The town of Szczecin

Szczecin located about 65 km from the Baltic Sea coast, with a large port and industrial centre. The city has more than a thousand years of history. It was developed from a Slavonic settlement that had existing since the 8^th century. For hundreds of years Szczecin was the capital of the Pomeranian Princes, being under the rule of the Slavonic Griffit dynasty. The historical background of Szczecin was always of an international character. At the turn of 12^th century the town later found itself under Danish rule and municipal rights were given to the city in 13^th century. In mediaeval times the town developed it connections as a membership of the Hanseatic League. After the death of the last prince of Griffit's dynasty in the 17^th century, Szczecin was ruled by the Swedish and from 1720 belonged to Prussia. At the turn of the 19^th century (1806-1813) the town found itself occupied by Napoleonic forces, and by the turn of the same century Szczecin became well known especially for shipbuilding, and the yards ("Vulkan" and "Oderwerke"), as well as the metal plants, cement factories, and much more. During the Second World War the town and its industry were heavily bombed by allied forces.

Szczecin was reconstructed after the huge damage inflicted by the war, and became a provincial capital, occupying 300 sq. km with a population of over 400,000.

The economy of the town is based heavily on the port, with one of the biggest port complexes (together with the port of Świnoujście) in the Baltic Sea region. This complex holds a key function, with its position and capabilities, has enabled favourable conditions for the operation of various maritime-based industries and services. The port area is the base for many of these companies.

The history of the local shipbuilding industry is almost as long as that of the city and the port. This is especially true of the modern container vessels and some of the biggest tankers in the world dedicated to carriage of liquid chemical products, that have been launched here. Many of them have been highly noted for innovate design and high quality. The ship repair yards also play an essential role in Szczecin's maritime economy.

Shipowners based in Szczecin currently operate many seagoing vessels. One prominent corporation operates a large bulk carrier fleet trading worldwide while another specializes in liner and ferry services connecting Szczecin with the ports of Scandinavia, Western Europe and Western Africa.

Inland shipping is growing through the waterways linking Szczecin with Berlin and through a network of rivers and canals, is able to reach Western Europe.

Szczecin is an important education centre with many institutions offering courses based around maritime economy. Undoubtedly, the Maritime University offers the most by training world renowned, high ranking specialists in sea transport, port, merchant fleet operations, and marine power plant engineering. Other highly reputed establishments are: Szczecin Technical University and Szczecin University.

Szczecin is an administration centre as well as the seat of the Province Authorities and many cultural institutions. The city is also home to: theatres, an opera, philharmonic hall, the National Museum and also several art galleries. The wide avenues and starshaped street layout of squares has its roots in designs from the 19^th century are compared favourably with some quarters of Paris.

Every June or at the beginning of July, the "Sea Days" are celebrated. Traditionally, sailing vessels and yachts moor on the river at the quays in Szczecin. Performances, a parade of the ships and firework display are sites not to be missed and are closely connected with the traditions of Szczecin

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