Skierniewice

Skierniewice is a city in central Poland, located in the Łódź Voivodeship. It lies roughly midway between Warsaw and Łódź and has about 60,000 inhabitants. It is a city with powiat rights, meaning it functions as a separate local government unit and serves as the seat of its own county.

The town has medieval origins and developed as a local trade center after receiving municipal rights in the Middle Ages. In the 19th century it grew rapidly as a railway junction on the Warsaw–Łódź line, which spurred industry and population growth. Following Poland’s 1999 local-government reform, Skierniewice retained its status as a city with powiat rights and became the seat of its county.

Skierniewice has a long horticultural tradition and hosts research and development activity related to fruit growing and plant breeding. Agriculture and related processing form a significant part of the economy, complemented by light industry and services. The city preserves a historic urban core with a market square, churches and parks, and it hosts cultural institutions such as a regional museum and theaters, along with annual festivals.

Transportation is a notable aspect of Skierniewice, as it is a major railway junction on routes connecting Warsaw and Łódź. The city is also served by national roads linking it with surrounding regions, facilitating regional commerce and mobility for residents and visitors.