Szczecin, << SHCHEH cheen, >> or in German, Stettin (pop. 396,168), is the leading port of Poland and capital of Zachodniopomorskie Province. The city lies at the mouth of the Oder River in northwestern Poland, 40 miles (65 kilometers) from the Baltic Sea. Szczecin serves as a port for the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Slovakia, as well as for Poland. The city’s main industries involve shipping and shipbuilding.
Over Szczecin’s long history, Poland, Prussia, France, Denmark, Sweden, and Germany have all ruled the city. During World War II (1939-1945), while Szczecin was part of Germany, the port and much of the city was destroyed. After the war, the city became part of Poland and most of its large German population was expelled.
Szczecin is a Polish cultural center with several museums, theaters, and universities. The castle of the Dukes of Pomerania was built in the 1300’s, and St. Jacob’s Cathedral dates from the 1100’s. The city has many bridges, canals, lakes, and parks.
