Martin M. Miles' photos with the keyword: Sieradz

A settlement did exist here already in the 6th century and in about 1025 a fortified township was founded on the present site. It had also welcomed many settlers from Scotland and the Netherlands after the 13th century. In the Middle Ages, the town was attacked by the Mongols, the Bohemians, and the Teutonic Knights. Until the 16th century the town was an important trade centre. Merchants from Spain and Portugal were frequently visiting the town for trade and commerce. In the 17th century due to the Swedish invasions, plagues, and fires the town lost its trading importance and fell from its prime. In the 18th century the reconstruction of town commenced. The residents during that time were only approximately 1,500. Only a few examples of historic architecture survived the times. One of them is the former Collegiate Church, built of bricks around 1370. The five-storey square tower was built in 1585. Today it serves as a parish church.