground Polish press was distributed in the town. In March 1941, the Germans carried out mass arrests of resistance members involved in the distribution of Polish press in Nisko and other nearby towns. Arrested resistance members were then mostly imprisoned, interrogated, and tortured in the local prison. The Polish resistance made an unsuccessful attempt to liberate the prisoners, after which the Germans deported the prisoners to the infamous Montelupich prison in Kraków, and then to the Auschwitz concentration camp.
Culture and Entertainment:
In Nisko, there is an annual event called Dni Niska (Nisko’s Day) at the Stadion Miejski. The event offers a range of activities, including concerts, theater performances, and exhibitions. It is a great opportunity to experience the local culture and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the town.
Sports:
For sports enthusiasts, Nisko offers a range of activities to choose from. Sokół Nisko is a popular football team, playing in IV liga. Amatorski Klub Sportowy Orkan and Klub Sportowy Zarzecze are other football teams that you can support. For those who prefer other sports, Stowarzyszenie Klub Sportowy Galena Racławice offers a range of activities, including tennis, basketball, and volleyball.
Education:
Nisko is home to a branch of Wyższa Szkoła Informatyki i Zarządzania in Rzeszów. The university offers a range of courses in information technology and management and is a great place to pursue higher education.
Twin towns – sister cities:
Nisko is twinned with several cities, including Fehérgyarmat in Hungary, Hecklingen in Germany, Horodok in Ukraine, and Semerovo in Slovakia. These relationships promote cultural exchange and create opportunities for people from different countries to learn from each other.
In conclusion, Nisko is a hidden gem that offers a range of activities and experiences for tourists. Whether you are interested in history, culture, sports, or education, this charming town has something to offer for everyone. So why not pack your bags and visit Nisko today?
