Kożuchów

Poland, Poland

---

Kożuchów is one of western Poland's oldest towns in the Lubusz Voivodeship, first mentioned in 1273 under Duke Henryk III Głogowski with town rights granted around that time or by 1291, strategically located at trade route crossroads from Wrocław to Krosno and Poznań to Głogów near the Odra River.

Likely originating from a Slavic Dziadoszanie tribe stronghold in the 12th century, it became capital of an independent Głogów principality from 1397-1467 under Piasts with minting rights, thriving on crafts like cloth-making, tanning, pottery, and brewing before decline during the Thirty Years' War.

Best preserved among Poland's medieval fortifications, its 13th-14th century stone walls—up to 8m high, 2m thick, over 1km long with four gates (demolished 1819)—surround the historic core alongside a Gothic castle (now culture center), rebuilt Renaissance town hall, parish church, and market square, reflecting its Piast heritage amid postwar Polish resettlement.