Otmuchów

Sister cities

• Bernkastel-Kues

History

The first known mentioning of Otmuchów comes from 1155, however, it certainly existed, along with the castle, already in the 11th century. It was a seat of a castellany within medieval Poland ruled by the Piast dynasty. It was a property of the Diocese of Wrocław and a result of the fragmentation of Poland, it formed part of the Duchy of Nysa. In the 14th century the city was surrounded by defensive walls. Establishment of the coat of arms of the city dates back to 1347, when Bishop of Wrocław Przecław of Pogorzela vested Otmuchów with town rights. In 1944 the men were transferred to the oil refinery at Trzebinia (E738). The Germans also established and operated the Polenlager 86 forced labour camp for Poles in the town. 36 Polish citizens were murdered by Nazi Germany in the town during the war. Following the defeat of Germany in the war, the town became again part of Poland.