Szydłów, town of Poland
Szydłów is a small town in Poland with medieval walls from the 14th century stretching over 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) and still standing strong. The old town keeps its original layout with narrow streets leading to a central market square, while a former royal castle and a 16th-century synagogue are the main structures visitors encounter.
Szydłów developed in the Middle Ages as an important trade center with a castle, fortifying itself with walls to protect Poland's northern border. The town lost its city status in the 1800s but residents voted to restore it in 2019.
Szydłów carries meaning as a place where medieval trade traditions are remembered through local gatherings and seasonal festivals. The Plum Festival shows how agricultural heritage shapes community identity, with residents and visitors celebrating the fruit that has defined the region for generations.
The town is small and easy to explore on foot, with walls and the market square at the center. A visit typically lasts two to three hours, and visitors can walk freely while guided tours for larger groups can be arranged in advance.
Szydłów is known for producing over 40 plum varieties and is considered Poland's plum center, with an annual festival and a museum dedicated to this fruit's history. Visitors can buy fresh fruit directly from local growers or taste plum-filled chocolates at a chocolate factory.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
