Bielsko-BiaĆa
Bielsko-BiaĆa, city, ĆlÄ skie wojewĂłdztwo (province), southern Poland. It lies in the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains.
Incorporated in 1951, the city existed previously as two separate towns on either side of the BiaĆa River. Bielsko originated as a 13th-century settlement around a stronghold and developed during the 16th century through its textile industry. It received town rights in the 18th century, as did BiaĆa. The city is now a major industrial centre and tourist resort amid picturesque surroundings. It has a rail line and road connections to KrakĂłw and the Czech Republic. Pop. (2011) 174,534.
This article was most recently revised and updated by Amy Tikkanen.
Citation Information
Article Title:
Bielsko-BiaĆa
Website Name:
Encyclopaedia Britannica
Publisher:
Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc.
Date Published:
19 May 2017
Access Date:
November 14, 2026