Rzeszów

Rzeszów is a city in south-eastern Poland and the capital of the Subcarpathian Voivodeship. It is the largest city in the region and functions as its economic, academic, and cultural hub. The city lies on the Wisłok River at the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains and has a population of roughly 190,000 to 200,000 residents.

The settlement that became Rzeszów dates to the Middle Ages. It is mentioned in 14th‑century sources and is believed to have received town rights in the 15th century. Over the centuries it developed as a market town under various noble families and grew into a regional center. In the modern era, it has served as an administrative and commercial hub. Since the 1999 administrative reform, Rzeszów has been the capital of the Subcarpathian Voivodeship.

Economy and infrastructure in Rzeszów blend services, manufacturing, and a growing information technology sector. The city hosts IT companies and research centers, including Asseco Poland, a major software group headquartered there. Rzeszów-Jasionka Airport nearby provides national and international air links, while rail and road connections link the city with Kraków, Lviv, and other centers in the region.

Education and culture are prominent in the city. It hosts several higher education institutions, including the University of Rzeszów and the Rzeszów University of Technology, among others. Cultural life centers on venues such as the Wanda Siemaszkowa Theatre and the Podkarpackie Museum, along with the historic market square in the Old Town.

Geographically, the urban core features a preserved Old Town around the market square, with historic churches and palaces. The city’s location makes it a gateway to the Subcarpathian region and its diverse cultural and natural attractions.