Busko-Zdrój

Busko-Zdrój [ˈbuskɔ ˈzdrui̯] ( listen) is a spa town in Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship, Poland. It is the capital of Busko County. In 2010, its population was 32,274.

History

The origin of Busko goes back to the 12th century, when a group of shepherds settled around St. Leonard's church. In 1185, Knight Dersław, the owner of Busko and its surroundings, brought Norbertine nuns to the land.

Knight Dersław left his property to the nuns in 1241. In 1251, it received a revenue privilege from King Bolesław V the Chaste (Bolesław Wstydliwy) allowing the convent to use the salt water. This is the first record of the use of Busko's mineral waters.

In 1287, Busko was granted civic rights by King Leszek II the Black. The advantageous location of the town on trade routes led King Władysław Jagiełło to grant local burghers the right to have a weekly market and two fairs a year beginning in 1412. The 15th and 16th centuries were considered the "heyday" of the town. It was famous for its trade and cloth production.