PSZCZYNA

town, Katowice wojewdztwo (province), southern Poland, situated on the Pszczynka River, a tributary of the Vistula. A cultural and historical site, the town is known for its fine lace and collection of Silesian folk costumes. Nearby, an important dam across the Vistula creates an artificial lake to supply water to the Upper Silesia industrial district. One of Poland's two bison reserves is located in the Pszczynskie forests. Pszczyna, home of the Piast dynasty of Polish princes and kings, developed around their 12th-century castle. It received town rights in the 15th century, passed to Prussia (1742) with the rest of Silesia, and was returned to Poland in 1921. Pop. (1991 est.) 39,800.