Oleśnica (German Oels or Öls.) is a town in south-western Poland with 38,900 inhabitants (1995). Situated in the Lower Silesian Voivodship (since 1999), previously in Wroclaw Voivodship (1975-1998).

History

The village of Oleśnica received the city rights ( law of średzko Civitas nostra Olsnicz) on 22 February 1255 from Henryk III White , son of Henry II the Pious. From 1320 it becames the capital of the Duchy of Olesnica and the seat of Konrad of Mazovia. After the death of Konrad Bialy Mlodszy , last of the local Piast dynasty in 1492 the Duchy of Olesnica has been sold to the Czech Zięba -Podebrad line, and in 1647 has been acquired by the dukes of Württemberg (ksiażęta wirtemberscy).

The city has been part of an important trade route between major city of Wroclaw to Wielkopolska region, and had close ties with Kraków. It was the site of several important printing presses and gymnasium. From 13th century it had a coin mint.

The city has been incorporated to Poland in 1945, after the Second World War. It has been destroyed in 80% by the Red Army.

See also

• Dukes of Silesia#Duchy of Olesnica
• History of Silesia