For the first time ever Częstochowa was mentioned in the year 1220. In the 14th century the town was granted its foundation charter, according to the German law by King Casimir the Great, and then the town developed into an important trade centre on the route from Russia and Wallachia to Lower Silesia and Saxony. The next significant stage in the development of Częstochowa was initiated when the town was granted the privilege to excavate and smelt iron ore. The advantageous location on the Warta River and the proximity of the Monastery undoubtedly encouraged the town development. Soon another settlement began to expand, this time around the Monastery and that settlement was granted municipal rights in 1717.

The two towns became officially joined in 1826. It was then that the Holy Virgin Mary Avenue got erected and became an axis around which new houses as well as shops were built. The most intensive development of the town took place at the time of the Industrial Revolution. The town had access to water intakes and was situated on the Warsaw Vienna Railway, hence textile factories and steelworks were built here and haberdashery and chemical industries began to thrive. Following earlier traditions, Częstochowa craftsmen manufactured goods from coloured metals, and also glass and ceramic articles were manufactured. At the end of the 19th century Częstochowa was one of the most developed industrial centres and the fourth biggest town in the Kingdom of Poland as regards its inhabitants. The significance of the city was accencuated during the Exhibition of Industry and Agriculture held in 1909. The exhibition itself was a comprehensive survey of Polish cultural and technological capabilities, the national demonstration of Polish cultural and technological possibilities as well as production potential. In 1933 Częstochowa was granted the status of a municipal district (starostwo grodzkie).

At the beginning of the 20th century Częstochowa set up its cultural heritage institutions. Thus the museum, the theatre, libraries, cinemas as well as several schools of educational, polytechnic and academic background got founded. Also, the local press started burgeoning.

In 1925 the Diocese of Częstochowa was established and later the Diocese was awarded the status of Archdiocese by Pope John Paul II in the year 1992.

The good business climate has always prevailed in Częstochowa. The city is now a big centre with a well-developed infrastructure and a strong social and economic potential. As an important academic centre with its nine higher profile schools with over 40.000 students, the city is a centre of culture based on tradition. Częstochowa, the city open for the world from the very beginning, was the first town in Poland to be granted the Prix de'l Europe award by the Council of Europe. The award gave a special splendour to the City and its inhabitants.

source www.czestochowa.pl