Happy TravellerWelcome to Trzebinia, a fascinating town located in the Chrzanów County of Lesser Poland, Poland. With its rich history, industrial significance, and picturesque surroundings, Trzebinia offers a unique blend of attractions that will captivate any traveler. Join us as we dive into the story of Trzebinia and explore the wonders that await in this charming Polish town.
Trzebinia, also known as Tchebin in Yiddish, is nestled in the beautiful Kraków-Częstochowa Upland, offering breathtaking views from its elevated position between 269 to 407 meters above sea level. The town is a hub of transportation, with its major rail junction connecting Kraków, Katowice, Oświęcim, and Spytkowice. Additionally, Trzebinia sits at the crossroads of the A4 Motorway and National Road Nr. 79, making it easily accessible by road.
History has shaped Trzebinia into the town it is today. Trzebinia traces its roots back to the late Middle Ages when it already boasted a church in 1325, as noted by Jan Długosz in 1470. Initially, a royal village, Trzebinia later passed into the hands of local noble families and became known for its zinc and lead deposits. Despite its industrial significance, Trzebinia retained its village-like charm and was under the ownership of the Schilhra Trzebiński family from 1569 to 1802.
Throughout its history, Trzebinia experienced various political changes. In the First Partition of Poland in 1772, the town was annexed by Austria and became part of Galicia. It was later regained by Poles during the Austro-Polish War of 1809 and was included within the Polish Duchy of Warsaw. The town then became part of the Free City of Kraków from 1815 to 1846 before being reannexed by the Austrian Empire.
The 19th century marked a period of industrialization for Trzebinia. Coal mines, zinc mills, and a glass factory were established in the area between 1804 and 1843. Trzebinia received its town charter on September 6, 1817, and further coal mines and a calamine mine were opened in the second half of the 19th century. The town saw further development with the addition of an oil refinery, power plant, and cement mill in the early 20th century.
Trzebinia’s history also intersects with the tragic events of World War II. The town was bombed by the Luftwaffe on September 1, 1939, the first day of the German invasion of Poland. Five days later, invading Wehrmacht soldiers brutally murdered 97 people in the town. Trzebinia was occupied by Germany and directly annexed into Nazi Germany on October 9, 1939. The town became a site of forced labor subcamps of the Stalag VIII-B/344 prisoner-of-war camp, where British and other Commonwealth prisoners were forced to work in coal mines. Trzebinia also witnessed the deportation of Polish children to the Potulice concentration camp. In August 1944, a subcamp of the Auschwitz concentration camp was established in Trzebinia, contributing to the town’s tragic history during the war.
Since the war, Trzebinia has undergone changes in its administrative status. It remained in Kraków Voivodeship until 1975 and underwent name changes before settling on its current name in 1977. Trzebinia is now a thriving industrial center, home to the Siersza Power Station, the Rafineria Trzebinia oil refinery, and the Gorka Cement plant.
Sports enthusiasts will appreciate the presence of the Miejski Klub Sportowy Trzebinia–Siersza, a sports club founded in 2000. The club offers opportunities for residents and visitors to engage in various sports activities.
Trzebinia is proud of its notable individuals, including actress Antonina Hoffmann and rabbi Dov Berish Weidenfeld. Their contributions have left a lasting impact on the town’s cultural and intellectual heritage.
As you explore Trzebinia, take the time to immerse yourself in the town’s rich history, admire its industrial achievements, and discover the natural beauty of the surrounding Kraków-Częstochowa Upland. With its convenient location and unique blend of attractions, Trzebinia is a hidden gem waiting to be explored by travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience in Poland.
