Uniejow, a town situated on the banks of the Warta river in Lodz Voivodeship, is a popular tourist destination. In 2008 Uniejow Thermal Park with brine baths was opened and three years later the town gained the status of a thermal- water-based spa. On 26 May 2012 the spa with inside and outside swimming pools was built. The Complex comprises three centers: Baths, Restaurants and the Knight’s Castle. Every year there are Medieval Fairs and Big Knight’s Tournaments organized in Uniejow..

The first known mention of the town appears in the document from1136, which states that Uneievo belonged to the property of the Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Gniezno. Allegedly, the collegiate church was erected at that time.

In the 15 th century the town and trade flourished with the cult of St. Bogumil (pilgrimages to Dobrowo). Unfortunately, a few tragic events took place during that time. In September 1459 the town was largely destroyed by fire. When the next fire outbreak occurred in May 1492, the town was looted and many important documents were stolen.

In the 19 th century the town became a leading trade center. In Uniejów markets were held every Monday and the St. Florian’s Fair, the Fair of St. Wawrzyniec and the Holy Spirit Fair played crucial roles in the development of the town.

The first diocesan synod was held in 1376 and the castle remained the residence of Gniezno Archbishops until the end of the 18 th century. Although the building was constructed in the Gothic style, in the 17 th century it was reconstructed in the Renaissance style. However, Uniejow began to decline in the 17 th century. The town suffered from a fire in 1632, and in 1655 it was largely destroyed by the “Swedish Flood”.

After the Second Partition of Poland, the church property was secularized and in 1836 the real properties in Uniejow, together with the town and castle, were donated to the Count Aleksander Toll. In 1870 the tsarist authorities deprived Uniejow of its privileges, which the town regained in 1919.

To begin with, the spa, surrounded by the 19th century park, is situated at the foot of the 14th century castle. The spa offers baths in pools filled with therapeutic thermal brine.

The temperature of the water in baths increases to about 50°C.

In July 2012 Uniejow became the only place in Lodz Voivodeship that gained the status of a thermal-water-based spa. Although there are over 45 other health resorts in Poland.

Uniejow Park Health Resort is an important rehabilitation and medical center. Surrounded by the 19 th century park, it is situated next to the Warta river and Thermal Baths.

The Castellan Baths are a great attraction for people who want to spend their time with friends or families.

Six people can stay in the same bath tub and enjoy baths with brine, chocolate, beer and rose petals.

The Miller’s Farmstead is another place worth visiting in Uniejow.

The tourists visiting the mill can also attend the making of rye flour and try original products and dishes prepared according to traditional recipes.

The 19th century cottage has been turned into an inn, and a barn is used to organize handicraft, blacksmithing, wicker, pottery and floral workshops.

The natural conditions of the area and the beautiful landscape invite tourists to engage in active recreation, for example, horse riding.

Uniejow offers a number of different attractions, but those mentioned above are most important. To conclude, it has to be admitted that Uniejow is a town worth visiting in any season.

Thank you for your attention!

Katarzyna Michalak