Sławków

Sławków is a small town in southern Poland along the Biała Przemsza river. The center features a market square with historic buildings, including the wooden Austeria from the 18th century, a former inn that once provided lodging and meals to travelers.

Archaeological evidence shows settlement from the 8th century, and the town was first documented in 1286. It reached its peak in the 13th century as a busy trade route between Krakow and Wroclaw, then declined due to invasions, fires, and wars.

The town's name likely comes from a legendary knight called Sławko who founded the settlement. Medieval street patterns still shape the town layout today, and visitors can see how the market square served as the civic and economic heart of the community.

The town is easy to explore on foot, with parking available near the market and church. Visitors can walk through narrow medieval streets, visit the ruins of the bishop's castle, and use the wooden boardwalk over the Biała Przemsza marshes for a nature walk.

In the 1800s, a metal-processing factory called the Walcownia was built here, using water power from the Biała Przemsza river. Only old building remains now recall this industrial past that once shaped the town's economy.