Baia Mare

City: Baia Mare

Coat-of-Arms:

State: Romania Address: Primăria Municipiului Baia Mare Str. Gh. Sincai nr. 37 Baia Mare, 430311 ROMANIA T: 0040 262 213 824 0040 262 213 261 Fax: Website: www.baiamarecity.ro E-mail: [email protected] City Mayor: Cătălin Cherecheş Document/Date of Signature: Partnership Agreement (1990)

Baia Mare (large mine) is a city in Romania, Transylvania, and the administrative center of Maramuresh District. The city area is 233.3 km2 – one of the largest Romanian cities. The population is 140,937 residents (2007).

Baia Mare is first mentioned in 1142, when Gedza II, a Hungarian king, came here with German colonists. Hungarian population always prevailed among the local residents; the Romanians were the second, and the Germans were the third. In the 1920-1940s, Baia Mare was the part of the Romanian Kingdom. Since 1944, it had been the part of Hungaria. Pursuant to the Paris Agreement, Baia Mare became the integral part of Romania.

The city is the hub of non-ferrous metal production. Here, the non-ferrous metallurgy plant operates (lead, copper, and gold); sulfuric acid is produced, and the enterprises of mining, food and wood processing industries function.

Rzeszów

City: Rzeszów

Coat-of-Arms:

State: The Republic of Address: Urząd Miasta Rzeszowa Rynek 1 Rzeszow, 35-064 POLSKA T / Fax: 004817 862 2410, 862 2810 004817 862 2641 Website: www.rzeszow.pl E-mail: [email protected] President: Tadeusz Ferenc Document/Date of Signature: Partnership Agreement (19/09/2000)

Rzeszów is the administrative center of Transcarpathian , the biggest local agglomeration of South-Eastern Poland, true commercial, industrial and economic city and the largest cultural hub of this country part. It is situated in the border area near the Vislok River. The linear distance from Rzeszów to Ukrainian border is about 100 km.

It was founded as a defensive town in the 14th century. The city gained its local rights from King Casimir the Great in 1354. In the 15th century, the town was burnt out. After rebuilding, Rzeszów obtained a lot of privileges, that promoted its quick development.

In 1772, Austrians ruled in the city. Then, for 146 years, the city was the part of the Habsburg Empire. Rzeszów became independent in 1845. The city was developing at that time thanks to the political and economic freedoms, promoted by Halychyna. The dynamic growth was interrupted by World War II. In the aftermath, the city was partially destroyed. In 1941, Hitler`s forces set up a ghetto in Rzeszów. The war over, Rzeszów was said to be the capital of Rzeszow Province. The city was developing and getting up-to-date.

The city’s old part includes only the small area of modern Rzeszów – Market and several streets. Approximately 400 buildings and architectural monuments, most of which are located in the downtown, are preserved on municipal territory. Lubomirski Palace, the city’s main square and its stone monuments, the local town hall (the 15th c.), Bernadine’s Monastery, Old-New Synagogue and Underground have important architectural value.

Rzeszów holds a lot of cultural and entertaining events and festivals, some of which are considered international. The International Festival of Polish Folk Bands is said to be the most famous cultural event. The Multicultural Festival “Halychyna”, Teen Chorus Festival and International Music Festival “Carpathia” are periodically held in Rzeszów.

Rzeszów is an important industrial center. The production of household appliances, food, light, construction, furniture and telecommunication industries are developing in the city. Airline industry and pharmaceutics are developing the most effectively.

Rzeszów is a large academic center. Near 60,000 students acquire a degree here every year.

Chrzanów

City: Chrzanów Coat-of-Arms:

State: The Republic of Poland Address: Urząd Miejski w Chrzanowie ul.Henryka 20 Chrzanow 32-500 POLSKA T: 00327 585 152 – Mayor’s Chamber Fax: 00326 233 786; 623 3786 Website: www.chrzanow.pl E-mail: [email protected] Burgomaster: Ryszard Kosowski Document/Date of Signature: Partnership Agreement (16/02/2001)

Chrzanów is a district city, located in the Western part of Malopolskie Province, on the Visla left tributary – the Hehlo River. The city area, where about 40,000 residents live, is almost 80 km2. The linear distance from Ivano-Frankivsk to Chrzanów constitutes 408 km.

Chrzanów obtained the in 1393. Old Polish Chrzanów was famous for cattle and precious metals trade – mostly ore, tin zink and iron. The importance of local tin trade is proved by the established unit of this precious metal weight – Centner of Chrzanów weight.

The 17th century meant recession, connected with military actions, epidemies and fires. Only at the end of the 18th century, thanks to the new extraction methods, the mines began to develop intensively. At that time, the city and its surrounding territory partially belonged to the Western part of Halychyna, Warsaw Kingdom, and the Republic of Kraków. It had belonged to Halychyna since 1869.

Being previously the city of craftsmen and merchants, Chrzanów turned into an industrial center and a province capital. At the beginning of the 20th century, two largest enterprises began to operate in Chrzanów. They were the first Polish “Locomotive Plant” and Refractory Materials Plant “Stella”, which function nowadays.

Being close to Cracow, Oswiencim, Vadovits and modern Water Center “Hehlo Strait”, the city attracts a number of tourists.

Chrzanów is the city of medieval history. Most of the preserved ancient memorials originate from the 19th and early 20th centuries. While walking along Chrzanów streets, one should visit St. Nicolas Church with medieval gothic carving and baroque chapel of St. Stanislav, finally built in 1641.

Zielona Góra

City: Zielona Góra

Coat-of-Arms:

State: The Republic of Poland Address: Urząd Miasta Zielona Góra ul. Podgorna 22 Zielona Góra 65-424 POLSKA T/ Fax: 0048 68 45 64 110, 45 64 111 0048 68 45 64 155 Website: www.zielona-gora.pl E-mail: [email protected]

President: Janusz Kubicki Document/Date of Signature: Partnership Agreement (06/04/2001)

Zielona Góra is a city in Western Poland, one of two administrative centers of Lubusz Province, which is situated at the crossroads of historical way Vrotslav-Shenin. The population is 118,600 residents. The linear distance from Zielona Góra to Ivano- Frankivsk is 732 km.

Zielona Góra was first mentioned in 1222. In 1323 approximately, the settlement, located in the small picturesque valley of the River, was granted the city status. The Magdeburg Law caused the large inflow of German colonists to this place. In the 1430s, the city was surrounded with a safety wall, but soon it was destroyed. (Now, only small parts of its whisper through centuries.)

The central regions of Zielona Góra attract tourists with numerous interesting stone constructions of the 19th century. Most of the old buildings were built at the beginning of the 20th century and have eclectic style. The historical center is the market area with an ancient city hall of the 15th century. Late-gothic Cathedral of St. Yadviga is an old monument of sacral architecture, preserved in Zielona Góra. One should definitely visit the museum of . It is located in the building of ex- council, built in 1980. There is the only wine production department, where one may see special equipment and wine utensils.

Zielona Góra is often called Vynnyi Grad or Bahys Grad. Since the city foundation, its name has been connected with vine growing. The local vineyards were first mentioned in 1314, but the famous white wine is supposed to have been produced there since the 11th century. The wines, produced in Zielona Góra, were exported not only to Polish cities but abroad as well. The most popular local sort of white wine was “Monte Verde”. In the course of time, the wine production in this region decreased, and it was so due to the climate change. Nowadays, the wine is not produced in Zielona Góra. (The last plant decayed at the beginning of the 1990s.) Now, several vineyards are still in the Wine Park, which surrounds the Palm conservatory. (The traditional grape festivals have been held here since 1852.) Each September during a week, there are different presentations, sport and trading events in Zielona Góra. At present, mechanic engineering, textile and food industries are well-developed in the city.

Sierpukhov

City: Sierpukhov

Coat-of-Arms:

State: The Russian Federation Address: City Administration 88 Sovietskaia St. Sierpukhov Moscow District The Russian Federation T: 007 496 779 0001 – Mayor’s Chamber

Website: http://www.серпухов.рф/ E-mail: [email protected] Head of Administration: Zalesov, Pavel Document/Date of Signature: Partnership Agreement (18/09/2001)

Sierpukhov is the administrative center of Sierpukhov Region of Moscow District (Russia). The city is located 99 km south to the capital of the Russian Federation.

There are no precise data about the city foundation. Sierpukhov is first mentioned as a city in the Ecclesiastical Charter of Ivan Kalita, the great Moscow tzar. The text of this document is preserved in two variants and dates back to 1328-1339. The Sierpuhov Historical and Art Museum is a unique cultural artifact, considered to be the largest one in Russia, and it is famous for the easel paintings of Russian and West European artists, the works of famous sculptors and masterpieces of applied art as well. Soborna Mountain is the ancient center of Sierpukhov. The remnants of white stone Kremlin walls and Troitskyi Cathedral, which is the home for the affiliate of the Historical and Art Museum, are conserved. The Kremlin of Sierpukhov didn’t have any direct counterparts that would serve as stone protection during the 17th century. The city area is 32.6 km2, 22.3 km2 thereof is used for construction. The city population is more than 126,000 people. Sierpukhov is a green city that includes about 50 gardens and squares. The linear distance from Serpukhov to Ivano- Frankivsk is over 1,100 km.

The industry is highly developed, that has been proved through the ages. As far back as the 18th century, Sierpukhov became one of the main industrial centers of Russia. The city is beneficially located at the crossroads of trade routes, and its infrastructure is well-developed. Sierpukhov transport junction should mean railway, road and water ways. For the 19th century, the city was developing as a textile production center. 92 percent of all-city blue-collars worked at textile factories. In the city suburbs, there is a biosphere reserve, which was established in 1945 to preserve a unique natural complex. The reserve is the museum of midland nature with 100-year- old forests, arctic lakes, picturesque landscapes and a wonderful animal world.

In Sierpukhov, there are two open monasteries. They are the Sierpukhov Monastery of Mistress and Presentation of Virgin Mary and Vysotsky Monastery. The latter is the home for Inexhaustible Chalice, the only preserved wonderworking Marian icon.

Rybnik

City: Rybnik

Coat-of-Arms and Flag:

State: The Republic of Poland Address: Urząd Miasta Rybnika ul. B.Chrobrego 2 Rybnik 44-200 POLSKA T: 032 422 3011 – Mayor’s Chamber 032 439 2000 Fax: 032 422 4124 Website: www.rybnik.pl E-mail: [email protected] President of the City: Adam Fudali (4th term) Document/Date of Signature: Partnership Agreement (12/10/2001)

Rybnik is a city in Southern Poland (Silesian Province). It is located 290 km to the south of Warsaw on Polish-Czech border. The city population is over 140,000 residents. The linear distance from Rybnik to Ivano-Frankivsk constitutes 465 km. Rybnik is the city with district rights and is the 25th largest Polish city by population number and the 14th largest Polish one by terrain criterion. Rybnik is divided into 27 districts, most of which have a suburb status.

There are no precise data about its foundation. The first humans settled here in 8000 B.C. In 1327, the city obtained Magdeburg Rights. In the Middle Ages, Rybnik was a fisherman settlement, located on an important trade route in the Ratsiborske Kingdom. In the city suburbs, there were a lot of fishing ponds, due to which the city acquired its name Rybnik (“fishing pond”). In the post-war period, a partially destroyed city was being rebuilt. The development of coal-mining industry was a cutting edge; education, culture and sport were top priorities as well.

Rybnik doesn`t have great cultural and architectural memorials, however, there are some old and interesting objects. Most of them are in the central part of the city. The most important ones include St. Anthony Church in Basel, neogothic sanctity, built according to Ludwig Schneider’s project in 1903-1906; the ancient nursing home of 1887; a neoclassicistic city hall, built in 1928; the classicistic ancient city hall with a clock tower of 1822 (The latter is the local museum now.).

Rybnik is a rather green city. (It took the first place in the Polish contest “Green City 2000”.) In the city, there are six green districts which have park status and also several districts with square status. The current area of a green local territory exceeds 103 ha. In the northern suburbs, there is the Regional Park, where man-made water network is still preserved. In Rybnik, there is the most modern stadium in Poland and one of the longest Polish bicycle path network – over 100 km. The private post office, which was the first in Poland, still works in Rybnik. Old City, Rybnik Strait, Aeroclub ROW, parks and forests attract multinational tourists.

Oradea

City: Oradea

Coat-of-Arms:

State: Romania Address: Primăria municipiului Oradea Piata Unirii nr.1 Oradea 410100 ROMANIA Fax: 0040 259 437 544 Website: www.oradea.ro E-mail: [email protected] Mayor of the City: Ilie Gavril Bolojan, Judetul Bihor Document/Date of Signature: Partnership Agreement (05/05/2003)

Oradea or Oradia is a Romanian city – the center of Bihor Province. The city is located in the western part of the country; in essence, in Krishana, on the banks of the Muresh River near the Hungarian-Romanian border. The population is more than 200,000 inhabitants. The linear distance from Oradea and Ivano-Frankivsk is 294 km.

In 1113, Oradea is first mentioned as Varad, which means castle. The city tower, some parts of which are still preserved, was first mentioned in 1241. (It was to protect the settlement from Mongol-Tatar invasions. However, only in the 16th century the populated area began to turn into a city. In the 1700s, Franz Anton Hillebrandt, an engineer from Vienna, suggested a city project in a baroque style.) Ferdinand Square is the heart of the city. The theater, mayor’s office, library, cathedrals and the monument to Mihail Vityazul, the province monarch, are located on this square. The architecture of Oradea’s center includes the buildings of the 18th and 19th centuries – the modern style, and Austrian classicism. Cathedrals, churches, a synagogue with a huge dome are located in the downtown.

Although Oradea is a Romanian city, the residents speak Hungarian; one may also hear Russian and Romanian. The city centre is totally different from the main part. In the north-western part of Oradea, near the dwelling houses, there is an industrial area with chemical plants. On the outskirts, near the Hungarian border, there is a religious centre of the country’s western part – the complex of Bihor’s bishop office. The landmarks of Oradea also include Zeriy, which is a palace and museum, built in 1762-1777. In the 1899-1900s, the public theatre was built. (Nowadays, the Romanian and Hungarian troupes perform there.) Oradea has a lot of buildings with magnificent attributes. For example, the Moon Church, Greek Catholic Palace, Palace with stained-glass windows “Black Eagle”, Apolon Palace and Roman Catholic Cathedral. In Oradea, there are over 100 religious landmarks. The largest baptist church is in this city as well.

The industries include furniture, textile, footwear and food domains.

Oradea is a tourist hub and health resort, as it has a great deal of curative geothermal waters. Baile Felix, a spa resort, is very popular.

Surgut

City: Surgut

Coat-of-Arms:

State: The Russian Federation Address: Surgut City Administration 8 Engelsa St. 628400, Surgut Yugra, Khanty-Mansiisk County Tiumien District RUSSIA T: 007 3462 522 175; 282 215 Fax: 522 182; 522 206 Webpage: www.admsurgut.ru E-mail: [email protected]

Chairman: Dmytro Popov Document/Date of Signature: Partnership Agreement (September 2003)

Surgut is a Russian city, and the administrative centre of Surgut Region of Khanty- Mansiisk County. The name itself has derived from sur (fish) and gut (pit), which result in a fish place, all in all. The two lexical units are considered to be Khanty words.

In the year of 1594, Surgut was founded pursuant to the decree of Tsar Fedir Ivanovych. A warrior, clergyman, merchant, and hunter were the first settlers here. At the end of the 16th century, Surgut was a small two-gate fortress, with four complete towers and a let-in one. In the 1960s, the city turned into an industrial hub, with a number of oil and gas wells. In 1965, a city of Surgut was declared.

Surgut is one of the oldest settlements of Siberia. The municipal territory covers the area of 200 km2. The historic city is located on the bank of the River Ob. To be more precise, just in the heart. The linear distance from Surgut to Ivano-Frankivsk constitutes 3,297 km.

Oil extraction and drilling-for-gas are the two sectors of local economy. Surgutnaftogaz and Surgutgazprom are the biggest enterprises here. The city is the non-official oil hub of Russia, with great transport network and important ways. Pipelines, highways, airlines, waterways, and railway crisscross in the City of Surgut. Hence, the spots of Western Siberia are interconnected. In the area, there are two power stations which perform on natural and associated gas. Open Joint-Stock Company “Tiumien Energy Sources”, which is located in Surgut, is the second largest supplier of the products in the whole of Russia. The city is rich in a number of plants. Natural gas processing is one of the industries developed here. Unfortunately, Surgut had faced the dole of other lively cities. All the relics of the past were pulled down. (The only building left is the Museum of Local History. It was erected in the 19th century.)

A millennium was a milestone for Surgut. A unique highway bridge was constructed over the Ob. (The thing is a copy of the Golden Gate Bridge.) Barsova Gora is a rare archeological monument, which is situated on the right bank of the Ob. More than 3,000 rooms and annexes, 61 settlements, mounds, and temples have been conserved. Some of them go back to the Stone Age. The relics go in a line and stretch for eight kilometers in length. A reserve is going to be set up here.

In the year of 2002, the Centre for Ukrainian Culture was established in Surgut. Lots of Ukrainians live on the territory; they produce own newspaper and broadcast events.

Tomaszów Mazowiecki

City: Tomaszów Mazowiecki

Coat-of-Arms:

State: The Republic of Poland Address: Urząd Miasta w Tomaszowie Maz. ul.POW 10/16 Tomaszów Mazowiecki 97-200 POLSKA T: 044 724 2311 Fax: 044 724 4359 Webpage: www.tomaszow-maz.eu E-mail: [email protected]

President: Rafal Zagozdon

Document/Date of Signature: Partnership Agreement (08/05/2004)

The municipality is situated in the central part of Poland. It stands on the River Pilytsia. The city is the administrative centre of Tomaszow County of Lodz Voivodeship.

Tomaszów Mazowiecki was founded by Earl Ostrowskyi in 1788. Just then, iron ore was discovered there. 1824 was a prime time for commerce and industries. In 1830, the Magdeburg Rights were granted to the municipality. The first railway station was built here in the year of 1885. Textile industry made the municipality an important spot.

40,000 people resided on the territory before World War I. The Church of Jesus Christ, which was erected in 1903, is one the local landmarks. For time being, it is the prayer house for evangelists and Lutherans. In 1919, the city was announced to be the capital of the county. It was the heyday of Poland.

Nowadays, there are more than 65,700 residents here. The city covers the area of 41.7 m2.

Economy is represented by the following industries: Production of artificial fibers; textile and food domains. Brest

City: Brest

Coat-of-Arms:

State: The Republic of Belarus Address: the Executive Committee of Brest City Council 3 Engelsa St. Brest 224005 T: 00 375 162 232 062 00 375 162 233 702 Fax: 00 375 162 235 494 Webpage: www.city.brest.by E-mail: [email protected] Chairman: Oleksandr Palyshenkov Chamber: 00 375 162 239 838; 212 193 Document/Date of Signature: Partnership Agreement (24/08/2004)

Brest is located in the South-Western part of Belarus. The city is the administrative centre of Brest District, which borders on Volyn Oblast and Rivne Oblast in the south. The territory covers the area of 72.9 km2. More than 300,000 people reside here. The linear distance from Brest to Ivano-Frankivsk constitutes 360 km.

Berestie is the obsolete for Brest. The city was first mentioned in the Primary Chronicle (1019). At that time, numerous contenders would ascend Kyiv thrown.

In the year of 1390, a remarkable and great event marked the life of Brest. In essence, the Magdeburg Rights were granted. Since then, it had been a true municipality. In 1566, Brest became the centre of Brest Voivodeship. The Union of Brest was signed in 1596. Germans were hosts here in 1915. reigned in the territory in 1919. The Treaty of Brest-Litovsk was signed in March 1918. The German troops occupied the municipal territory on September 17, 1939. Pursuant to Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, Brest became the integral part of the USSR. After the USSR had collapsed, the city was declared the centre of Brest District of the Republic of Belarus.

Brest is one of the historic and cultural cities of Belarus. The Berestie Museum, which reveals the truth about local history and uncovers archaeological facts, the Museum of Conserved Masterpieces, the Art Museum, and Brest Fortress make municipal stock. The Theatre of Drama and Music, and Puppet Theatre perform in Brest. The Festival of National Cinematography, and the International Festival of Dramatic Art, White Tower for short, are two famous events. The city is rich in cathedrals, temples, and churches.

Brest is a big industrial hub. Engineering, and food and light industries are of priority. Lumbering, wood-processing, and feed mill industry are well-developed; energy policy is implemented, while paper domain is accented.

Nyíregyháza

City: Nyíregyháza

Coat-of-Arms:

State: Hungary Address: Nyíregyháza Megyei Jogú Város Polgármesteri Hivatal Kossuth tér 1 Nyíregyháza, H-4400 HUNGARY T: Mayor’s Chamber – 00 364 252 4500

Fax: 00 364 252 4566 Webpage: www.nyirhalo.hu E-mail: [email protected] Mayor: Dr. Kovács Ferenc Document/Date of Signature: Partnership Agreement (11/09/2004)

Nyíregyháza is a city in northeastern Hungary and the county capital of Szabolcs- Szatmár-Bereg. With a population of 118,000, it is the seventh-largest city in Hungary and is one of the leading cities of Northern Hungary and of the northern part of the Great Hungarian Plain. Its development has been ongoing since the 18th century; it is the economic and cultural center of the region. Its zoo, exhibiting more than 300 species including real rarities, is recognized throughout Europe.

The first written mentions of Nyíregyháza date back to 1209, although it was then called simply Nyír (‘birch’), after the Nyírseg, the greater region in which the city lies; egyház means ‘church, cathedral’. In the middle of the 15th century the town had about 400 inhabitants. In the 16th century, during the Turkish occupation of Hungary, Nyíregyháza became deserted; it was resettled only in the 1630s – 1640s.

After the War for Independence led by Prince Francis II Rákóczi, the population of the town increased. Most of the new settlers were Slovaks from the area of Békéscsaba. In 1786 Nyíregyháza was granted the right to hold four market days a year; by this time the town was the biggest town of the county with 7,500 inhabitants. In the early 19th century Nyíregyháza was wealthy enough to become free from its feudal lords, the Dessewffy and Károlyi families. During these prosperous years the town got a new town hall, a hospital, a restaurant, and several schools by Lake Sóstó ("Salty Lake").

The inhabitants of the town took an active part in the revolution and war for independence in 1848-1849, and after the suppression of the revolution several citizens were imprisoned, among them Márton Hatzel, the mayor.

In the second half of the 19th century, Nyíregyháza became more and more urbanized and in 1876 the town became the county seat of Szabolcs county (which is now the part of the larger integrated county Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg). In 1858, the railroad line reached Nyíregyháza; several new buildings were built, including a telegraph office, the main post office and the theater. In 1911, the construction of tramways was finished.

After the many trials and tribulations of World War I, Nyíregyháza was under Romanian occupation for ten months. Between the two world wars the city celebrated the 100th anniversary of becoming free from its feudal landowners.

During World War II more than 6,000 Jews were deported, and another 2,000 citizens were sent to Russian labor camps. Several buildings were destroyed, including the Status Quo Synagogue.

From the 1960s the city was growing and developing quickly. Today, Nyíregyháza is one of the most prosperous cities of Hungary, being both an educational center and a popular tourist destination.

Nyíregyháza also has several museums and exhibitions, showing the city’s rich cultural heritage.

Opole

City:

Coat-of-Arms:

State: The Republic of Poland Address: Urząd Miasta Opola Rynek-Ratucz Opole, 45-015 POLSKA T: 0077 454 3845 0077 451 1810 Webpage: www.opole.pl E-mail: [email protected] [email protected] President: Ryszard Zembaczyński Document/Date of Signature: Partnership Agreement (18/04/2005)

Opole is a city in Southern Poland. It stands on the River Oder (Odra). 125,992 people live there. Opole is the capital of the Upper , ; it is the seat of Opole County. Today, many German Upper and Poles of German ancestry live in Opole region; in the city itself, Germans make up less than 3% of the population.

The name Opole must have originated from the medieval Slavic term for a group of settlements. Opole’s history begins in the 8th century. According to the archeological excavations, the first Slavic settlement was founded on Ostrówek, the northern part of Pasieka island in the middle of the River Odra. In the early 10th century, it developed into one of the main gróds of the Slavic Opolanie. Opole would become a duchy in 1172 and would share much in common with the Duchy of Racibórz, with which it was often combined. The Duchy of Opole was temporarily reestablished in 1290.

In 1254, Opole received German town law, which was expanded with Neumarkt law in 1327 and the Magdeburg rights in 1410. Along with most of Silesia, in 1327 the Duchy of Opole came under the sovereignty of the Kingdom of . In 1521, the Duchy of Racibórz was inherited by the Duchy of Opole, by then also known by its German equivalent – Oppeln.

Oppeln was the administrative seat of the Province of from 1919–1939. Soon, Polish Eastern Upper Silesia was re-added to the Province of Upper Silesia, and Oppeln lost its status as provincial capital to Katowice (renamed Kattowitz).

After the end of the Second World War in 1945, Oppeln was transferred from to Poland according to the , and given its original Slavic name of Opole. Opole became the part of the Katowice Voivodeship, later, of the Opole Voivodeship.

Opole hosts the annual National Festival of Polish Song. The city is also known for its 10th-century Church of St. Adalbert and the 14th-century Church of the Holy Cross.

Târgovişte

City: Târgovişte

Coat-of-Arms:

State: Romania Address: Primăria municipiului Târgoviste Str.Revolutiei nr. 1-3 Targoviste, 130011 ROMANIA T: 0040 245 611 222; 0040 245 613 928;

Fax: 0040 245 217 951 Webpage: http://www.pmtgv.ro/ E-mail: [email protected]

President: Gabriel Florin Boriga Document/Date of Signature: Memorandum of Understanding (07/05/2005)

Târgovişte is a city in Romania and the seat of the Dâmbovița County. It is situated on the right bank of the Ialomiţa River. As of 2011, Târgoviște has the population of 73,964; it is the 26th largest city in Romania. One of the most important cities in the history of Wallachia, it was its capital between early 15th century and 16th century.

The name Târgoviște is a name of Slavic origin which the city acquired in the Middle Ages. It has derived from the Slavic word for marketplace, referring to the place rather than the market itself.

The area of Târgoviște first inhabited is located where today stand Saint Nicholas- Geartoglu Church and Stelea Veche Church.

Another nucleus of the city was built by Saxon colonists from Transylvania, in the area where Catholic Saint Mary Church is located, a church that was built during the early years of the colony.

The colonists influenced the local administration, as Târgoviște was the only town in Wallachia that had Transylvanian organization features, having official titles such as birău and folnog, which are found in documents together with local officials, like vornic and pristav.

After 1400, the town began to grow and become denser.

In the 14th century, the capital of Wallachia was Curtea de Argeș, however, due to Târgoviște's economic growth, toward the end of the century, it became a secondary residence of the Wallachian hospodar. In 1396, Bavarese traveler Johann Schiltberger mentions both Curtea de Argeș and Târgoviște as capitals of Wallachia. While Mircea I lived in Curtea de Argeș, Michael I, Mircea's son and co-prince lived in Târgoviște, where he continued to live even as a single ruler.

Throughout the period it was the capital of Wallachia, the Royal Court had been constantly refurbished and extended. The compound was surrounded by stone walls and a moat and a new church and a tower had been built. Vlad III Dracula later added the Chindia Tower, now a symbol of the city.

In 1465 (for the next two centuries), the rulers alternated the capital between Târgoviște and Bucharest, often for political reasons, as the former was preferred by the rulers who were friendly toward Transylvania and the King of Hungary. Throughout the 15th and 16th centuries, Târgoviște was a major trade hub.

By the 16th century, the Romanians became majority in the city, as some Saxons left for Transylvania and others were assimilated.

As the capital of Wallachia, Târgoviște faced numerous sieges and invasions.

After the capital had been moved to Bucharest during the rule of Constantin Brâncoveanu (1688-1714), Târgoviște lost its importance, decaying economically.

Târgoviște was the site of the trial and execution of Nicolae Ceaușescu and his wife Elena in December 1989.

Dzielnica Ochota miasta stołecznego Warszawy

County: Dzielnica Ochota miasta stołecznego Warszawy Coat-of-Arms:

State: The Republic of Poland Address: Urząd Dzielnicy Ochota m. st. Warszawy ul. Grójecka 17a 02-021 Warszawa POLSKA T 022 822 0614, 578 3500, 822 2021 Fax: 659 8008 Website: www.urzadochota.waw.pl E-mail: [email protected] Burgomaster: Wojciech Maurycy Komorowski Document/Date of Signature: Partnership Agreement (14/09/2006)

The county is one of the many units of Warsaw. (In fact, there are eighteen counties overall.) Dzielnica is the Polish for county.

Reportedly, Ochota is the name of a pub, which was built in the year of 1835 and located in Krakivska Street. In the course of time, the whole of settlement was called Ochota. It was the part of Velyka Volia, a royal village. The county itself was first mentioned in old 1238.

Roads were built in the 18th century, while the railway station was introduced to the dwellers in the mid-19th epoch. The county was developing. Sewer system, plumbery, and the Child Jesus Hospital were the few cutting edges. The interwar 1920s were roaring and truly booming. New populated areas popped up; green spots were planned; parks were developed. In the year of 1939, Ochota residents defended Warsaw from the Nazis. (The time is a memorial.) Ochota was redeveloped. New high-rise buildings were erected; public institutions were set up. The old county was preserved.

Nowadays, Ochota is one of the counties of Warsaw. It covers the territory of 972 ha. Here, 340 ha would mean green space. 90,000 people live in the territory. There are two kindergardens, 21 primary schools, fourteen secondary establishments, five gymnasiums, nine lyceums, two vocational schools, five universities, and eight hostels in the county. In 2003, Ochota was ranked for ‘the Best County’. (In essence, it took the fourth place.)

The linear distance from Ivano-Frankivsk to Warsaw constitutes 456 km.

Trakai

City: Trakai

Coat-of-Arms:

State: The Republic of Lithuania Address: Trakų Rajono Savivaldybės Meras Vytauto g.33 Trakai, LT-21106 LITHUANIA Т: 00370 528 554 87 Fax: 00370 528 555 24 Website: www.trakai.lt Е-mail: [email protected] Mayor: Vincas Kapočius Document/Date of Signature: Partnership Agreement (09/11/2006)

Trakai is a historic city and lake resort in Lithuania. It is the administrative centre of Trakai District. The city covers the territory of 11.52 km2; 5,357 people live here. A notable feature of Trakai is as it follows: The town was built and preserved by different peoples. They were Karaims, Tatars, Lithuanians, Russians, Jews and Poles. Tracken is the first name of the city. (It was first recorded like that in 1337.) Tracken or Trakai means glade. Troki is the Polish for Trakai.

Trakai is a water city, surrounded by 200 lakes. The Galvė is the deepest.

Trakai Historical National Park was founded on April 23, 1991 to preserve Trakai as the centre of Lithuanian statehood as well as the park's untouched nature. It is the only like-park both in Lithuania and Europe.

There are a number of architectural, cultural and historical monuments in Trakai. The castle museum was established in 1962. Festivals and concerts take place in the island castle each summer.

Jelgava

City: Jelgava

Coat-of-Arms:

State: The Republic of Latvia Address: Lielā iela 11, Jelgava, LV-3001 LATVIJA Т: 00 371 630 055 22 00 371 630 055 67 Fax: 00 371 630 290 59 Website: www.jelgava.lv Е-mail: [email protected] Mayor: Andris Rāviņš Document/Date of Signature: Partnership Agreement (25/10/2007)

Jelgava is a city in central Latvia; 64,000 people live there. It is the largest populated area in the region of Zemgale (Semigalia). Many years ago, Jelgava was the capital of the united Duchy of Courland and Semigallia and the administrative center of the Courland Governorate, Russian Empire.

Jelgava is situated on a fertile plain, rising only 3.5 metres above sea level. So, the plain and city can be flooded sometimes. Jelgava is a railway hub. Jelgava has regular, broad streets lined with the mansions of the Baltic German nobility.

Jelgava or jālgab means a city on the river. Mitawa is the Polish for Jelgava. The first settlers came here in the 10th century. The municipal rights were granted in 1573. Jelgava was occupied and annexed with the rest of Latvia by the Soviet Union in 1940. Nowadays, Jelgava is a popular tourist site.

Świdnica

City: Świdnica

Coat-of-Arms:

State: The Republic of Poland Address: Urząd Miasta Świdnica ul. Armii Krajowej 49 58-100 Świdnica POLSKA T: 074 856 2800 Fax: 074 856 8721 Webpage: www.um.swidnica.pl E-mail: [email protected] President: Wojciech Murdzek Document/Date of Signature: Partnership Agreement (19/09/2008)

Świdnica is a city in South-Western Poland; Schweidnitz is the German for Świdnica. It lies in Lower , being the seventh largest town in the territory. (The city used to be the integral part of Wałbrzych Voivodeship.) It is the current seat of both Świdnica County and Świdnica. About 60,317 people live here.

Świdnica became a town in 1250; however, there are no records on the fact. At the dawn of the history, the city belonged to the Duchy of Wrocław and experienced two important privileges. Just then, Świdnica had city walls and six gates; crafts and trade were blossoming; the city was declared the capital of the Duchy of Świdnica.

The 14th century was a truly prime time for the area. Prosperity was said to be the key attribute.

In 1471, there were 47 trade guilds in operation, nearly 300 homes had the rights to brew beer, and various fairs were organized. The beer was distributed in many European cities, including , Prague, Heidelberg, Kraków, and Pisa. The beer was offered in pubs.

In 1526, all of Silesia, including Schweidnitz, came under the rule of the Habsburg Monarchy. The town was placed under Polish administration according to the post- war Potsdam Conference in 1945 and renamed Świdnica.

Nowadays, Świdnica is a very picturesque place, with a bunch of benefits for each tourist. Lublin

City: Lublin

Coat-of-Arms:

State: The Republic of Poland Address: Urząd Miasta Lublin Plac Wladislawa Lokietka 1 Lublin, 20-950 POLSKA T: 081 466 2000, 081 466 2002 Website: www.um.lublin.eu E-mail: [email protected] President: Krzysztof Żuk Document/Date of Signature: Partnership Agreement (07/05/2009)

Lublin is the ninth largest city in Poland, and the second largest city of Lesser Poland. It is the capital of with 349,103 residents registered. Cracow Gate in the Old Town is a most recognizable landmark of the city.

The first settlers came here in the early Middle Ages. The oldest historical records mentioning Lublin take root in 1198. The city was a target for Tatars, Ruthenes, Yotvingians and Lithuanians and was destroyed a number of times. It received a city charter in 1317. Casimir the Great, appreciating the strategic importance of the site, built a castle in 1341 and encircled the city with walls.

In 1392, the city received an important trade privilege from King Władysław Jagiełło. On June 26, 1569, the Union of Lublin was proclaimed here; thus, Poland and Lithuania got united. Liublinas is the Lithuanian for Lublin. At the beginning of the 19th century, a number of modern urban developments took place, with new squares, streets, and public buildings coming into existence. In the year of 1915, the municipality was occupied by German and Austro-Hungarian armies.

Lublin had the lowest per capita GDP in the European Union until Bulgaria and Romania got the membership in 2007.

Nowadays, Lublin is a regional center of IT companies. The local economy is being reoriented toward the service industries. Lublin is a cultural hub. The Lublin Museum is a top-notch establishment; it is one of the oldest and largest museums of Eastern Poland. Lublin is a city with filmmaking past. A number of moving pictures were shot here. The populated area is rich in NGOs, galleries, and art halls.

Lublin is the city that symbolizes European idea of integration, universal heritage of democracy and tolerance and the idea of dialogue between the cultures of the West and East. Lublin is a unique place where the cultures and religions meet. Here, the East meets the West, and the European Union meets Belarus and Ukraine. It is the perfect place of cooperation for European artists living within and outside the European Union. Lublin is a city open to artists, a place where unique initiatives and activities take place.

Koszalin

City:

Coat-of-Arms:

State: The Republic of Poland Address: Urząd Miejski ul. Rynek Staromiejski 6-7 75-007 Koszalin POLSKA T: 094 348 8600 Fax: 094 342 2478, 094 348 8625 Webpage: http://www.koszalin.pl/ E-mail: [email protected] President: Piotr Jedliński Document/ Date of Signature: Partnership Agreement (07/05/2010)

Koszalin is the largest city of Middle . Köslin is the German for Koszalin. It is first mentioned in 1108 in the Chronicle of . In the year of 1331, the city got the direct access to the Baltic Sea.

On the fourth of March 1945, Koszalin was occupied by the Soviet Union. According to the post-war Potsdam Agreement, the city was placed under Polish administration.

Initially, the city was considered to become the capital of the voivodeship. However, it wasn’t to be so.

In the 1950s, Koszalin was the capital of Koszalin Voivodeship, sometimes called Middle Pomerania. In 1998, the city was assigned to become the part of the West .

The city borders on Chełmska hill, a site of pagan worship in prehistory, and upon which is now built the tower ‘sanctuary of the covenant’, which was consecrated by Pope John Paul II in 1991, and is currently a pilgrimage site.

Koszalin’s most distinctive landmark is St. Mary's Cathedral, dating from the early 14th century. Nowosolski

District: Powiat Nowosolski

State: The Republic of Poland Address: Starostwo Powiatowe w Nowej Soli ul. Moniuszki 3b 67-100 Nowa Sól POLSKA T: 0048 684 586 800 Fax: 0048 684 586 831 Webpage: http://www.powiat-nowosolski.pl E-mail: [email protected] Chairman: Józef Suszyński

Document/Date of Signature: Partnership Agreement (07/05/2010) Powiat Nowosolski is a Polish district, subjected to . The very area was declared to be as soon as new administrative and territorial structure had been introduced. It happened in 1999.

The district covers the area of 770,58 sq. km. 86,794 people reside here. Nowa Sól is the heart of the district. The city stands on the River Odra and is located in the Western part of Poland. Cities, towns and counties make the district.

Ivano-Frankivsk has been twinned with Powiat Nowosolski for too long a time. Education is a most fruitful domain: Several agreements have been concluded. Exchanges are held annually.

Přerov

City: Přerov

Coat-of-Arms:

State: The Czech Republic Address: Městský úřad Přerov Bratrská 34 Přerov 2, 750-11 ČESKÁ REPUBLIKA T: 00420 581 268 111 Fax: 00420 581 738 613

Webpage: www.mu-prerov.cz Mayor: Ing. Jiří Lajtoch Document/Date of Signature: Partnership Agreement (07/08/2010)

Přerov is a town in the , where the River Bečva flows through. Přerov is a statute town (2006). 47,373 people reside here. Přerov is about 22 km to the South-West of Olomouc. In the past it was a major crossroads in the heart of Moravia.

The first settlement dates back to primeval times. There is a prehistoric site from the Stone Age on the mound called Hradisko. The oldest written records of Přerov take root in 1133 when King Přemysl Otakar gave Přerov the privilege of being a royal town. The mansion of Přerov was the residence of an influential house. (Přerov is called the city of Comenius and Blahoslav, the most significant personalities of the Unity of Brethren as well as of Bohemian culture in the 16th and 17th centuries.) The cultural and social life of the city in the 19th century took up traditions of the past, above all, those of the Brethren time. Přerov ranked among the most advanced cities in Moravia and contributed to Czech national development. The railroad, introduced in 1841, made Přerov a developing city. In June 1945, during the expulsion of Germans from Czechoslovakia, 71 men, 120 women and 74 children were killed in German massacre.

Nowadays, Přerov is the social, administrative and cultural centre of the district with developing economics.

Arlington

County: Arlington, Virginia

Coat-of-Arms:

State: The United States of America Address: Arlington County Board 2100 Clarendon Blvd. Suite 300 Arlington, VA 22201-5406 the USA Т: 703 228 3130 Fax: 703 228 7430 Webpage: www.arlingtonva.us Е-mail: [email protected] Chair: J. Walter Tejada Document/Date of Signature: Partnership Agreement (04/03/2011)

Established March 13, 1847 as Alexandria County, the name was changed to Arlington on March 16, 1920. The county is named for the estate where George Washington Parke Custis lived before he built the house currently known as Arlington House in Arlington National Cemetery. The estate had been named to honor the Earl of Arlington.

The Arlington County Planning Division estimates that Arlington's population as of July 1, 2012 was 212,800.

In 2000, Arlington was the 13th most densely-population jurisdiction in the U.S. (7,287 persons per square mile.) As of July 1, 2012, the population density was 8,248 per square mile.

Arlington County has the highest percentage of people with bachelor's or graduate/professional degrees in the Washington DC area.

About 90% of all graduating high school seniors in Arlington County go on to attend college.

About 15% of Arlington County's population is Hispanic or Latino - the third highest percentage (after Prince William County and Loudoun County) in the Washington metropolitan area.

About 27% of Arlington County residents speak a language other than English at home.

The land area of Arlington County is 25.8 square miles and the highest point in the County is 461 feet above sea level.

Eleven of the eighty-six stations of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority's (WMATA) Metrorail system are located in Arlington. The Rosslyn Metro Station features one of the longest continuous escalators in the world (194 feet, 8 inches). It takes 140 seconds to ride from top to bottom.