Kutno

Kutno
Coat of arms
Motto: Kutno – Środek Nowej Europy Kutno – The Centre of New Europe
Kutno
Coordinates: 52°14′N 19°22′E
Country	Poland
Voivodeship	Łódź
County	Kutno County
Gmina	Kutno (urban gmina)
Town rights	1386
Government
• Mayor	Zbigniew Paweł Burzyński
Area
• Total	33.59 km2 (12.97 sq mi)
Population (2006)
• Total	47,557
• Density	1,400/km2 (3,700/sq mi)
Time zone	CET (UTC+1)
• Summer (DST)	CEST (UTC+2)
Postal code	99–300 to 99–302
Area code(s)	+48 24
Car plates	EKU
Website	http://um.kutno.pl/

Kutno [ˈkutnɔ] is a town in central Poland with 48,000 inhabitants (2005) and an area of 33,6 km². Situated in the Łódź Voivodeship (since 1999), previously in Płock Voivodeship (1975–1998). It is the capital of Kutno County.

Kutno was historically a center of a large Jewish community. In 1900, 10,356 Jews were living there. It is the birthplace of famed writer Szalom Asz.

During the Invasion of Poland of 1939, in and around the town, Polish armies under General Tadeusz Kutrzeba conducted an offensive that was later named the Battle of the Bzura.

Kutno is one of the most important railroad junctions in Poland^{[citation needed]}. Two main lines cross there (Łódź – Toruń and Warsaw – Poznań). Also, another connection starts in Kutno, which goes to Płock.

Geographical Position

Kutno is located in the northern part of Łódź province and 20 kilometers to the northwest of geographical center of Poland.

According to data from 1 January 2009 area of the town amounts to 33,59 km².

According to physic – geographical division of Poland, the town is placed on the western edge of Kutno plain which is the part of Middle – Masovian macroregion. In the south of Kutno plain the town straddling a boundary of the Łowicko – Błońska plain which belongs to the same region and the Kłodawa Upland plain which spreads in the west and is counted in the southern Greater Poland. To the north of the Przedecz – Gostynin line starts Kujawskie lakeland which is counted to Greater Poland lakeland.

Kutno is placed on the edge of four historical lands. Greater Poland, Kuyavia, Masovia and Łęczyca bound in its neighbourhood. Placement in the center of Poland, at a point where geographical and historical lands borders as well as in the crossing of communication lines has major importance for city development.

Administrative Division

Kutno has not dispensed administrative units of town (Districts, housing developments) although certain parts of the town are simply being called housing developments (e.g.: Łąkoszyn housing development). These divisions are mostly history related remainings; for instance Łąkoszyn housing development is a remaining of the Łąkoszyn town which has been incorporated to Kutno.

Following parts of Kutno town has been formulated in the National Register of Country's Administrative Division: Antoniew, Azory, Bielawki, Dybów, Kościuszków, Kotliska Małe, Łąkoszyn, Puśniki, Sklęczki, Stara Wieś, Stodółki, Walentynów, Wiktoryn, Żwirownia.

Customary Administrative Division of Kutno:

Dybów, Piaski, Rejtana, Tarnowskiego, Kościuszków, Olimpijska, Sklęczki, Łąkoszyn (New Łąkoszyn – houses and Old Łąkoszyn – housing development), Wenecja, Majdany, Grunwald, Batorego, Rataje (between Solidarność rotary, Targowica and The Kutno House of Culture).

Natural Environment

Climate

Climate of Kutno town is similar to one that appears across the whole lowland region of Poland. Temperature is related to continental and oceanic air.

The yearly temperature amounts to 21.7 °C (71.06 °F) and the mean kinetic temperature for past thirty years is −3.3 °C (26.1 °F) in January and 18.4 °C (65.1 °F) in July

Kutno is situated in a lowest precipitation zone in Poland. It's average yearly sum amounts to 550 mm (21.65 in), although in particular years forementioned sum could be lower.

Summer (especially June) is period when the most intensive precipitation occurs. During that time, on Kutno falls about 17% of total yearly precipitation. Seasons with lowest amount of precipitation are winter months and March. Kutno has small amount of storms during year which is standout fact. There are about five storms during year (which is half of number of storms for whole country). Snowcap remains quite short on the ground, that is about 39 days in year. There are about 21 misty days during year at town's area. However, it is common that in lowlands of the Ochnia river mist occurs quite often.

State of the sky is hovering from 50% on September to 80% on December and there are 50 sunny and 130 cloudy days averagely during whole year.

The wind set is similar to characteristics of other regions. It blows mostly in west direction, while during winter season the frequency of winds that blow in southwest increases. Summer is the season during which winds blow mostly in northwest set.

History

Honourable Campaign of the 37th Infantry Regiment with banner (Królewska st ?) – 1933

Central City square Adolf Hitler Platz – German postcard from Kutno II World War times. Nowadays Marshall J.Piłsudski square

Outlook on nowadays Marshall J.Piłsudski square on postcard from 1966

Jewish community building from 1924 (nowadays "Rozmaryn" restaurant)

Origin of the town

Kutno is a very old settlement. There is a possibility that origin of the town could have taken place in a half of the XIIth century. It is mentioned in a document concerning an endowment of Łęczyca prepositure published due to a consecration of the collegiate church in Łęczyca in year 1161.

According to the urban legend, town and parish has come into being in 1250, although there is no document which proves that. Most probably town has come into being at the turn of the XIIth and XIVth century, its name has appeared for the first time in a document from the 1301. The document had been published for his son Ziemysław by Leszek, Przemysł and Kazimierz – duke of Kuyavia in the presence of three estate dignitaries as well as the other people gathered during convention in Włocławek. Reference to Kutno concerns occurrence of rector Michał from church in Kutno on the list of witnessses. In 1386 duke Siemowit the IVth had given to Andrzej de Kutno privilege of freeing Kutno and Sieciechów villages from all charges and burdens excluding 2 coins (Groschen) out of every crop fee. Inhabitants had also been freed from the provincial courts, from now on they were judged by the duke only. In 1386 village (Kutno) has been given trade rights and 46 years later in 1432 Town Charter. First records that defines Kutno as a town appeared in 1444.

Modern Years

1 July 1504: Mikołaj of Kutno has gained right that allowed St. Wawrzyniec fair to take place which improved development of the town trade. In 1701 family of Kucieńscy gave up Kutno to Anna Zamojska. Zamojscy were fighting for forementioned property amongst themselves for a long time. The town fell into debts. Situation had normalized when Zamoyski family became the owner of Kutno. During that time Kutno was a town of prosperity and development. When king Augustus III The Saxon had ordered construction of Postal Palace town's prestige increased significantly. As a result Saxon Palace was built. It was constructed between 1750 and 1753 after royal track leading from Dresden to Warsaw had been built. Palace was decorated with rich interiors according to project made by John M Walter. In the year 1753 Kutno was completely burned. In that fire town records burned along with settlement grant. After the fire King's Lord Councillor Andrzej Zamoyski left Kutno in order to obtain another settlement grant. Yet due to a march-pass in 1774 and easygoing attitude of soldiers another fire started in Kutno. In 1775 Andrzej Zamoyski sold Kutno to Stanisław Kostka Gadomski – governor of Łęczyca province. Under his reign Kutno became one of the biggest settlements in central Poland. The Second Partition of Poland in 1793 buried chance of regaining our nationality. Area of Kutno town had been completely under the Prussian reign and became part of the newly created South Prussia provinces. Whole province of Kutno became part of the Łęczyca departament then after The Third Partition became part of the Warsaw department.

On 4 January 1807 Napoleon Bonaparte passed through Kutno. In 1807 due to a decision that had been made by Congress of Vienna, Kutno became part of the dukedom of Warsaw. In 1808 fire had started and destroyed 180 houses. Fire was most likely set by the Napoleon`s army, that kind of actions were quite commom during those days. In 1809 Kutno was visited by Jan Henryk Dąbrowski. However, that event did not arouse interest in politically passive inhabitants. In 1826 first town map had been published due to planned rebuilding of the town.

In year 1840 chapel has been built which later became Museum of The Battle of The Bzura river. Building made in Neo Renaissance style and rotunda shape was crowned with dome has been placed in Wiosny Ludów park. It served once as a mausoleum for Rzątkowscy and Mniewscy family. Another fire in town's history started on Królewska st. and took almost all of the houses placed in the street. Only two buildings has remained – nowadays Crocantino and MDM. In 1844 first hospital in Kutno has been opened. Founder of the ground, many building materials and the main executioner was former owner of Kutno town – Feliks Mniewski. City Hall has been raised in 1845 in classicistic style. Building located by the Marshall Piłsudski square is currently residence of the Regional Museum in which one can see mementos and records depicting history of Kutno.

In 1862 railway on Warsaw – Bydgoszcz line has been started. Thanks to railway line called "Warsaw – Bydgoszcz Iron Road" town has become not only important railway junction but also dynamic developing trade – industry center. Directly before and during the period of the January Uprising Kutno was seat of head of the Gostynin province.

In 1867 Kutno district has been formed. This state endured until World War I outbreak. Famous writer Szalom Asz was born in Kutno in 1880. In his collection of short stories "Miasteczko" ("The Town") author showed situation of Jewish people from his family town – Kutno. Once for two years town organises Festival of Jewish Culture named by the Szalom Asz which has a literature contest about his works within its framework. In 1886 on place of a former gothical church St. Wawrzyniec Church (designed in a neo – gothical style by Konstantyn Wojciechowski) has been built.

5 January 1904: Henryk Sienkiewicz (famous polish writer) stayed in Town's Theatre; which was the seat of Fire Brigade during that time. Income from lecture made by Nobel prize winner was given to the poor children in Kutno. At Wiosna Ludów park after the speech a ball had been made on which only men were allowed, other hand women could watch Sienkiewicz from unshuttered windows.

From 15 to 16 October 1914, the Battle of Kutno took place between the Russian and German armies. The Russians lost the battle and the loss of Kutno provided direct access to Warsaw. In 1915 local parish priest Franciszek Pruski was executed by firing squad. Memory plate concerning that event is placed in St. John the Baptist church.

From April 1919 till January 1921 Charles de Gaulle was staying in Kutno as an instructor of French military mission under general Louis Faury command.

5 March 1938: Kutno has been given a blazon that depicts two wild boars placed on the yellow background which stays on their back paws and lean on green bulrush.

World War II

Jewish ghetto today

Table for Kutno Jews

Ghetto in Kutno

Kutno inhabitants in Kutno

In 9 to 12 September 1939 The Battle of The Bzura river took place. On 9 September operational group of "Poznań" army led by General Edmund Knoll-Kownacki started attack on 8th army led by gen. Johannes Blaskowitz. On 11 September Pomorze Army the joined battle. At first polish assault had been successful but then Germans due to transfer of reinforcements on 12 September started counterattack. In that kind of situation gen. Tadeusz Kutrzeba ordered Knoll to retreat beyond the Bzura river. Kutno has maintained beyond the boarders of infantry's direct assault. Despite the ultimate loss of Polish army The Battle of the Bzura river had major strategic importance, it made Germans change their scheme and regroup and also delayed the capitulation of Warsaw.

On 16 September 1939 the German Wehrmacht moved into Kutno, bombarding trains, the railway station, and houses throughout the district.

Administratively the area was incorporated into the Third Reich's Reichsgau Wartheland as part of the district/county (kreis) of Kutno. In December 1939 resettlement began in accordance with Nazi racial and ethnic policies which aimed to make the town population purely German. People were forced to leave their houses early in the morning with only an hour's notice and could take up to 50 kg of baggagge and a small amount of money. Displacement was very often carried out with violence. People were transported by trucks or wagons and then in sealed trains. The trip was even eight days long in carts in terrible conditions. On 14 April 1940 most of teachers from Kutno district were arrested. Few survived having had left their houses earlier or having been arrested.

Subsequent action of Germans had been founding of ghetto in Kutno on 15 June 1940. Whole area of former sugar factory ("Hortensja" or "Konstancja" according to the other sources) was surrounded by the barbed wire. On the opening day Poles were forbidden to leave their houses while Jews were forced to take all theirs belongings and proceed to the factory. German soldiers and SS members were rushing and beating Jews while standing in the street. 8000 thousand people were placed on area of the factory at five living quarters. On the first day, crowded and without any first-aid stations few people died. Only food they had was a small amount of potatoes and bread. Prizes of extra assigned food were very high for instance one kilogram of potatoes costed 40 fen. in ghetto while 5 fen in the town. However, true nightmare started during winter while there were not enough firewood, so that Jews were warming themselves with burned furniture or scaffolding.

In the following year (that is 1941) due to a large number of resettled and transport difficulties in 7th Przemyślowa st. another concentration camp was founded. Due to terrible conditions in the camp about 10 persons per day had been dying of dysentery.

On 9 June 1941 at present-day Wolności Square the public execution of the three Poles, Kalikst Perkowski, Wilhelm Czernecki and Piotr Sanda took place. They were sentenced to death for smuggling food to Warsaw. Their death was intended to be a lesson and the presence of locals at the execution was compulsory; even the family of the executed was there.

On 19 March 1942 the ghetto was closed. All Jews, in alphabetical order, were transported to Koło and then to Chełmno extermination camp. Six thousand Jewish inhabitants of Kutno were killed there while elder people who had been ghetto administrators were killed in Kutno town. Additionally, a forced labor camp operated in the area from January 1942 until January 1945. On 19 January 1945 the Red Army arrived in Kutno, ending the German occupation.

1945–1989

Outlook on nowadays Marshall J.Piłsudski square on postcard from 1965/66

Buildings of former barracks of infantry regiment

Cultural institutions started their activity during first years after the liberation. Firstly, posts that had been existing before 1939 were reopened. On June 1945 Kutno District Public Library has been opened. Thanks to street collections and regaining of books that had been kept during war library's collection was growing fast. Public library was and still is fulfilling important role in broadening culture. Because of developed railway and road trails Kutno has been attractive for investors. Next to many branches of Industry in Kutno, key issue was electronic Industry. On 1957 Radio Components Company Miflex has been opened which employed over three thousand people. The Company is one of the important distributors of capacitors, anti – interference filters. At the Marshal Piłsudski square Polish – Soviet brotherhood was constructed, depicting two persons: Red Army soldier and People's Army of Poland soldier shaking hands with each other. After the monument had been constructed incidents such as partial damage and pouring it with paint done by local high school students occurred. They were part of the group called "Bloody Hawk" ("Krwawy Jastrząb").

In 1968 Kazimierz Jóźwiak who was choreograph and menager as well as director of the Kutno's House of Culture has founded "Song and Dance of Kutno`s Land Band" ("Zespół Pieśni i Tańca Ziemi Kutnowskiej") . In 1971 at former Town Hall at the Marshal Piłsudski square Kutno Regional Museum has been reopened. Four years later (year 1975) town was adjoined to province of Płock for the next 23 years. Annually, since September 1975 Kutno Rose Festival takes place at the Kutno House of Culture. Since the beginning it is a center of cultural events in Kutno.

After year 1989

In 1990 formula of the fair has been changed as well as it name: from The "Rose Fair" to "The Rose Festival"

In 1996 International Little League Baseball Tournament took place in Kutno. Since that time Kutno is world famous seat of the European Little League Baseball Center. On 18 August 1998 Higher School of Economics has been opened in Kutno in 7th Lelewel st. In 1999 because of administrative resolution Kutno district once again after 24 years has became part of the Łódź province. In 2001 Królewska st and Marshal Józef Piłsudski square has been restored. 19 January 2003: fire of the Saxon Palace which is unique Postal Palace of Saxon kings in Poland. Currently one can visit few rooms that has been renovated.

Economy

Kutno Agro – Industrial park

As a result of decisions made in 70's of XXth century town administratives, industry investments are being located in the northeast part of Kutno. Decisive factor was direct neighbourhood of that area with A2 motorway and presence of system of sidings connected with E20 railway. Because of that part of industry companies has been moved to that part of Kutno while new one has been opened (Cast-iron foundry, Agroma, Polmozbyt). It was the beginning of the industrial district – Sklęczki; progenitor of Kutno Agro – Industrial park.

First mention to KAIP appeared in 1996 during the work for construction of the National Center for Food Processing and Distribution in Kutno. Construction was led with the share of Urban Institute – USA national agency for coordination of work done by the U.S. Agency for International Development. Kutno Agro – Industrial park at the time when came into being took 370 ha. Until the end of 2009 area of the KAIP consisted of 30 companies that employed over 2000 people with both Polish and foreign capital.

Kutno Sub-zone of The Łódź Special Economic Zone

Wschodnia st. in 2009 year

In 2000 Town Cuncil made a resolution, according to which Łódź Special Economic Zone could have been created in Kutno. Area of the Kutno Agro – Industrial park was designated to join the ŁSEZ. Kutno Sub-zone of The Łódź Special Economic Zone had 23,08ha then and has been spread to four zones: Odlewnicza st. (4,24ha), Sklęczkowska st. (6,48 ha), Stalowa I and II (7,87ha and 4,49ha). The Sub-zone has been broadened in the following years: 2002, 2005, two times in 2007 and in 2010. According to data from the end of January 2010 whole area of Kutno Sub-zone is 111,4ha.

Branches of industry represented in Kutno

The main branches of industry in Kutno are:

• pharmaceutical industry: Teva Kutno, Polfarmex, Fresenius Kabi Poland, Nobilus Ent, Trouw Nutrition International (a part of Nutreco)
• engineering and metallurgic industry: Kongskilde, Skiold BL, Ideal Europe, Florian Centrum (owned by Mittal Steel), Kraj, Miflex-Masz, AMZ Kutno, Libner Poland, Fermator (Enginova)
• electronics industry: Miflex (a former branch of Unitra),
• transportation: Nijhof-Wassink, Hartwig Poland
• food industry: Exdrob, Kofola, Polmos, Pini Polonia
• construction industry: Schomburg Poland, Vester, Urbud, Mavex, Trakt, Kutnowska Prefabrykacja Betonu (Kutno Concrete Prefabrication), Mawex, Aarsleff, ProfilPas
• packaging and plastic industry: DS Smith, Fuji Seal Poland, PrintPack Poland, Paja Folie, Sirmax Poland, PolyOne Poland Manufacturing, Elplast

Tourism

Izaak Holcman`s villa in Kutno

Complex of Gierałty`s palaces,currently K.Kurpiński`s National Music School of Ist and IInd degree in Kutno

• Old Town – two markets connected to Królewska st. that after the modernization made along with Piłsudski square has become town's showcase, a place where Kutno citizens can spend their free time. Taking a walk around Old Town one can easily find marks of medieval concept of Wolnośći square, church or Zduński fair (Zduńska st. and Tetralna st.). Current buildings at New Town and in Królewska st. has been constructed in the first half of 19th century.

• Kutno Town Hall – currently place where Regional Museum is located

• Museum of the Battle of the Bzura river – at Wiosny Ludów park where grave chapel of Mniewscy family is located. It has been built in 19th century. Currently place where Museum of the Battle of the Bzura river is located

• Postal Palace – known also as the Saxon Palace that was used by king Augustus III on his travel way from Warsaw to Dresden. Building is one of the oldest in town; it has been constructed in 18th century. On 11 December 1812 Napoleon Bonaparte stayed there during his escape from Russia.

• Complex of Gierałty's palaces – property of the owners of Kutno. Currently seat of National Music School. Palace has been constructed between 1781 and 1785 years. In 1920 Charles de Gaulle paid a visit there. Wiosny Ludów park is located behind the palace.

• Manor house of Chlewiccy (also called Modrzewiowy) with column shaped veranda from the 1st half of 19th century – currently seat of the Companionship of Friends of The Kutno land.

• Manor house of Szymańscy – constructed in the first half of the 18th century. Currently it a hotel with restaurant.

• Izaak Holcman's villa by the Solidarność rotary. Currently a health center.

• Villa in the 8th Matejki st – constructed during the years 1927 to 1929 for the family of engineer Ryszard Macher

• "New Inn" building – formerly seat of the Provisional government on the first days of the January uprising.

• Former St. Valenine hospital

• Lutheran church

• Dr Antoni Troczewski's Villa

• Complex of postfactory buildings of "Kraj" owned by Alfred Vaedtke

• Former city theatre at the Zduński Market (formerly House of Voluteer Fire Brigade)

• Motor mill in Warszawskie Przedmieście st.

Churches in Kutno

• St. Lawrence Parish – founded in 1301. First reference about St. Lawrence the Martyr comes from 1301 and mentions parish priest Michał. First, presumably a wooden construction of church was made in 13th century during the effort concerning construction of village parishes. It was a small church made in a gothic style that had lasted until 1483 when burned down. New one was funded by the Mikołaj from Kutno in 1484. It was made in gothic style, a one-aisle church with set apart presbytery and tower on the west side and St.Anne chapel adjacent to aisle. In 1883 because of high level of damage church had been decided to be pulled down. Construction of the current one ended in 1886 according to a design made by Konstantyn Wojciechowski. Basilical, neo-gothic church has two towers with clock placed on the top of one.

• St. John the Baptist Parish – founded in 1988. Main altar consists of a relief depicting Resurrected Christ, Consecration by Pope John Paul II in Łowicz on 1 June 1999.

• The Saint Queen Jadwiga Parish – founded in 1990. On 8 June 1997 on Kraków grasslands Pope John Paul II Consecration Cornerstone for the construction of this church.

• St. Stanislaus the Martyr Bishop Parish – founded in 1297

• The Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish church – founded in 1988

• Saint Michael the Archangel Parish – is placed in Woźniaków district.

City Parks

• Wiosny Ludów park – is the oldest and simultaneously biggest park in Kutno (area 17,1ha). Once it was a palace garden by the Gierałty's Palace and has came into being during the years 1775 to 1791. Park is separated in two parts, first one is a symmetric garden that is similar to the shape of French garden. The other one is landscape English garden, which came into being during the years 1826 to 1840. In the western edge of the park stands chapel in the memory of Mniewscy family (owners of Kutno from 19th century).

• Romuald Traugutt city park – placed in the central part of town on the area of 4,2ha. Has been founded during Poland`s twenty years of independence after World War I as a place where one can rest. Park is placed on terrain with diverse heights which gives him interesting landscape composition with pond being placed on the lowest part. At first it was just an industrial pond nowadays it is adapted to leisure functions. Most of the cultural events in Kutno takes place there. Stefan Żeromski`s public library and Kutno House of Culture are placed in there.

• City park by the Ochnia river – is the newest park in Kutno. Ground works ended there in 2003 year. Park's small woodiness gives it a modern image. Football and Basketball pitches located in neighborhood creates opportunity to practice sports.

Education

Kindergartens, elementary schools and middle schools:

• Jarzębinka Integrational Municipal Kindergarten nr.3
• Stokrotka Municipal Kindergarten nr.5
• Municipal Kindergarten nr.8
• Fable's Municipal Kindergarten nr.15
• Cindarella's Municipal Kindergarten
• Forget-me-not's Municipal Kindergarten nr.17
• Catholic Kindergarten
• Elementary school in Gołębiew
• T.Kościuszko Elementary school nr.1
• M.Kopernik Elementary school nr.4
• Elementary school nr.5
• M.Skłodowska-Curie Elementary school nr.6
• W.Jagiełło Elemntary school nr.9
• Catholic Elementary school of catholic school friends association in Wierzbie
• A.Mickiewicz Middle school nr.1
• J.Piłsudski Middle school nr.2
• H.Sienkiewicz Middle school nr.3
• W.Anders Catholic Middle school of catholic middle school friends association in Wierzbie
• Middle school in Byszew
• St.Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Middle school of catholic middle school friends association

After middle schools

• J.H.Dąbrowski Ist High School (so called "Dąbrowszczak")
• J.Kasprowicz IInd High School
• St.Stanislaus Kostka Catholic High School association of catholic school friends (so called "Katolik")
• Stanisław Staszic nr.1 set of schools (so called "Mechanik")
• A. Troczewski nr.1 set of schools (so called "Margaryna")
• Wł.Grabski nr.3 set of schools (so called "Ekonomik")
• Z. Barclicki nr.4 set of schools in Kutno – Azory

High Schools

• Country economy high school in Kutno
• Commuting didactic facility of Łódź University Economic – Sociological department
• Commuting facility of High schools of social skills – Law department (master's studies)

Art schools

• K.Kurpiński National Music School of Ist and IInd degree

Communions

At the area of City pastoral service is given by the following churches:

• Roman Catholic church
• Lutheran church
• Pentecost church
• Christian church "Jesus lives"
• Seventh-day Adventist Church

Culture

Cyclic events taking place in Kutno

• The Rose Festival – cyclic cultural event that is being organised by Kutno House of Culture. For the first time it took place during 20 to 21 September 1975 under name: Kutno's Roses Fair. Main element of this event is exhibition of roses that comes from different Kutno growers along with performances of music bands (mostly folk bands), exhibition of the local artist and trade stalls. Since 1990 name of the festival has been changed to The Rose Festival (Święto Róży) along with its theme. Exhibition of roses has been extended with arts and set design arrangements.

• Kutno Station – Nationalwide Competition of Honorable Songs of Kutno District Governor – Jeremi Przybora. For the first time, took place in 2005.

• Szalom Asz Festival – Nationwide literally contest, that is taking place once every two years. Jewish music, literally, photographic exhibition and film screenings also are immanent part of the festival.

Sport

Kutno is the seat of the European Little League Baseball Center. In 1984, Juan Echevarria Motola – Cuban living in Kutno started training Baseball with the group of the young people. Therefore, Baseball section of "Stal Kutno" club has been made. It is the biggest youth center of Baseball in Europe. European Baseball Championship takes there place annually in various age categories. Complex consist of two fully lighted stadiums that have enough space to hold up to two thousand spectators, three training pitches and dormitory for over 200 hundred players. Stadiums are named by Edward Piszka and Stanley Musiał.

Sports club City Stadium in Kutno on Tadeusz Kościuszki st. is named by Henryk Reyman.

Sports Clubs in Kutno

• MZS Kutno – Football, currently in third league, founded in 1993.
• AZS WSGK Pol – Fol Kutno – basketball, currently second league.
• Tytan Kutno – rugby club founded in 2009
• Stal Kutno – baseball club, Major League
• Stal Kutno II – Baseball club, second league

International cooperation

Kutno cooperates with various cities and regions in Europe. For instance with Bat Yam city in Israel (Szalom Asz festival connects both towns). Thanks to Commune Association of Kutno Region town maintains relationship with the English county Northumberland.

Transportation

Kutno is important communication junction in central Europe. Two main roads leads through town: country road nr. 92 (former road nr. 2) connecting Miedzichowo near Nowy Tomyśl with Łowicz and Warsaw; country road nr. 60 connecting Kutno with Płock and Ostrów Mazowiecka country road which is the transit corridor for trucks, leading from Baltic countries to Germany. Both roads leading through town are bypassed which helps transport though country and to reduce traffic in the town.

Fourteen kilometers from Kutno in Krośniewice leads road nr.1 connecting Łódź and Katowice. Junction of roads nr.1 and 92 is also placed there.

Beside country roads through Kutno leads a system of Province and District roads connecting town with Łódź and other nearby towns.

In the near future two kilometers of A1 motorway is going to be constructed which will improve importance of town in road transportation. Kutno will be supported by the two exits from the A1 road in Sójki (Kutno North, 7 km from the town) and Kotliska localities (Kutno East, 2 km from the town).

List of country and province roads in Kutno

• country road nr 60: Łęczyca – Kutno – Płock – Ostrów Mazowiecka
• country road nr 92: Miedzichowo – Poznań – Konin – Kutno – Łowicz
• province road nr 702: Kutno – Piątek – Zgierz

Railway

Kutno in 19th century has become important railway hub in Poland. 20s and 30s of 20th century was period of largest development.

History of railway in Kutno has started in 1861. Warsaw – Bydgoszcz railway station exist and fulfills it's duty until today. Future, intensive railway development has started during interwar period. Between 1922 to 1926 years connection linking Kutno with Poznań (thereby construction of Warsaw - Poznań railway has ended) and Łódź with Płock has been made. During postwar period current platform and underground passage has been constructed.

One can get by train from Kutno to most of the big cities in Poland (Warsaw, Łódź, Bydgoszcz, Szczecin, Poznań, Wrocław, Katowice, Kraków, Lublin) and also to various tourism centers (Kołobrzeg, Krynica-Zdrój, Hel, Zakopane).

Bus service

PKS Kutno enables coach connection with neighbouring localities for which Kutno is administrative and regional center. There are also possible regional connections to Łódź and Płock.

Municipal Transportation Company ensures Kutno inhabitants around town and it's closest surrundings. 13 day bus line and one marked "N" (night bus) are leading through Kutno. Remaining lines with numbers from 5 to 16 beside service at city area also rides to localities neighbouring with Kutno.

There are also private carriers servicing line: Kutno – Piątek – Zgierz – Łódź

Honorary citizen

List of individuals granted with the Honorary citizen title by the City council

Edward John Piszek Stanley Frank Musial Eugeniusz Filipowicz Ph.D. Antoni Troczewski

Former names in the city

During the times of German occupation, the square at the center of Kutno (nowadays Marshall Józef Piłsudski square) was named Adolf Hitler Platz, while Gabriel Narutowicz St. was named Hindenburg Strase.

During the times of People's Republic of Poland Piłsudski square was named Józef Stalin square. After death of Stalin name of the square was changed to 19 January square (date related to the liberation of Kutno by the Red Army).

Former names of the streets in Kutno:

• nowadays cardinal Stefan Wyszyński st – former General Karol Świerczewski (before war Szosowa st.),
• nowadays Wilcza st. – former Hanki Sawickiej st.
• nowadays Marii Skłodowskiej – Curie st. – former Głogowiecka st.
• nowadays Peowiacka st. – former Marian Buczka st.
• nowadays Augustyn Kordecki – former Marcin Kasprzak st.
• nowadays General Własysław Sikorski – former General Siemon Kriwoszeina st.
• nowadays Władysław Anders – former Felix Dzerzhinsky st.

Legends and Curiosities

According to widely spread story Kutno was supposed to be founded by count Piotr from Kutna Hora who had escaped in 997 with brother of bishop Wojciech from Czechia to Poland.Kutno town has been founded as a heirloom of family property.

J. Łukawski, publisher of Liber beneficiorum by J. Ławski placed in footnote on page 478 following account: "When Piotr of Kutno had come to Poland in year 997 founded Kutno as a memento of his manor house in Czechia. Along with settlement parish church has been founded. Ancestors of him, designated themselves as the counts of Kutno and later assumed name Kucieńscy"

However, this source is not reliable and rejected by most of the scientists due to a fact-collecting dubieties. It is treated as a legend from 18th century or just a varnish to origins some noble families. According to a geographic ditionary of Polish Kingdom: commonly known at this sides name "Kąty" gives us impression that Kutno could have been named "Kątno" originally.

Source of this legend is most presumably a matter similarities between names Kutno and Kutná Hora. First references to Kutná Hora comes from 1289, whereas about Kutno itself from 1301. In addition, in the 10th century Poles were not founding towns, as an equivalent they have strongholds which has changed in the 13th century. Count titles are being used in Czechia since 1627.

Miscellaneous

During the Kutno bombardment by Germans in 1939 many strange events took place. On junction of nowadays Kochanowski st. with 1 Maja st. German saboteur laid down on the street was used as a mark for bombers which were destroing railway station.

Many Kutno inhabitants took part in Polish-Bolshevik war as a Lwów Eaglets also they fought in Siberian Division. After war hundreds of 15 years old boys were enlisted to Army Mining Corps today known as a miner – soldiers.

During German occupation, nowadays Marshal Józef Piłsudski square and Gabriel Narutowicz st. were named adequatly Adolf Hitler Platz and Hindenburg Straße.

During the times of People's Republic of Poland, nowadays Piłsudski square had been named by Joseph Stalin. After Joseph Stalin` demise, name was changed to 19 January square (date related to liberation of Kutno by Red Army.

External links

• Website of Kutno mayority
• Kutno – eKutno.pl city news center
• Kutno Culture Center
• Kutno – information center
• Shtetl Kutno (English and Polish)
• Photos of 1939 Kutno Jewish Ghetto
• Jewish Kutno Memorial (English, French, Spanish and Hebrew)