Kielce, Poland

For 2010 - 2011 I will be living in Kielce, Poland. 

Here is some information about the town you might be interested in:


Kielce is a city located in south-eastern Poland within the Świętokrzyskie Mountains or Holy Cross Mountain Range.  Located between Warsaw (capital of Poland) and Krakow (the historic capital), Kielce has a population of about 200,000 people.  

The earliest recorded date of Kielce's existence is 1212 AD.  Throughout Kielce there are many historic sites, including the 17th century palace of Krakow's bishops.  The palace is located on Castle Hill in the center of Kielce and is now a National Polish Museum.


Kielce is the regional capital for the Świętokrzyskie province and so is the economic, educational and cultural center for the region.  Kielce is known for it's many nature preserves and recreation areas, there are 5 preserves within city limits.  The Świętokrzyskie Mountains were known for mining, especially copper and iron, though now most of the mountains make up a national park.  They are the oldest mountain range in Europe. There are nine universities in Kielce, three theaters, a football (soccer) stadium and countless festivals are held throughout the year.