Maja Chwalińska was born here. This city is “Polish Jerusalem”

For several days now, small Miechów in Małopolska has been a sports sensation. All because Tomasz Chwaliński revealed that his daughter Maja, the sensational finalist of this year’s French Open, was born in this city. The information quickly spread around the local community and caused quite a surprise, because in…Previously, Dąbrowa Górnicza was listed in official sources as the tennis player’s place of birth.

Roland Garros. Maja Chwalińska was born here

For many residents of Miechów, this is a completely new story. Although the city located about 40 kilometers north of Krakow has rich traditions and strong ties with the history of Poland, few people here have heard of the world-class tennis player.

– Of course, I had heard about Maja before, but not that she was born in Miechów. However, I am sure that her example will make tennis, which is already popular in the city, gain even more fans – says Krzysztof Wachacki, one of the local tennis enthusiasts.

Lesser Poland. What is Miechów famous for?

Miechów, often called “Polish Jerusalem”, has a unique history dating back to the 12th century. It was then that Prince Jaksa brought the Order of the Holy Sepulchers here, which initiated the development of the city as an important religious and cultural center.

The temple, rebuilt over the centuries, remains one of the most important places of worship in Poland and stands out to this day a unique chapel of the Holy Sepulchre, modeled on the one in Jerusalem. The monastery complex itself, with its cloisters and historic buildings, is one of the best preserved structures of this type in the country.

In the city center there is also a market square with a historic urban layout, surrounded by historic tenement houses that remind us of the former importance of Miechów as a commercial and administrative center. Another important point on the map is the Miechów Land Museum, located in a former monastery building. Next to it is the “U Jaksy” Gallery, presenting contemporary and regional art.

Walking around the area, you can also come across traces of old walls and monastery buildings. The area is also conducive to active recreation. The popular bicycle path “Szlakiem wąskotorówki” leads through the picturesque areas of the former railway line. There are also places in the region related to the history of the Kościuszko Uprising, including the area around Racławice.