Łomża

Poland

Written and fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Article History

Łomża, city, Podlaskie województwo (province), northeastern Poland. Located on the Narew and Komżyczka rivers in the west-central plains of Podlaskie, it lies midway between the cities of Ostrołęka and Białystok.

Łomża was first chronicled in the 14th century and received its city rights in 1428. During World War II Łomża was almost totally destroyed. An extensive postwar building and restoration program produced a cultural centre and the Kurpie Museum. The 16th-century Gothic cathedral was also restored. It is noted for the star vaulting over the nave and the silver reliefs over the altar. The local economy is dependent upon food processing and textile manufacturing. Pop. (2011) 63,203.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Amy Tikkanen.