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Wągrowiec is a town in north-western Poland, 50 km in north from Poznan, Poland.
Situated in the Greater Poland Voivodship (since 1999), previously in Pila Voivodship (1975-1998). Population - 24 481 inh.: men - 11 896
women - 12 585, average age - 32,4. Area - 17,9 sq. km.
The region around the town is rich in many lakes. Durowskie Lake is situated in center of the town. The very special attraction, rare even in the world is the crossing point of two rivers: Nielba and Welna. Wagrowiec is an important rail and road junction.
In 1319 small village called Prostynie situated on the island on the Welna river was bought by Cysters from Lekno. In 1381 Wagrowiec was mentioned first time as the town. At the end of XVI century king Wladyslaw Jagiello gave privilege of the market and fair. In the years 1655-56 in Swedish hands.
Between 1793 and 1919, this area was part of the Prussian province of Posen and its predecessors: South Prussia and Grand Duchy of Posen and had a subsequent 'germanized' spelling of Wongrowitz. Between 1807 and 1815 (when Napolean had defeated Prussia), the area was part of the Duchy of Warsaw.
After World War I again in polish borders. In the years 1918-19 Polish inhabitants of Wagrowiec fought in the Greater Poland Uprising.
During World War II, the name was changed by the Nazi occupiers to Eichenbrück.
Jakub Wujek was born here (1541), author of a translation of Holy Scripture into the Polish language.
Most important places of interest are:
- the Gothic parish church with a belfry
- baroque monastery
- Postcistercian church, an abbey called Opatowka - the former seat of the Cistercian Abbots, now a regional museum
- Pyramid of Lakinski - the tomb of a captain of Napoleon's army in the shape of a pyramid.
Famous sport club Nielba is working here. Mens handball team is playing in polish Second Division, mens soccer team plays in polish Fourth Division.
See also
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