Between the Rivers Podlaski
Międzyrzec Podlaski is a town with a centuries-old history, rich in significant events and cultural wealth. The first mention of it dates back to 1390, when King Władysław Jagiełło granted these lands to the knight Abraham Chamca as a reward for his merits on the battlefield. Located at the junction of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, Międzyrzec quickly became an important socio-economic hub in the region.
In 1435, the town was granted city rights. Soon, it grew into an important center of trade and crafts – known, among others, for the production of cloth, furs, agricultural products, beer, and leather and saddlery goods. The city has always been characterized by cultural diversity – alongside Poles, representatives of the Lithuanian-Russian and Jewish communities lived here.
The greatest flourishing of Międzyrzec occurred in the 18th century, when the city was under the patronage of the notable Czartoryski family. During this time, numerous public utility buildings were erected, temples were renovated, a town hall was built, and patronage over culture contributed to a revival of artistic life. The significance of Międzyrzec was also determined by its strategic location – at the crossroads of the main east-west and north-south communication routes. Surrounded by greenery, full of energy and the talents of its inhabitants, the city is still considered one of the gems of eastern Poland.
The name of the town derives from its location "between the rivers." The addition "Podlaski," introduced in the 16th century, refers to the city's belonging to the historical Podlaskie Voivodeship. Międzyrzec has experienced many dramatic moments – during the partitions and both world wars. The period of World War II was particularly tragic – the city was bombed, and the Jewish district was destroyed. In 1942, the German occupiers established a ghetto here, in which over 17 thousand Jews were murdered.
After the end of the war, from 1945, Międzyrzec found itself within the borders of the Lublin Voivodeship. Between 1975 and 1998, it belonged to the Biała Podlaska Voivodeship, and since the administrative reform of 1999, it has once again functioned within the framework of the Lublin Voivodeship as the seat of the commune in Biała Podlaska County.
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Contemporary Międzyrzec Podlaski attracts tourists with both its monuments – including the palace complex – and natural attractions. The picturesque valley of the Krzna River and the Międzyrzeckie Lakes deserve special attention – a place for relaxation and recreation, where, besides swimming, numerous outdoor events take place.
